Does your Edmonton food truck need a fire suppression system? The answer depends on the type of cooking equipment you use and how your truck is set up.
For some food trucks, fire protection goes beyond a fire extinguisher. You may also need a fixed kitchen suppression system, exhaust equipment and other safety controls.
These systems may also be connected. Your exhaust fan, gas controls, electrical switches and fire suppression system may all need to work together.
At Karlen-Kada, we work with food truck operators on fire suppression inspections, maintenance, repairs and related electrical work. Here is what you should know about protecting your food truck and keeping its systems ready to operate.
Does Your Food Truck Need a Fire Suppression System?
In many cases, yes, your Edmonton food truck does require a fire suppression system; however, the actual system design varies. Requirements differ depending on the cooking equipment inside the truck and the kinds of hazards it creates.
NFPA food truck guidance says cooking appliances that produce grease-laden vapours may need fixed fire-extinguishing protection when grease can collect in the hood, grease-removal equipment or ductwork. This may apply to food trucks using equipment such as fryers, grills or other commercial cooking appliances that create grease and heat.
The City of Edmonton also notes that not every safety requirement applies to every mobile food unit. To get a more accurate sense of what is required for your business, it is generally best to work with a local fire protection company to determine which requirements apply based on the equipment and systems installed in the truck.
Elements of a Food Truck Fire Suppression System
A food truck fire suppression system is designed to protect the cooking area if a fire starts.
The exact setup will depend on your truck and cooking equipment, but an applicable system may include:
- Fire suppression agent and storage container: Holds the extinguishing agent used to control a cooking fire.
- Nozzles: Direct the agent toward protected cooking equipment and other areas covered by the system.
- Detection components: Detect conditions that can trigger the suppression system.
- Manual pull station: Allows someone to activate the system manually in an emergency.
- Piping or distribution lines: Carry the suppression agent from the container to the nozzles.
- Controls and connections: Allow the suppression system to interact with other parts of the truck’s cooking safety setup where required.
When Should You Have Your Food Truck Fire Suppression System Serviced?
Your Required Inspection or Maintenance Is Coming Up
Generally, food truck fire suppression systems need to be inspected and maintained every six months. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services gives the same six-month inspection and maintenance schedule for commercial cooking fire suppression systems.
If your six-month inspection is coming up, it is a good idea to book service before your truck enters a busy season. Karlen-Kada sees food truck service needs change throughout the year, and dealing with required maintenance early gives you more time to address any repairs before your truck is booked for events or regular service.
You Changed Your Cooking Equipment
Have you replaced a fryer, moved a grill or added a new appliance? Changes to cooking equipment can change the fire hazard inside the truck.
Your existing suppression system was set up around a certain cooking area and equipment layout. If that layout changes, the fire protection may need to be reviewed as well.
Do not assume the old setup still provides the right protection after major equipment changes.
Your Exhaust Fan or Another Control Is Not Working
If your exhaust fan, switch, gas control or another connected part is not working as expected, call for service. The problem may be with the fire suppression system. It may also be electrical or tied to another control. Either way, the connected systems should be checked before the issue starts affecting your ability to operate.
Food Truck Fire Suppression Inspection, Maintenance and Repair in Edmonton
Your food truck fire suppression system needs more than a one-time installation.
Depending on your truck, you may need regular inspections, maintenance, repairs and service for related safety controls.
Karlen-Kada works with Edmonton food truck operators on fire suppression inspections, maintenance and repairs. Suppression service is a major part of our fire protection work, along with troubleshooting connected electrical and safety components. New installations are also available when required.
If your inspection is coming up, you have changed your cooking equipment or something is not working as it should, our team can help. Contact Karlen-Kada today to have your food truck fire suppression and related safety systems inspected, maintained or repaired.