Fire hazards are prevalent in restaurants and kitchens, making it essential to have an effective fire safety plan in place. Every kitchen should be equipped with fire extinguishers to help suppress a fire before it gets out of hand. However, with so many fire extinguisher options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for your restaurant or kitchen. Here are some of the different types of fire extinguishers that are suitable for restaurants and kitchens.
Class A Fire Extinguishers - Ordinary Combustibles:
Every kitchen needs a Class A fire extinguisher, which is suitable for extinguishing ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, and plastic. This type of fire extinguisher uses water or water-based solutions as the extinguishing agent. When selecting a Class A fire extinguisher, make sure that it is at least 2A-rated, indicating that it can put out a fire that is two times the size of a standard wood fire test.
Class B Fire Extinguishers - Flammable Liquids:
The risk of fires in kitchens and restaurants is heightened when flammable liquids, such as cooking oils, grease, and cleaning chemicals, are present. Therefore, it is crucial to have a Class B fire extinguisher on hand. This type of fire extinguisher is suitable for extinguishing flammable liquids, gases, and greases. Class B fire extinguishers containing carbon dioxide (CO2) are ideal for kitchen fires since they leave behind no residue and do not contaminate food.
Class K Fire Extinguishers - Cooking Oil and Grease:
Class K fire extinguishers are designed explicitly for putting out fires that result from cooking oils and greases. These extinguishers use a special wet chemical agent that creates a chemical barrier to prevent fire from reigniting. The wet chemical agent reacts with the cooking oil or grease and creates a soapy-like foam that smothers the fire. Class K fire extinguishers should be used in conjunction with Class A and Class B extinguishers.
Water Mist Fire Extinguishers:
Water mist fire extinguishers use microscopic droplets of water that help smother the fire and reduce heat. Restaurants and kitchens find them highly suitable as they can safely extinguish Class A, B, and C fires. However, they are less effective on Class K fires since they do not have the chemical barrier that wet chemical agents have.
Having an effective fire safety plan in your kitchen or restaurant is crucial to safeguard your staff and customers from potential fire hazards. Choosing the right type of fire extinguisher for your establishment is a crucial element of this plan. Class A, B, and K fire extinguishers are essential for every kitchen. Additionally, water mist fire extinguishers provide versatility for nearly every kind of fire hazard. Making the right decisions in regard to fire safety can prevent catastrophic losses and put your staff and customers in a safer environment.
Reach out to a retailer to learn more about fire extinguishers.
Share11 September 2023
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