Every restaurant should have at least one working fire extinguisher in it. But simply installing a new fire extinguisher in your restaurant won't reduce the chance of dealing with serious damage after a fire. Here are a few things you should do when installing the extinguisher to optimize its usefulness and to enhance its effectiveness against fires:
Find the Right Place to Install It
One important thing you should do when installing a new fire extinguisher is to find the right place to install it. It shouldn't be installed in a place where anybody can see and access it, especially the guests who are eating in your restaurant. If someone tries to use the extinguisher who has never used one before, they may injure themselves and prevent someone who does know how to use the extinguisher from helping to put a fire out.
The fire extinguisher should be installed in a place that's out of the way but easy for anyone who knows where it is to access. Under a cabinet in a storage closet, on the wall in the manager's office, or even under a cupboard in the kitchen are all decent installation spots to consider.
Ensure Everyone Knows How to Use It
Don't just assume that all your employees know how to effectively use a fire extinguisher, as not everyone has one at home, even if they should. So, to ensure that your employees are prepared to use the extinguisher if a kitchen fire breaks out, it's a good idea to schedule a training session for them all.
You can bring a professional trainer in to make sure that all the important points are addressed, or study the owner's manual yourself and make sure that you have practiced using an extinguisher so you can train employees yourself. Training will help ensure that your team can act quickly and effectively in the event of a fire, which can help save lives and save you some money.
Schedule Professional Inspections for It
You need to make sure that your new fire extinguisher is always working properly. Even sitting around without being used, your fire extinguisher can succumb to wear and tear thanks to the elements surrounding it. Moisture, heat and cold, and negligence from not being used can all contribute to an improperly functioning fire extinguisher.
Therefore, it's a good idea to have a professional inspect your fire extinguisher a few times a year just to make sure that it will function as expected if it's ever needed. An inspection will give you peace of mind and help you avoid unwanted surprises that would be difficult to deal with during a fire emergency.