Introduction
Entering the winter months means more than switching your attire. It also means prepping for the unique challenges that the season presents. Failing to take proper precautions can pose significant safety concerns for both life and property. By reading the article below, you can feel confident in your restaurant’s safety practices.
Seasonal Hazards in Restaurants
The seasonal hazards brought on in the later months aren’t typically at the front of anyone’s mind until something happens. That’s why it’s essential to stay vigilant against such risks that can compromise both safety and operations.
The combination of increased reliance on heating equipment, elevated risks of electrical overloads, and a higher likelihood of kitchen fires due to holiday rushes and menu modifications is a recipe for disaster. Adding in the unpredictability of the season, snow and ice may block emergency exits or make them slippery, causing additional issues. Recognizing these hazards is a great first step. However, taking action on them is what truly matters in the long run.
Fire Safety Best Practices
With winter just around the corner, there’s no better time to catch up on your inspection and maintenance needs. According to McGowan Program Administrators, this includes:
- Emergency exits: Keep all exits, signs, and pathways clear and illuminated.
- Exhaust hoods and systems: Remove hood and duct buildup every six months.
- Portable fire extinguishers: Schedule professional service at least once per year.
- Fire suppression and sprinkler systems: Maintain these systems every six months.
- Fire alarm systems: Check smoke detectors and other devices on a quarterly basis.
Keeping these measures in check helps safeguard both your staff and property from seasonal hazards. Fire and electrical safety often go hand in hand, so it goes without saying that taking proper electrical safety precautions reduces risks and keeps your restaurant running smoothly during the colder months.
Electrical Safety Precautions
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that U.S. fire departments respond to a total of 835 structure fires annually involving holiday decorations. Considering that this number only includes residential fires, it’s clear how important fire safety is during the holiday season. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid decorating altogether. It just means you must be aware of the decorations you’re purchasing and where you place them.
Fortunately, the NFPA offers tips to protect your restaurant while also being part of the holiday spirit. The first step is to ensure that all decorations are flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When purchasing holiday lights, it’s essential to consider whether they’re intended for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. If you’re reusing lights from previous years, be sure to take the time to replace any string of lights with worn cords or loose bulb connections and read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you don't connect too many strands. When hanging, use clips instead of nails to prevent damaging any cords. Lastly, be sure to turn off all the lights, so nothing is left unattended.
Lights aren’t the only electrical thing that needs to be taken into account when it comes to fire safety. That said, it’s essential to inspect space heaters and other heating equipment regularly for any malfunctioning parts that could lead to more significant problems in the future. These assessments are also critical due to the increased electrical loads that occur over the colder months. SaveOnEnergy advises against the temptation of overloading outlets and instead recommends using a surge protector to monitor the capacity of the outlets and prevent electrical damage. They also recommend cleaning the electrical sockets by cutting off the breaker and using a vacuum or a damp rag to remove dust or debris.
While you’re at your electrical panel, take note of anything suspicious and call an electrician for an official inspection. According to ServiceChannel, they’ll:
- Ensure accessibility and clearance.
- Look for physical damage and overloading.
- Verify proper labeling and the tightness of connections.
- Conduct voltage, breaker, and insulation resistance tests.
- Check the circuit breaker capacity and grounding system.
- Inspect busbars, indication lamps, and the electrical meter.
Although no one wants to pay the cost of an electrical panel inspection, the benefits extend far beyond the realm of Fire and Life Safety. Paying for one can help minimize breakdowns, lower utility costs, and extend the panel’s lifespan. Thus, keeping restaurant operations running smoothly with little interruption.
Conclusion
Maintaining safety during the winter months requires not only your work, as the restaurant owner, but also that of your entire staff. So be sure to schedule regular staff meetings to review winter protocols, inspection routines, and maintenance schedules. Fire hazards aren’t only present in the later months, so update emergency response plans and conduct drills specific to that season. Pairing these efforts with proper equipment care and awareness of heightened risks helps ensure a safe and prepared environment for both staff and guests throughout the season.
