Cafés are everywhere in our towns and cities, where these cosy venues are the perfect space for a catch-up between friends or a dose of caffeine. But for smaller facilities in particular, fire can be a major hazard, particularly if lots of appliances and electricals are fitted into a compact space.
Fire hazards can arise in a number of different ways, and can be caused by unexpected technical faults or individual oversights. It is vital that café staff are aware of the potential risks involved, so that the chance of a serious fire breaking out can be minimised on a daily basis.
Read on to find out more about some of the most common fire hazards found in small cafés.
Most cafés will be full of appliances that are used on a daily basis to prepare food and drinks. This may include coffee machines, toasters and stove tops, all of which should be cleaned regularly to prevent malfunctions. Potential risk factors could include overheated cooking appliances, grease fires or electrical faults, all of which can be extremely hazardous.
Cafés also rely on flammable materials, including napkins, till receipts and wooden utensils. All of these items can catch fire if an appliance is sparking, so it is important to keep clutter to a minimum in order to mitigate this hazard. Packaging paper materials properly and storing them away from hot appliances can also help to ensure café safety.
Small cafés must be ventilated properly to prevent the risk of fire, where good ventilation should reduce accumulations of smoke, heat and grease in the kitchen. Exhaust hoods should be cleaned regularly and windows should be opened to allow for ventilation to take place.
We supply everything you need to reduce the risk of fire in your small café. This includes fire alarms and fire extinguishers, where we can also offer fire safety training courses to your whole team.
Get in touch with us today to find out more.