Fire-suppressant systems are a smart, cost-effective means of safeguarding commercial kitchens from blazes that can endanger the lives of staff and cause debilitating business disruption.
Commercial kitchens are a recipe for fire disasters and business disruption unless sensible strategies are put in place to minimise risks.
Deep-fat fryers, cooking ranges and cooking grills are the types of equipment that are most likely to cause restaurant blazes. Grease build-up in hoods and ducts of fryers are a particular cause of concern and can quickly spark fires that spread through the kitchen and nearby facilities such as restaurants and events rooms.
Fortunately, there are sophisticated systems available to commercial kitchen operators which can protect people and property.
Automatic response
The Amerex KP-PRM restaurant fire-suppression system is renowned world-wide as a single package that can both detect and suppress fires. Using an advanced suppression agent, it has the ability to control a fire before the blaze takes hold and encroaches on other areas of a restaurant.
This system uses linear pneumatic detection technology and a fast-reaction, low-pH, wet chemical suppression agent that targets cooking fat and grease fires. Tubing is routed through the hood, above the cooking equipment, and is designed to rupture when exposed to a fire at a temperature of 224 degrees Celsius or above. This heat discharges the suppressant automatically.
Manual pull stations can also be used to activate any of the systems, which instantly interrupt the gas or electrical power to the cooking appliances.
Fast and effective
Another pre-engineered system that is probably installed in more commercial kitchens around the world than any other solution is the Ansul R-102. It can also automatically detect and suppress a kitchen fire quickly using a sophisticated suppression agent that has three vital characteristics: fast flame knockdown; vapour securement; and the ability to cool hot surfaces and cooking oils. Any post-fire clean-up typically requires no more than flushing the affected area with water or steam.
Like the Amerex KP-PRM, this system automatically cuts gas and electricity supplies when a fire is detected and meets all the relevant Australian and international standards. It can be retrofitted to existing kitchens.
Complex environment
Modern commercial kitchens rely on intelligent fire-suppression systems that incorporate the latest foam concentrates, gaseous suppression technology that literally starves a fire of air, and strategically positioned discharge nozzles and heat detectors. Even the seemingly simple choice of a wet chemical agent with a low pH that is not corrosive for stainless steel can make a big difference to a kitchen in the event of a fire.
Given the dire consequences a blaze can have for staff, customers and the operation of a restaurant, canteen or entertainment venue, there is no room for incorrect choices or poor installation of suppression systems. Using experienced fire-suppression specialists with a proven track record in major commercial kitchens can save lives and money.
Delta Fire Australasia specialises in the design, installation and servicing of commercial kitchen fire-suppression systems that safeguard many of the country’s premier restaurant kitchens. Visit www.deltafire.com.au for more details.