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Cooking Fires Are the Most Common Type of Commercial Fire – Learn How We Can Help Keep Your Kitchen Safer

April 12, 2023

Cooking is the primary cause of all nonresidential structure fires and the primary cause of restaurant fires specifically, according to the most recent statistics from the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Every year, commercial kitchen fires injure about 75 people and inflict over $172 million in property damage.

Thankfully, 91 percent of kitchen fires are minor, contained incidents that do not significantly harm the restaurant structure. This is mostly due to the fact that the majority of restaurant owners put a lot of effort into lowering their risk of fire and making sure that any fires that do start in the kitchen are quickly put out. The experts in kitchen air control and fire suppression at Flue Steam can help you lower the risk of fire in your commercial kitchen by doing the following three things.

Hoods Are Needed for Every Cooking Appliance

Grease fires in the kitchen are frequently found to be the origin of non-confined restaurant building fires. Even pinpointing the precise appliance is possible occasionally. According to the data, deep fryers account for 9% of these non-confined fires, ranges for 7%, and other cooking equipment for 5%. Make sure your kitchen appliances have exhaust hoods that can efficiently vent all grease-related fumes away from the appliance and outside the structure.

Clean Your Kitchen Exhaust System

Even with properly sized and positioned exhaust hoods, some greasy buildup is inevitably going to stick to kitchen surfaces, particularly the interior of the kitchen exhaust system and the underside of the hood. With a combination of hand scraping and steam cleaning methods, the experts at Flue Steam can assist you in maintaining these grease deposits within the ranges deemed safe by regional fire rules.

Keep Your Automatic Fire Suppression System in Working Order

An automatic fire suppression system is a crucial component of commercial kitchen fire prevention. This system can put out fires that start on the cooktop or in the exhaust hood before they spread to the ductwork when it’s working properly.

Regular inspections of your automated fire suppression system are essential, especially following a discharge. In addition to the automatic system, kitchen staff should have access to portable fire extinguishers that are maintained nearby. Both portable fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems are offered and/or serviced by Flue Steam. Call us at 800-700-FLUE for immediate help.

Why Using Professional Services is Essential for Keeping Your Swamp Cooler Running Perfectly

February 20, 2023

Regular swamp cooler service is essential for proper usage and maintenance. Securing a qualified technician to provide regular inspections and maintenance can help to ensure your cooler is running efficiently and effectively all year round.

Regular maintenance and repairs are essential for keeping a swamp cooler running perfectly and efficiently, but sometimes even the most vigilant cooler owner needs to call in a professional. Doing so doesn’t just ensure that the job is done right the first time; it also can save time and money in the long run.

Professional services come with the experience necessary to identify small issues and correct them before they become costly bigger problems, as well as to provide fast, expert advice. Furthermore, a quick fix from an expert can help to prevent a costly breakdown in your swamp cooler that may require a total replacement.

This article will discuss why using professional services is essential for keeping your swamp cooler running perfectly. Call Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE if you are ready for a free estimate for swamp cooler service.

Pros of Hiring a Professional for Swamp Cooler Service

Hiring a professional service may be the best way to gain a full understanding of how a swamp cooler works. Professionals have the expertise to provide an in-depth analysis and guide you through the process of installation, diagnostics, and repair.

Furthermore, they offer access to the right parts and materials, ensuring that repairs are done properly, and a quality product is delivered. Professional services can address a wide range of problems, from minor issues to those that require extensive repair.

When it comes to swamp coolers, they can provide the knowledge and resources to keep your system operating efficiently and safely.

Cons of DIY Repair

DIY repair of appliances and mechanics can present a variety of drawbacks for the unqualified novice. Firstly, it can be difficult and unsafe for someone who does not have knowledge or experience working with the specific system.

This can range from an understanding of basic electrical wiring to intricate knowledge of the complex parts of a refrigeration system. Also, safety is an important consideration; attempting DIY repair can place a homeowner in a risky situation if the system contains potentially hazardous materials or electricity.

Lastly, there is the danger of overspending on parts with without the consumer’s awareness of the best options – a professional technician typically has access to better parts at a lower cost than what is available to the public.

Benefits of a Professional Service

A professional service offers undisputed benefits to individuals and organizations alike who rely on their vehicles and equipment. From faster, more effective repairs and maintenance to inspections which ensure maximum accuracy and efficiency in ensuring parts are replaced or fitted correctly, to warranty coverage which helps to ensure that parts used are of the highest quality, a professional servicing company has it all.

Not only will they provide a hassle-free experience but their services can help minimize the risk of costly break-downs should a fault go unnoticed or undetected. In short, professional service means peace of mind, time-savings and a cost-efficient means of keeping parts properly maintained and functioning efficiently for the long-term. Call Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE now to get started.

Making Sure Your Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Stays Clean with an Exhaust Cleaning Service

February 10, 2023

Don’t wait until smoke and odors start to fill your restaurant kitchen before you think about exhaust cleaning. Regular commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning is an essential component of any safe and successful restaurant – it eliminates dangerous contaminants, improves air quality, and can even impact how efficiently your kitchen runs!

Professional exhaust cleaning services from Flue Steam are top-notch and dedicated to keeping both you and your customers safe. Call us now at 800-700-FLUE to learn about these and other commercial kitchen services we offer.

The Benefits of Having an Exhaust Cleaning Service to Maintain a Clean Kitchen

Having a kitchen exhaust cleaning service regularly come in to clean your kitchen’s exhaust system is a great way to maintain a clean kitchen. It can reduce the risk of fire, which can be deadly and costly, while also reducing the overall grime of your kitchen.

All this, combined with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kitchen is regularly and professionally maintained, adds up to a great benefit. Additionally, this service may even help extend the lifespan of your kitchen equipment, such as the range/stove and vent hood, with proper maintenance and cleaning.

Tips for Identifying When It’s Time to Schedule an Exhaust Cleaning

One of the best ways to know when it’s time to schedule an exhaust cleaning is to inspect your exhaust vent regularly. Look for signs of soot buildup, rust, stains along the sides, and a decrease in air flow.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to quickly schedule an inspection. Other signs that an exhaust cleaning might be necessary are an increase in smoke or odors coming from the exhaust hood, strange noises coming from the unit, or an increase in grease buildup.

Taking the time to check for these signs and taking immediate action if something looks off can help prevent a greater problem from developing over time and ensure your safety.

The Important Steps for Ensuring an Effective Exhaust Cleaning Service

Ensuring an effective exhaust cleaning service starts with a comprehensive inspection of the premises, followed by a detailed and tailored maintenance plan. This plan should focus on the thorough and regular removal of destructive grease buildup and grime.

Regular cleaning will allow you to identify and repair possible issues before they turn into larger problems. Additionally, this will improve air quality, reduce fire risk and promote safe and clean working conditions.

Business owners should hire a reliable and experienced service provider to fully clean filters, ducts, and exhaust fans as part of their regular maintenance program. Furthermore, we advise following the service provider’s instructions on the use and maintenance of filter cleaning agents for the best possible outcome. You can reach out to Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE to get started.

Get Answers to Common Questions About Fire Extinguishers in Commercial Kitchens

January 24, 2023
Get Answers to Common Questions About Fire Extinguishers in Commercial Kitchens

In the state of California, there are specific regulations that must be satisfied before a commercial kitchen can be opened, operated, or maintained in its current state. These include having the appropriate licenses and certifications, continuing to comply with safe food handling practices, successfully passing routine safety inspections, and ensuring that all appliances and plumbing are up to code.

Aside from the aforementioned, the presence of fire extinguishers in your commercial kitchen space is not only a crucial safety measure, but it is also a necessity in the state of California. However, it is not sufficient to merely have one or two fire extinguishers within your commercial kitchen. It is important to have the appropriate type, amount, and positioning of your fire extinguishers as well.

Read on to learn more. Then contact Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE if you need more information on fire extinguishers or fire suppression systems in Southern California.

In California’s commercial kitchens, which laws mandate the presence of fire extinguishers?

The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Section 6151, provides businesses in the state of California with specific information regarding the fire extinguisher requirements that must be met. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA), the California State Fire Marshal, local fire marshals, and businesses and corporate liability insurance carriers are the entities that observe and enforce these requirements.

Fire extinguishers of Class K must be fitted in a safe and secure manner at least once every thirty feet in commercial kitchens and dining establishments. Every extinguisher has to be easily accessible at all times, and nothing—not even furniture or other things—can get in the way of that. In addition, each worker is required to get instruction on how to operate a fire extinguisher and be made aware of the precise location of each unit within the structure.

It is important to provide employees with training not just when they are first hired but also on a yearly basis afterwards. In a similar vein, fire extinguishers ought to go through annual inspections, and hydrostatic testing ought to be done on a consistent basis.

Is it illegal to be without fire extinguishers in the United States?

If you own a commercial property and fail to comply with OSHA regulations regarding the number, type, and location of fire extinguishers on your property, you could be subject to hefty fines from the agency. These fines could amount to thousands of dollars for each fire extinguisher that is out of compliance. In addition, you could be subject to fines if you fail to provide your workers with fire safety training and/or if you don’t do well on annual inspections and tests.

It is imperative that you comply with all of the regulations and guidelines that are enforced not only in the state of California but also in your particular municipality in order to avoid being subject to these fines.

In Southern California, you can obtain supplies of high-quality fire extinguishers

Not only do you want to be in compliance in order to keep your commercial restaurant or kitchen up and running, but you also want to ensure that you have fire extinguishers that are of a high quality and can be relied upon in the event that a sudden fire breaks out on your premises. But how exactly do you go about acquiring fire extinguishers in which you may have complete faith?

For the benefit of Southern California businesses, Flue Steam stocks a comprehensive inventory of a variety of fire extinguishers in a wide range of sizes. In order to safeguard your industrial kitchen or restaurant from the devastation caused by fire, give us a call right away for additional information about fire supply: 800-700-FLUE.

Flue Steam Can Make It Easier to Successfully Run a Restaurant in a Number of Ways

January 10, 2023
Flue Steam Can Make It Easier to Successfully Run a Restaurant in a Number of Ways

As a restaurant manager or owner, you are required to juggle a significant number of competing responsibilities on a daily basis, but there is only so much time in the day. The good news is that you can relieve some of the pressure you’re feeling right now by working with Flue Steam.

We are here to assist you with all of the air control and fire protection requirements for your commercial kitchen anywhere in Southern California. Every day, it is our objective to make it so that your kitchen is risk-free, has excellent air quality, and achieves the highest possible level of energy efficiency. We are excited to establish a long-term business connection with you and to fulfill all of your requirements in an impeccable manner on a daily basis.

How we are able to assist your restaurant

The following services are available to commercial kitchens in Southern California:

Why should you take use of our services for cleaning kitchen exhaust hoods?

Because it removes vaporized grease, which is a natural result of cooking, from the air in your commercial kitchen in a safe and efficient manner, the exhaust system is an essential component of your commercial kitchen.

Additionally, it eliminates smells and heated air. If you do not keep your exhaust system clean and in correct functioning condition, not only will your commercial kitchen not be up to code, but there is also a risk of a flash fire occurring. If you were in that circumstance, calling the fire brigade and making repairs would be a significant disruption to your business, not to mention a very deadly issue.

However, if you have Flue Steam clean your kitchen exhaust system on a regular basis, you won’t ever have to worry about your exhaust system again.

Cleaning by hand scraping and using steam

Cleaning exhaust systems in commercial kitchens requires both manual scraping and steam cleaning, which we offer as services. When done by hand, scraping comprises a straightforward and efficient cleanup of any grease deposits that are accessible. We strongly suggest that you sign up for hand scraping services on a monthly basis.

The use of hot water under high pressure is a key component of the steam cleaning process, which gets rid of grease completely from all components of an exhaust system. In addition to hand scraping, we recommend getting steam cleaning services anywhere from two to four times a year.

After each cleaning, we will issue a “Certificate of Performance” sticker for you to display. This sticker will ensure that code inspectors are pleased and may even help you save money on your insurance premiums. You may have peace of mind knowing that our trained professionals will provide the deepest cleanings possible at each and every visit.

We are concerned about the safety of your kitchen

Because we are concerned about the health and well-being of those who work in your kitchen, we provide a number of additional services in each cleaning appointment. The exhaust fan, the belts, and the other components of your exhaust system will all be inspected by our professional, who will also lubricate the fan bearings.

If the expert determines that your belts are beyond repair but you already possess a replacement, he or she will do the installation at no additional cost. This is just one more step we take to maintain the cleanliness of your exhaust system for the longest possible period of time. Call Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE now to get started.