Grease fires can be dangerous and expensive if they are not handled in the right way. They cannot be extinguished in the same way that a regular fire is, so restaurant staff should be trained and informed about fire safety. A grease fire occurs when oil used in a cooking environment becomes too hot. Below is a guide on planning and handling one in your restaurant kitchen. 

Do:

Manage the fire.  

The first action to take is turning off the source of the heat. If the fire is small enough, pour baking soda to smother it. You should never try to move the pot or pan outside or pour water on it. Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet and wait for the items to cool before touching them again. 

Keep an extinguisher in the kitchen. 

A fire safety plan for your restaurant should include placing multiple fire extinguishers around the kitchen, depending on the size of it. To put out a grease fire, you’ll need the right extinguisher. A Class B fire extinguisher is used for fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, or gasoline.

You should also have a Class A fire extinguisher on hand, which is used for fires involving ordinary combustibles, like wood, paper, trash, cloth, or plastics. A disaster preparation company can help your staff train in how to use these extinguishers in the event of a fire emergency. 

Don't:

Use water on the flames.

Oil and water do not mix, so the water will instantly evaporate when it hits the pan. Pouring water can also cause the oil to splash, which could severely injure kitchen staff while spreading the fire across the kitchen. 

Forget the restaurant’s fire safety plan. 

Grease fires happen in busy kitchens, so the best action you can take is to adequately prepare your staff. A disaster preparation company can help you come up with a cohesive fire safety plan that puts staffers at ease during a stressful moment.

A good fire safety plan will give staff member’s a clear indication of their role during an emergency –designating who puts out the fire, who calls for help, where staff members go during an emergency, and where the fire extinguishers and exits are located. Staff members should run through a drill preparing for a fire so that they know what success looks like in a time of emergency. 

If your restaurant needs help with their fire safety plan, call the experts at Command Solutions in Missouri’s St. Charles County. Founded by two retired Battalion Chief firefighters, the business has the expertise to help any company with their comprehensive disaster preparation strategies. Call (314) 803-7418 or visit them online for more information.