Starting a local restaurant: what to do with fire safety

[Emilien]

Hi there, I'm new to this forum. I'm thinking of starting a small restaurant in my town (I'm from Bristol, btw). I've almost everything planned, but I have not worked out the fire safety aspect. I was wondering what type of fire alarm system it would be best to place in the kitchen. Perhaps restaurateurs can give advice.

 

[JaredMol]

Hi there, I'm new to this forum. I'm thinking of starting a small restaurant in my town (I'm from Bristol, btw). I've almost everything planned, but I have not worked out the fire safety aspect. I was wondering what type of fire alarm system it would be best to place in the kitchen. Perhaps restaurateurs can give advice.

Smoke alarms (That you have in your home) are NOT suitable for use in commercial premises. You will need to get a Fire Risk Assessment carried out.

From the British Standard for fire alarm systems:

Premises type:

Common places of work, such as offices, shops, factories, warehouses and restaurants

System category

M or P2/M A or P1/M

Notes

Category M system normally satisfies the requirements of legislation. It is, however, often combined with a Category P system to satisfy the requirements of insurers, as company policy for protection of assets, or to protect against business interruption

Translation!

A Category M fire alarm system to BS5839-1 consists of 'break glass' manual call points and alarm sounders connected to a control & indicating panel. P2/M indicates selected areas are provided with smoke or heat detection, P1/M indicates all areas are so provided - in both cases the detection for property protection and not part of a legal requirement for life safety (although it does have benefit towards it). Systems with life safety detection are category L (1-5) and whilst not required in all cases depending on your layout may be needed rather than just category M. Your Fire Risk Assessment should determine this.

 

[WaveJumper]

Avenues to explore: One what does your insurance company demand, and two speak to the local fire officer. Did you have to submit any plans to building control if so what do they insist on as they may well want to inspect before allowing you to open

 

[Mark T Jones]

In addition to @WaveJumper advice, try looking in industry specific sites and journals - eg the Caterer and the Morning Advertiser.

If you are buying kitchen equipment, the suppliers may well have contacts

 

[Emilien]

Wow, thanks for the fast reply @WaveJumper @JaredMol . Didn't expect to get the answers so fast ?

I have one more question. I know that there are fire protective companies and I was curious to know if there are any benefits to have a contract with them. Also, maybe you know a good one in Bristol?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Again, you need to seek recommendations from similar businesses in your area.

One thing to definitely avoid is jumping in with some new forum member who pops up with the answer

 

[Emilien]

thanks

You're welcome @Emilien

Yeah I agree

Again, you need to seek recommendations from similar businesses in your area.

One thing to definitely avoid is jumping in with some new forum member who pops up with the answer

Glad to be a part of this community

 

[UKSBD]

One thing to definitely avoid is jumping in with some new forum member who pops up with the answer

Especially when the person replying has the same IP as the original poster