Food trucks cruising the streets have their share of dangers, such as fire hazards. Even with top-of-the-line food truck equipment, it is essential to consider these expert safety tips to help you keep your employees, costumes, and business safe from accidents.
Five Food Truck Equipment Safety Tips
1. Invest In Staff Training and Education
Training your staff is an important consideration when looking to enhance the safety of your food truck equipment. Let your team understand various safety standards, including health care concerns, to help mitigate growing food safety risks in your food truck business. This allows them to maintain food truck safety while being prepared to handle associated equipment risks.
2. Install Automated Fire Suppression Systems
Food trucks are mobile kitchens fitted with either electrical or gas cooking appliances. These units pose various risks in your food truck; for instance, fire breakouts that can cause severe damage or even loss of lives. Although many municipalities in the US have made automated fire suppression systems mandatory, installing these systems in your food truck helps promote the safety of your equipment. It is a critical aspect that allows you to meet standard municipality standards while safeguarding your mobile kitchen.
3. Enhance Ventilation
Like any other kitchen, food trucks require ample ventilation to promote air circulation. A well-ventilated food truck means the kitchen is free from dust, smoke, excess steam, and associated debris. Again, oil droplets can accumulate and result in greasy kitchen surfaces, which can cause all sorts of safety hazards such as slippery surfaces. Ventilating your food truck enables you to mitigate these issues, allowing you to serve clean food to your customers while keeping your equipment safer.
4. Inspect Your Exhaust Systems
The NFPA Fire Code requires all food truck owners to conduct quarterly equipment inspections of systems used in high-volume operations and semi-annual inspections for those used in medium-volume operations. The regulatory body also recommends monthly inspection of exhaust systems designed for solid fuel cooking equipment. The intent is to ensure the safety of your food truck equipment all year round. Hence, it is crucial to hire a certified inspector to perform monthly exhaust system inspections and promote the safety of your food truck business.
5. Perform Self-Inspection
To ensure your equipment is operating optimally and without risks, schedule a routine self-inspection program at least twice every month. It is an effective way to identify any safety concerns early enough and devise ideal actions before the problem worsens. Move around your mobile kitchen and note any equipment changes, focusing on faults and self-health inspections. Yet, it is vital to have an inspection form to help you understand what to look for when performing your self-inspection.
Mitigate Your Risks
The food truck business is a growing venture that requires attention to safety tips to mitigate food truck equipment risks. Not only does this protect you, your staff, and your consumers, but it helps with compliance and promotes business growth. Contact us here at Legion Food Trucks to learn more or get started with professional food truck ideas today!
