It is the job and responsibility of all employers to train their staff for any emergency. One of those emergencies is a gas leak inside a commercial kitchen. Although detecting the gas leak may not be as easy as seeing a fire get out of control, all kitchen staff must be aware of the signs and how to respond to the situation.
Simply relying on the kitchen fire suppression system is not enough. Everyone working in and outside of the kitchen must know what to do in the event of a gas leak. These are some important safety tips to pass on to your commercial kitchen staff and crew:
#1: Know The Signs
First and foremost, everyone should be trained to identify the signs of a gas leak. The sooner the leak is found and fixed, the less danger everyone is in. Here are some of the most common signs of a gas leak:
Foul Smell – A gas leak can be identified by the presence of a strong and unnatural smell. Gas companies typically mix odors such as sulfur or rotten eggs smell to make it more identifiable.
Yellow Fire – Strong flames are usually crisp blue in color, but a leak will result in a weak and yellow flame.
Increased Utility Bills – When there has been no significant change in the kitchen’s activity but the utility bills have spiked, a gas leak might be the culprit.
These are just some of the signs to watch out for when you suspect a gas leak. The instance these signs are seen inside the commercial kitchen, responding to the emergency is a must.
#2: Shut Of The Gas Supply
As soon as the signs of a leak becomes apparent, shutting off the supply should be the first response. Cutting the supply from the root will ensure that no more gas enters the kitchen. Make sure the staff and crew know where the main gas supply tank is located so that it can be turned off right away.
#3: Increase Room Ventilation
In cases where the gas leak is very strong, opening all the doors and windows is the next best step. Allowing fresh air to enter and giving the gas an exit will prevent it from combusting, especially if the kitchen is very small and hot.
#4: Evacuate Everyone
During very extreme gas leaks, advise everyone to evacuate from the building calmly. Everyone from the kitchen crew to the dining staff and the customers must be evacuated as soon as possible to prevent them from inhaling too much of the gas.
#5: Call The Local Gas Company
Once everyone is outside and safe, call the gas company right away. Alert them to the gas leak and request for an emergency inspection. The gas company will survey the area, check for the possible source of the leak before allowing anyone to enter the building.
Investing in a kitchen fire suppression system is still a must for all commercial kitchens, but also knowing how to correctly respond to a gas leak will also save lives.
For top-quality but budget-friendly kitchen fire suppression system, contact us today at Westminster Fire. Our team can help you choose, install and maintain the property and life-saving equipment for you.
