Tips for Food Truck Equipment Use Safety
However, the proliferation of food trucks in the United States isn’t all good.
This fast-growing style of food delivery has its own set of risks, including fire threats, for novices. When managing a food truck company, extreme vigilance is required due to the dangers of mishaps with cooking machines and chemicals. As a result, new food truck owners must pay particular attention to safety precautions.
So, how do you keep your food truck safe?
Here are seven food truck safety pointers to get you started:
Install a Fire Suppression System
Whether you cook using electric or gas equipment, you’re constantly at risk of a fire breaking out. The majority of food truck fires are caused by cooking equipment; hence many towns require an automated fire suppression system. Even if your town doesn’t, it’s a good idea to have one installed just in case!
In the event of a fire, this sort of device automatically distributes fire-fighting chemicals. When things go wrong, you may utilize a manual switch on the food truck appliances used for cooking to turn off the power or fuel supply.
When your food truck is being built, have the pros install your fire suppression system. It’s critical to have a licensed pro check your fire suppression system twice a year because it’s just like any other system and can fail at any time. Request a referral from the system manufacturer if you can’t find a qualified distributor in your region for regular maintenance and inspections.
Set up the Best Possible Ventilation System
When it comes to food truck businesses, a robust ventilation system is essential, as it helps keep your kitchen free of smoky smoke, excess steam, and other waste. Keeping the kitchen clean inhibits the buildup of oil droplets, which can lead to the formation of grease.
When left uncontrolled, grease, smoke, dust, steam, and other particles can pose a safety risk. The slippery nature of greasy surfaces may lead to all kinds of mishaps. It is possible for stored food to be contaminated by dust particles and steam as well as other contaminants.
That’s why it’s important to do regular inspections and maintenance on your vent system. On top of that, you must examine and clean the various parts on a regular basis. The food truck’s vent hood, exhaust fan, hood filters, grease containment system, and ductwork are all things to keep an eye on.
When it comes to hood filters, you must keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. Is it time to replace them if you are unable to repair them? Apart from that, keep an eye on the condition of your exhaust fan belts. It’s a good idea to keep an extra fan belt on available in case something goes wrong.
Frayed wiring on your fan or motor should also be checked for. Ensure that the upblast exhaust fan is always in a level position. Also, make sure your bearings are in good shape. If you place your truck’s fan on the roof, it will be exposed to flying debris and inclement weather. As a result, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear.
Invest in Back-Up Portable Fire Extinguishers
Buy a lot of extinguishers of class K. To put out grease, oil, and fats fire, they are the best. A truck fire extinguisher of any other kind may not be able to extinguish such flames, which burn at extremely high temperatures. In the event of a fire involving paper, plastic, or wood, ABC extinguishers can be used.
It is important to remember that class K fire extinguishers perform best when used in conjunction with the built-in hood suppression systems.
The Exhaust System should be inspected for Grease Build-Ups.
To comply with the NFPA Fire Code, food truck owners must conduct equipment inspections of systems utilized in high-volume operations on a quarterly basis. The NPFA mandates semi-annual inspections for medium-volume installations.
Exhaust systems serving solid-fuel cooking equipment must also be inspected periodically, according to the regulatory agency. A trained inspector must examine your exhaust system every month if you use charcoal/wood-burning ovens or food warmer burners.
Don’t Forget to Train Your Employees!
To keep your food truck operating, you must ensure that your personnel are properly trained. Along with passing health inspections, staff training will assist you in avoiding fires and other workplace hazards.
In order to secure the safety of your employees, you must ensure that they get food truck safety training. Your employees may be taught the handling of food, equipment, and emergencies through online classes. However, if you’re not a fan of DIY, you may hire a professional for a reasonable charge.
If an employee is ill, don’t let them come to work.
You should not return to work until a member of your team is well enough to do so. Several reasons make it incorrect to allow unwell staff to prepare meals. First, if they have symptoms like coughing, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, they can contaminate food.
Accidents can occur when people are under the influence of medication or are otherwise unable to keep their attention on the task at hand. You may also be forced to close your firm if health inspectors discover that you are employing unwell workers to make food.
Conduct your own self-assessment.
Take a trip around your mobile kitchen twice a month and write down any safety hazards you see. In this way, you will be able to recognize any safety issues before they become more serious and take proper action.
All of your equipment must be thoroughly inspected, as well as your own physical wellness. Health inspection documents are required for the latter, so you’ll know exactly what to check for. Download them from your health department’s website, or ask your health inspector to lend you some.
Where Can you Purchase the Highest-Quality Food Truck Equipment?
Let’s face it: even with these safety precautions, operating a safe mobile kitchen without high-quality equipment may be challenging. Your health inspectors will not be happy if your food truck’s equipment is malfunctioning.
Are you looking to update to more svelte wheels? Delivery Concepts is prepared to assist you. It makes no difference what sort of truck you require. We have the knowledge to outfit it with the cooking and operational equipment you want, as well as the interior style of your choice.
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