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4 Tips for Keeping Your Employees Safe in the Kitchen
March 2, 2022

Here are the steps we suggest taking to do so:

A commercial kitchen can be a hazardous place to work if there are not sufficient safety protocols. Your team is at risk of slips and falls, cuts and puncture wounds, and heat or chemical burns. Your restaurant can be at great risk for hazards involving fire, water, or natural gas. Since there are so many potential safety issues, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure a safe working environment for your team members.    

1. Invest in Safety 

Safety is worth investing in. There are several ways you can make your commercial kitchen safer. If you have heavy-duty industrial mixers, grinders, or slicers, purchase and install kitchen guards on this equipment and have proper operation checked as a part of your routine planned maintenance program. Purchase no-slip kitchen mats to provide a safe, grippy surface for workers to walk on. Also, require and/or provide non-slip safety shoes. For knife safety, cut-resistant gloves can protect prep cooks. One of the most important safety investments you can make is in a sprinkler system for your commercial kitchen. When a sprinkler system is used in combination with portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets, most catastrophic fire damage can be avoided. Make sure these are maintained in accordance with your existing codes.

2. Clarify Safety Procedures and Protocols 

You’ve probably heard the old adage that those who fail to prepare are preparing to fail. A restaurant succeeds or fails based on the quality of the systems it puts in place to protect its employees. Keeping employees safe is the responsibility of everyone in the kitchen. Owners, head chefs, and managers can set the tone around safety in the kitchen. If leadership takes safety seriously, that approach is more likely to be echoed by other employees. To make a plan for safety, hold training sessions to orient team members to the proper use of equipment like deep fryers and meat slicers. Don’t hesitate to hold refresher sessions if you notice tools or equipment being used in an unsafe manner. To provide a visual reminder of safety protocols, post-safe-use guidelines next to commercial kitchen equipment.  

3. Clean Kitchen Equipment Regularly 

Cleaning your commercial kitchen equipment regularly not only helps it function optimally but also protects employees from dangerous situations like grease fires and electrical shorts. Get in the habit of checking and cleaning grease traps, flushing drainage lines, replacing filters, and double-checking equipment thermostats in your kitchen. (If you’re not sure how to set up this schedule, our downloadable Maintenance Checklist will help you make sure you’re hitting each piece of equipment on a monthly basis.) 


Commercial kitchen equipment that isn’t functioning properly is much more likely to be a safety hazard than one that has been regularly maintained. If you’re not sure when your commercial kitchen was last assessed, it’s probably time to set up a planned maintenance schedule. On a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, an experienced service tech can assess the functionality of each piece of equipment, replace any worn or broken parts, answer your questions, and give you the peace of mind that you’re providing a safe working environment for your employees. 

For Safety and Functionality, Stick with ATECH

ATECH understands the repair needs of individual restaurants as well as large, multi-site operations. We’re committed to maintaining your equipment and fixing anything quickly, efficiently, and effectively. We bring our commitment to integrity and expertise to every single repair we make. To find out how we can help your operation keep running smoothly, reach out to us today for a planned maintenance quote. 

By markl October 11, 2024
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By markl September 16, 2024
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By markl September 4, 2024
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By markl March 20, 2024
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By markl March 20, 2024
As the season changes and springtime blooms, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your restaurant space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's about ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your patrons and staff. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and best practices for restaurant cleanliness in the springtime.  Embrace Deep Cleaning : Spring cleaning is the ideal time to tackle those deep cleaning tasks that may have been neglected during the busier seasons. From scrubbing floors and walls to deep cleaning kitchen equipment, thorough sanitation ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation and service. Focus on High-Traffic Areas : Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as dining areas, restrooms, and entryways. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and germs, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a pristine appearance and preventing the spread of illness. Refresh Outdoor Spaces : If your restaurant has outdoor seating areas, spring is the perfect time to freshen them up. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep away debris, and power wash outdoor surfaces to create an inviting atmosphere for al fresco dining. Check and Replace Equipment Filters : Don't forget to inspect and replace filters in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and ventilation hoods. Clean filters help maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for both customers and staff. Engage Staff in Cleaning Initiatives : Encourage staff members to take pride in the cleanliness of the restaurant by involving them in spring cleaning initiatives. Assign specific tasks and provide training on proper cleaning procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedule : Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep up with cleaning tasks throughout the year. By incorporating daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines, you can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Invest in Quality Cleaning Products : Choose cleaning products that are effective yet environmentally friendly. Look for products that are certified as safe for use in foodservice establishments and follow manufacturer recommendations for proper application and usage. Monitor and Adjust Cleaning Protocols : Continuously monitor cleaning protocols and adjust as needed based on feedback, customer traffic, and changing regulations. Regular evaluation ensures that your cleaning practices remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. Spring cleaning is an essential aspect of restaurant maintenance that goes beyond just aesthetics. By implementing thorough cleaning routines, engaging staff members, and investing in quality cleaning products, you can create a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the dining experience for your customers and promotes a healthy work environment for your staff. As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that ATECH is here to support you with a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your restaurant. Happy spring cleaning!
By markl January 26, 2024
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