Safety in Commercial Kitchen

Blades, fire, oil and water spills and plenty of other things that we deem dangerous are present in kitchens. When it comes to commercial kitchens, the risk is even bigger as more heavy duty and professional equipment and tools are used. By professional, we mean sharper blades and high power electronics and numerous stoves operating at extremely high temperatures.
Due to all these factors, commercial kitchen safety has become extremely crucial. If proper safety standards are not followed, it can lead to disastrous accidents that can ultimately cost lives as well. Commercial kitchen safety is not just limited to installment of fire alarms and extinguishers everywhere. There may be plenty of other things that can cause damage under inappropriate circumstances.
To give you a basic idea of a safe and secure commercial kitchen, here are five easy tips to help you get started.

• Plan Your Kitchen Space Properly – A congested commercial kitchen has more space for accidents. Make sure each of the stations has enough to facilitate effective and efficient movement of the staff. Lack of space increases the chances of accidental spills, cuts and burns caused by disturbance created by traffic in the area.
• Store Your Utensils and Blades Properly – Commercial kitchen chefs are well trained in the usage of sharp blades and knives. Still, blades are often the main culprit behind commercial kitchen accidents. This is largely due to improper storage methods. It is best to store knives in wooden blocks made for the purpose. Using drawers for knife storage is equally dangerous.
• Ensure Natural Ventilation and Proper Exhaust – Exhaust system is necessary to ensure a fire safe commercial kitchen. However, natural ventilation is also equally important. You can use windows, vents and skylights for this purpose. While it maintains proper airflow and keeps the kitchen air fresher, natural ventilation also increases the efficiency of fire suppression system during emergencies.
• Use Proper Signage Wherever Required – Your staff must be aware of all the emergency exits, stairs and hallways in the kitchen and building. Yet, even if they know all the emergency exits by heart, it is important to place emergency signage wherever necessary. This will help them find their way even in extreme state of panic and confusion.
• Impose Safer Uniform and Apparel – Always ensure the safety of your commercial kitchen staff by making uniforms mandatory. The uniform must be made of the standard fire retardant cotton fabric. Also, ensure the use of proper apparel including an apron, hat and mitts during handling of hot utensils and heating equipment.