2.1 FIRE
Curtains, cloths, chopping-boards or other wooden objects must be kept a safe
distance from hobs and other heat sources; the same applies to vessels
containing alcohol, solvents or inflammable cleaning agents, etc. The risk of
fire in a kitchen is very high.
Fires usually start in a precise point and can be prevented from spreading if
panic is avoided. Hasty reactions may worsen the situation. Never use water to
extinguish an electrical fire; first disconnect the electrical power supply then
extinguish the fire using suitable materials or fire extinguishers.
2.2 ACCIDENTS
There is also a high risk of personal injury (burns, falls) in a commercial kitchen.
Make sure the handles of pans do not protrude from the hob, and frying pans
and other fryer equipment must not be left unattended at any time. Any oil or
grease spilled on the floor must be cleaned up immediately to prevent
slipping.
2.3 ELECTRICITY
The most serious hazards associated with electricity are those of fire
and electrocution.
Follow the safety instructions below:
• Electrical installations: all installation and maintenance should be
carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with current safety
standards. The main switch must be easily accessible. Cables, plugs
and sockets must be kept in perfect condition.
• Safety: always turn off the main switch before cleaning or any other
operation on the appliance.
Never pull on a power supply cable to unplug an appliance from a
socket.
Do not attempt to repair a damaged cable with insulating tape or other
means, have the entire cable replaced by qualified personnel.
2.4 GAS
The smell of gas is a sign of a probable leak. In this event, close the main shut-off
valve, open doors and windows, and take care not to cause any sparks or
flames.
If you cannot identify the cause of the leak, call a qualified service engineer.
A high percentage of accidents happen because the gas appliances are not
checked regularly: gas appliances are only safe if they are kept in perfect
working order (see chapter 5).
Essential safety precautions when working with gas appliances
To light a gas burner, first bring the flame near to the burner and then turn on the gas.
It is important that the gas burns properly (blue flame) and that there are no restrictions in
the flueways, as these might give rise to dangerous emissions of carbon monoxide
fumes (which are even more hazardous than mains gas, because they are odourless
and give poisoning symptoms that may be confused with harmless disorders).
We strongly recommend the installation of electronic sensors by qualified personnel.
- 2 -
2. HAZARDS IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT