Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety is paramount within all hospitality locations, from high-end hotels to small bed and breakfast-establishments. Potential fire hazards, from kitchen oils and textiles to office electrical equipment, are abundant. Understanding safety and the vital role of fire extinguishers, both large and small, becomes the responsibility of every individual involved in the hospitality sector.

Fire Blanket

What is a fire blanket used for?

Fire blankets are safety devices developed to extinguish small fires. They are made from fire-resistant materials, often fibreglass. A fire blanket cuts off the fire’s oxygen supply, which it needs to sustain itself. They’re ideal for small kitchen fires and where it’s safer to smother the flame than use a fire extinguisher. It’s also safer for inexperienced individuals as there’s no risk of a fire spreading due to high-pressure discharge, which can happen with improperly used extinguishers.

What type of fire does a fire blanket put out?

They’re most effective against the following types of fires:

1. Class A Fires: These are fires involving everyday combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and most plastics.
2. Class B Fires: Fire blankets can be used for small fires involving flammable liquids, like grease or cooking oil, expected in kitchens. They’re effective at smothering the flame and cutting off the oxygen supply.
3. A person on Fire: Fire blankets can be wrapped around a person whose clothing is on fire, helping to extinguish the blaze and prevent severe burns.

What type of fire does a fire blanket put out?

It’s essential to note that fire blankets are not recommended for electrical fires (Class C) or fires involving flammable metals (Class D), and they cannot deal with large fires. A fire extinguisher or professional firefighting services will be required for larger or spread fires.

Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguishers

These are capable of putting out various types of fires. The multi-purpose fire extinguisher is often rated as A-B-C, signifying it can handle Class A (ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, etc.), Class B (flammable liquids and gases), and Class C (electrical equipment) fires. It uses a mono ammonium phosphate extinguishing agent to effectively tackle these various fire types.

What are the colours of multi-purpose fire extinguishers?

In the UK and some other regions following the British standard, the colour codes are as follows:

• Water: Red
• Foam: Cream
• Dry Powder: Blue
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Black
• Wet Chemical: Yellow

A multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the UK would typically fall under the ‘Dry Powder’ category and therefore have a blue label. Yet, note that the extinguisher’s whole body is not coloured blue – the extinguisher is primarily red with a blue band/label.

Can ABC extinguishers be used for vehicle fires?

Transportation is crucial for customers to arrive at your venue for hotels, restaurants, and events. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

ABC versions are also effective for those involving flammable liquids (B) commonly found in vehicles. They can also be used on fires involving combustible materials (A) and electrical fires (C).

The dry chemical powder used in ABC ones smothers the fire and interrupts the chemical reaction, thereby extinguishing the flame. This makes them suitable for quickly and effectively suppressing vehicle fires.

When using an ABC fire extinguisher on a vehicle fire, it is essential to follow these general guidelines:

1. Activate the fire extinguisher by pulling the pin or pressing the release mechanism.
2. Aim the nozzle or hose at the fire’s base, not the flame.
3. Squeeze or press the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the entire fire area until the flame is fully extinguished.

Vehicle fires can be dangerous, and it’s crucial to prioritise your and your guest’s safety. If the fire is spreading rapidly, you’re unsure how to use the extinguisher, or if you’re unable to extinguish the fire effectively, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services for assistance.

Burns First Aid Kits

These kits contain specific supplies for treating burn injuries commonly occurring in a fire.

What should you have in a burns kit?

A burns first aid kit typically includes burn dressings, burn gel, sterile gloves, bandages, scissors, and sometimes, an essential first aid guide. The burn gel and dressings are specially designed to soothe and cool the burn, relieve pain, and protect the burn from infection.

Do you need a burns kit in the kitchen?

A burns first aid kit in a kitchen, particularly a commercial kitchen, is highly recommended due to the higher risk of burn injuries. Kitchens are areas where hot surfaces, boiling liquids, hot oil, and open flames are common, and even with the utmost care, accidents can happen.

Fire Posters

Fire posters educate and remind individuals about procedures, fire hazards, and how to use supplies. They can illustrate emergency evacuation routes, instructions for using fire extinguishers, or actions to take during a fire. These posters can be important tools for ongoing workplace safety awareness and training.

Signs

These signs are essential for directing people to supplies, marking emergency exits, and providing instructions during an emergency. They follow specific colour coding and symbols to be easily understood. For example, a sign showing a green figure running out of a door symbolises an escape route or exit. In contrast, a red sign with a white extinguisher symbol indicates the location of a fire extinguisher. These signs play a critical role in guiding people safely during an emergency.

Choosing suitable supplies involves assessing the unique needs of your location, whether it’s a hotel in the mainland UK or a downtown restaurant. Regular safety audits can help determine what types and sizes of extinguishers you need, along with other equipment such as fire blankets and alarms.

Knowing how to use tools correctly is as vital as having them. When a pressure gauge confirms that an extinguisher is ready, every staff member should know how to discharge its content safely, and regular maintenance checks are crucial to ensure all equipment operates effectively when required.

Training and compliance

It is important to conduct regular training sessions for all staff to ensure they know how to use supplies and prioritise safety measures properly. Being fully compliant with these regulations keeps everyone prepared to respond in case of a fire and helps maintain your establishment’s reputation and customer trust.

Fire safety in the hospitality sector is a matter of utmost importance. With the right equipment and training, you can ensure the well-being of your staff and customers while protecting your property and getting all your supplies from us.

Our safety equipment range

Our brand offers a comprehensive range of equipment for the hospitality industry. Each item, from extinguishers to blankets, is designed with your establishment’s safety in mind. We assist in finding the perfect model for your needs and deliver it straight to your establishment.

Purchasing from us is straightforward. Visit our site, choose the best fit for your needs, and complete the purchase. We provide precise price details, including VAT, and have an efficient delivery process. And if you have any questions, we are happy to offer assistance.