Unfortunately, establishments with indoor kitchens experience fire accidents all the time. According to data supplied by West Bend insurance, approximately 8,160 fire accidents hit restaurants each year—with more than 50% of them caused by cooking equipment!

Investing in fire suppression installations and regular fire extinguisher refills do a great deal when it comes to ensuring that your restaurant is safe from accidents. Despite these fail-safes, you will still need to have staff trained to handle the fire suppression equipment you have installed on your premises.

Every member of your staff needs to be prepared for the worst, but they should also adopt certain safety practices in their everyday duties. With employees actively avoiding actions that can potentially lead to a kitchen fire, your restaurant business will be in far less danger than before. 

1. Assign emergency roles

The first thing to do is to assign roles to your staff in case of an emergency. If each member of your team is given a role and is made aware of their responsibilities, your employees are less likely to panic in the event of an actual fire. In such an instance, they will know to take definite actions to suppress or mitigate the damages.

For example, your wait-staff could be assigned to crowd control and would be responsible for getting your patrons to safety. Meanwhile, your kitchen staff could be responsible for maintaining your fire suppression systems and using the fire extinguishers in a fire emergency. If the fire is too big for your team, someone should also be assigned to alert the local fire department too.

2. Conduct regular fire safety drills 

Once the roles have been assigned, it’s essential to practice them regularly through fire safety drills. The said drills should take place a few times each month to keep them fresh in their minds. In doing so, your business’ fire safety practices can be ingrained on your employee’s minds, allowing them to perform their roles on autopilot when the real emergencies hit your premises.

3. Incentivize safety practices 

As in all things in life, prevention is always better than cure. To prevent a fire emergency from occurring in the first place, you can incentivize specific fire precautionary measures to have them adopted in an everyday work setting. 

Some fire safety practices that you can adopt and incentivize through a small price or reward include the following: 

4. Get rid of grease 

According to the US Fire Administration, fire departments in the US responded to an average of 188,800 cooking fires from 2014 to 2016, 47% of which were caused by ignited oils, fat, and grease. This means that getting rid of grease accumulation in your kitchen could lower your fire hazard risks by a tremendous amount!

As such, to prevent a fire accident, regularly clean your broilers, convection ovens, grills, fryers, and range hoods. 

Designate a smoking area

It’s a good idea to designate a dedicated smoking area and ensure strict implementation. Ensure that nobody, not even your kitchen staff, is smoking near your kitchen to avoid combustible materials’ accidental ignition. 

Dispose of garbage properly and regularly 

Trash can accumulate quickly in restaurants, which require proper cleaning and disposal protocols to be followed. To avoid a fire, store easily combustible materials, like linens and paper boxes, away from heat and cooking sources. 

Conclusion 

Combining fire safety practices and emergency preparedness is the best way to go when it comes to avoiding or mitigating the risks of a fire accident. While it can take a significant amount of time and financing, the cost and effort are worth the trouble, especially when you factor in the potential losses you can incur from not doing so!

Atlantic Fire Protection is your best bet for all your fire suppression installation needs. We provide the highest quality service for the most affordable of prices in New Jersey & Pennsylvania; just send us your current invoice, and we’ll beat the price—guaranteed! Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Many people don’t think about fires when going to work, but no matter how small or big the business is, fire safety should never be placed at the backseat of your long-list of priorities. It’s an easy feature to overlook, but establishing a reliable fire protection system in the office should never be underestimated. 

This is especially important if you consider how fire emergencies are a lot more common in workplaces than you think. A spark of flame can engulf the whole building without the property strategy and fire equipment in place, so don’t skimp out on equipping yourself with knowledge involving fire emergency plans.

With that in mind, the list below explores some of the common places and situations that start fires in offices: 

1. Faulty Electrical Equipment 

Seeing as offices manage plenty of electrical equipment on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the biggest culprits behind workplace fires. The root of the problem can vary between loose wires, overloading an outlet, faulty plugs, and wrong connections that can potentially ignite issues. 

Offices that are maximizing worn-out equipment and failing to fix minor electrical problems for money-saving reasons will only backfire, so it’s best to upgrade your equipment and ensure everything is in good, working condition. 

2. Faulty Cooking Appliances Or Negligent Practices In The Kitchen 

Offices pay attention to providing a kitchen as it offers a space where employees can take a break, but that doesn’t mean you can be too lax. Handling cooking appliances seem like a no-brainer, but mishandling items like microwaves, kettles, toasters, and stoves are all it takes to create a hazardous environment. 

You can minimize the risk by ensuring all staff members are aware that food must not be left unattended when it is heating. Setting rules that plug and switches should be turned off when not in use can do wonders in preventing a catastrophe from taking place. 

3. Clutter And Combustible Materials 

If the workplace is surrounded by a mess of combustible materials, then it poses a high risk for everyone. Lack of proper management and storage can increase the chances of mishandling, which can, later on, start a fire. 

Ensuring your staff has the appropriate training on managing flammable materials is a must if you want to avoid running into these costly accidents. 

The Bottom Line: Preventing Common Workplace Fires By Practicing Awareness And Precaution In Overlooked Places

Even if everyone is practicing caution, accidents can still happen. However, the danger doesn’t have to spiral out of control so long as you have fire preventive equipment set in place – be it fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and working emergency sign exits. 

These resources will ensure the safety of everyone, allowing you and employees to douse the flames or reach a safer destination in case the problem gets out of hand. 

If you’re looking to replace your fire extinguishers and other fire protection services in New Jersey, we are your best option! We can install all the fire prevention you need – from kitchen suppression systems, hoods, and exit lighting to ensure your workplace is as ready as it can be to handle emergencies. Contact us at (732) 443-0608 to see how we can help you!

The fire suppression system installed in your commercial establishment plays a crucial role in keeping it safe from untoward accidents. If a fire breaks on your property late in the evening or when your whole team is away, it is your last line of defense. Your fire sprinkler systems can save your property as well as the establishments near it. 

Since this system has such a critical function, you need to make sure that it is up-to-date, dependable, and in good working order. You may be following all the safety measures to prevent fire, but you can never be truly safe without a functioning suppression system. 

To help you inspect your system better and determine whether you need repair or replacement services, look for these telltale signs: 

1. Corrosion 

Your sprinkler system uses water, so there is a higher chance of corrosion to occur. If you see signs of rust or discoloration in the water, or if you notice a rotten egg smell, these all indicate corrosion. 

Take note that rust can easily eat a hole in the pipes and cause them to leak. Soon enough, the whole system can be compromised. To avoid further and more costly damages, it is best to address this issue as soon as you see its signs. 

2. Damage on the Sprinkler Heads 

The sprinkler heads, as well as the pipes, can suffer damages due to various reasons. It can be caused by vandalism, the typical wear and tear, or other accidents during the renovation or construction of your building. 

If you notice issues that may have been caused by these, it is best to work with experts to install a protective cage around the heads. 

3. Leaks

As mentioned above, corrosion can cause leaks. Aside from this, they can also be caused by a variety of issues such as defective equipment, improper installation, or lack of regular maintenance services. 

Whatever the cause may be, there’s one thing that you should do: call a repair professional expert in fire sprinkler systems. They can conduct the inspection for you to get to the root of the problem and let you know whether you will need a repair or a replacement. 

Repair Vs. Replacement: How to Know What You Really Need

You will be able to know what kind of service you need by taking a look at the age and state of your fire suppression system. If it is relatively new and there is only small-scale corrosion, a repair may be able to fix the problem. 

However, if your sprinkler system is quite old and you find yourself having to repair it more frequently, going with replacement is the smarter choice. This may sound like an expensive project, but you don’t have to worry—usually, you won’t have to replace the whole system altogether. In most cases, you only need to work on 20% of the whole system to address the problem. 

Conclusion

Whether you have minor or major issues with your fire sprinkler system, you must get in touch with a technician right away. The days you leave obvious signs of a problem unaddressed are also the days you are leaving your commercial property vulnerable in case of a fire. Do not wait for an accident to happen; work on your system and protect your employees, your business, and your valued customers. 

Need help with fire suppression installation in New Jersey? We can lend a hand! We’re a licensed company providing Ansul fire installation as well as fire inspection and repairs. Get in touch with us today and our team of experienced technicians will be happy to discuss how we can help. 

If you own a restaurant, the last thing you want to happen is to have a kitchen fire. Not only will this damage your property, but it can cost the lives of people and shut your business. This is why a kitchen fire suppression system is usually installed in these areas.

A fire suppression system is meant to suppress a fire in case of a sudden spark, as it instantly stops the fire even before it gets out of control. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can sit back once this system is set and feel safe and protected.

The truth is, regular inspection of your system is still required, though this matter is occasionally overlooked. In this article, we will share all that restaurant owners should know about an inspection on their fire suppression systems:

Primary purposes of the inspection

If you’re wondering why the inspection of your kitchen fire suppression system is necessary, here are the primary purposes:

• To ensure the system’s overall condition and proper functioning
• To avoid unnecessary or untimely discharge
• To comply with the code enforcement and keep up with the insurance requirements

If you were required to install a fire suppression system for your restaurant’s kitchen, be sure to uphold the importance of inspection and implement it regularly.

Parts of the fire suppression system being inspected

It’s worth knowing that a kitchen fire suppression system consists of various components. During an inspection, various parts will be thoroughly checked and tested, such as the following:

• Appliance, duct, and plenum nozzles and nozzle blow-off caps (conditions)
• Link line and detectors (conditions)
• Actuators and control components (functionality and accessibility)
• Remote pull station (functionality)
• Pressurized and non-pressurized tanks (conditions)
• Cylinders and regulator (verification of test dates)
• Piping (tightness)
• Electrical interlocks (functionality)

Frequency of the inspection

If you want to know how often an inspection of the kitchen fire suppression system should be performed, it is typically done semi-annually. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code also requires the system to be checked by a trained and certified technician every six months. Doing so will ensure that your system is in top shape and working condition. Also, this provides certified professionals access to replacement parts and updated manuals to foster the utmost safety in your restaurant’s kitchen.

Monthly in-house inspection 

Although you are performing a system inspection semi-annually, monthly checkup and maintenance will still be needed. As the restaurant owner or kitchen manager, be sure to conduct the following monthly basic visual inspection:

• Inspect if the nozzles point directly to the right appliance.
• Be wary of the accumulation of dirt or grease in the duct or hood.
• Make sure that the gauges are “in the green” and operable range.
• Ensure an intact tamper indicator.
• Make the pull station easily accessible and unblocked.
• Check the tag to see the date of the last professional inspection.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what the inspection of your kitchen fire suppression entails. As a restaurant owner or kitchen manager, be sure to have a system checkup every six months and perform monthly inspections by following the steps discussed above. If your fire suppression system goes off or works inefficiently, it’s best to contact a fire protection company for an inspection, maintenance, and repair/replacement. Ultimately, fire safety should always be a top priority!

Are you looking to have an Ansul system inspection in New Jersey for your kitchen fire suppression system? Let us provide you with our fire protection services! We also have a wide selection of Atlantic fire protection systems and services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

Emergency lights are vital to your building as it’s the safest way to maintain order during an emergency situation. However, keep in mind that not all emergency lights are created equal or have the same purposes. There’s nothing wrong with fluorescent and incandescent lights because they are still effective, yet they are not so for your emergency exit lights. New advancements in technology have paved the way for LED lights, and these are now the top choice for most lighting fixtures, including emergency lights. 

If you are trying to choose the best lighting option for your building’s emergency lights, here are five reasons you should opt for LEDs: 

They Boost Safety

Have you ever touched an incandescent bulb before and got your hand nearly scorched from the heat? This is because this type of light bulb tends to get dangerously hot and prone to explosion, which is why they shouldn’t be used as emergency exit lights, or it could blow up in the middle of the night. 

On the other hand, you won’t have a problem with LED bulbs because they can shine for a long period without getting too hot. Additionally, the bulbs don’t explode, which is why it’s safer to use for emergency lights compared to other types of bulbs. 

They Provide More Efficiency

As mentioned, LEDs don’t burn like incandescent lights because they don’t rely on burning a filament. However, you will be surprised that they work similarly like incandescent bulbs, yet they are thinner and lighter, which makes them more economical and efficient. Additionally, they can last for a long time on low-temperature performance as well. 

They Offer More Brightness

Compared to other types of lights, LEDs are much brighter. Their brightness is unparalleled, and you can easily see them from maximum distances. That said, this type of light is an excellent way to point out modes of egress so that people can evacuate safely from the building during an emergency. 

They Reduce Power Consumption

One of the reasons LEDs are popular these days is because they consume less electricity compared to other options on the market. For this reason, when you’re choosing which type of bulbs to use for your emergency exit lights, LEDs will undoubtedly be your best option. When the power’s out, the lights will provide proper illumination without you worrying about high electricity bills. 

They Remove the Need for Frequent Replacement

Unlike other bulbs, LEDs can last longer. This essentially means that you don’t have to think about frequent bulb replacement. The bulbs that you install today in your emergency exit lights will last for a long time, which is why they also reduce your expenditure, as mentioned. 

Conclusion

Are you still thinking if LED lights are better to use for your building’s emergency lights? The five reasons above are enough to convince you to make the switch. They are more efficient, long-lasting, and practical to use. Additionally, they provide more brightness, which is crucial during the evacuation from the building in case of an emergency. 

At this point, you now know that you don’t have to spend much money on LEDs. In fact, you get to save more, considering all its benefits that you won’t get from other types of bulbs. If you want to make the most out of your bulbs and don’t want to worry about replacing them often, LEDs are the way to go. 

If you are looking for high-quality emergency exit lights, our experts at Atlantic Fire Pro have you covered. We are a mobile emergency light and exit sign maintenance company that also offers emergency lighting inspection services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

It is highly likely that you have multiple fire extinguishers set up around your business premises. Not only is this for safety during a fire hazard, but it is also a legal requirement that you need to follow.

That being said, fire extinguishers need to be serviced once in a while. Failure to do so can leave your extinguishers with a variety of problems, from leaks to blockages, all of which will negatively affect their performance when. You may also face penalties and fines if you do not have them regularly serviced.

 If you have never serviced your fire extinguishers before, here is a quick guide that covers what you need to know:

When should you service fire extinguishers?

As a rule of thumb, you should have your extinguishers serviced once every month. However, extinguishers should also undergo specialized testing once every few years.

Monthly servicing is done in-house, meaning you or someone else trained for the procedure will perform the inspection. Additionally, you are required to record or document these monthly inspections. These records should contain all the pertinent information collected from the extinguishers and the name of the individual who carried out the inspection. 

Specialized servicing is done by a certified and licensed professional. Note that the timespan between inspection for annual servicing will depend entirely on the extinguishers you are working with. For example, water-based extinguishers will need to undergo hydrostatic tests once every five years, while store-pressured extinguishers undergo the same test every twelve years. Ask the manufacturer or the vendor to find out exactly how often yours needs servicing.

How should you service fire extinguishers?

Monthly servicing will cover many different aspects. For example, you need to make sure the extinguisher is full and ready for use, that it is in clear view for easy access, and that the maintenance tag is still intact. There should also be no visible signs of damage on the fire extinguisher.

If you find that any of your extinguishers fail in any aspect, you will likely need to replace it.

Specialized servicing involves a professional who is trained to check various aspects of these devices. For example, the expert will ensure that all the canisters maintain the right amount of pressure and that their labels are visible, readable, and correct. The professional will also check for damages, such as cracks, leaks, and corrosions, and carry out tests like hydrostatic tests as needed.

Conclusion

Fire extinguisher maintenance is important for a variety of reasons, the main one being safety. In a scenario where a fire is raging, the last thing you want is a fire extinguisher that doesn’t work.

To prevent these potentially disastrous situations, you (or a trained individual) must carry out routine inspections every month and schedule specialized inspections as needed. If you are unsure about what you need to do, do not hesitate to contact a professional who can help you. That way, you can keep your workplace a safe environment and stay clear of costly penalties.

Atlantic Fire Protection are experts at fire protection, offering a variety of fire protection services from kitchen suppression systems installations to emergency light replacements. If you are looking for professional fire extinguisher inspections in New Jersey, get in touch with us today!

In any commercial kitchen, food preparation and cooking are normal parts of operations. For the most part, you need heat, whether boiling water, cooking raw dishes, or baking goods. When it comes to these, there’s a potential fire risk, particularly if and when the kitchen isn’t properly set, or there is no fire protection system in place. That is where an Atlantic fire protection comes into play, and a kitchen hood suppression system can be your best bet!

What does a hood suppression system entail, and how can it foster safety for your commercial kitchen?

What to know about kitchen fires

Did you know that more than 7,000 restaurant fires are reported every year? That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Cooking equipment in commercial kitchens is said to be the leading cause of fire outbreak. Fire can cause injuries and even cost people’s lives and lead to property damages per year.

This glaring statistic is expected as restaurants commonly use high-heating kitchen equipment. However, the problem is that grease fires cannot simply be eliminated with the use of water. Water can all the more worsen the situation. That is where a hood suppression system becomes extremely useful.

What a kitchen hood is

For the uninitiated, a kitchen hood suppression system is designed to protect a wide range of kitchen appliances, such as a stove and fryer. It consists of nozzles installed in the kitchen hood exhaust, where the wet chemicals automatically get discharged directly over the fire source. Basically, it is meant to suppress fire to protect your kitchen and the people inside it.

How a hood suppression system works

Fire needs three things to start and spread—oxygen, heat, and fuel. As soon as the system detects a fire, the nozzle releases the chemical fire extinguisher directly onto the fire source. This extinguisher quickly suffocates the fire by way of cutting it off from the oxygen. Simultaneously, the system shuts off the gas supply to the cooking equipment, thereby stopping the fuel. Both methods get rid of the fire with quick response and precision. 

What maintenance is required for kitchen hoods

When it comes to the maintenance for your kitchen hood, there are two things to consider:

• Inspection: It’s imperative to have your kitchen hood inspected and tested regularly. Have a certified technician come into your commercial kitchen every six months.
• Servicing: It’s essential to have a regular servicing of your kitchen hood system. You need to address any irregularities and repair or replace damaged parts. The ultimate goal is to keep the system always up to code.

Conclusion

A hood suppression system is an effective way to protect your commercial kitchen from fire and promote the people’s safety. 

It’s best to hire a service provider for your fire suppression installation. These hired professionals can also service your kitchen hood regularly. They can help you ensure that your commercial kitchen has a solid fire protection system and keep it up to code!

We have a wide range of Atlantic fire protection systems and services in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. If you are looking to have a fire suppression installation, such as a kitchen hood suppression system, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!