Staff kitchens and tea rooms are used all day, often by everyone in the building, and nobody is really in charge of them. That makes them a common place for small fires to start.
Common risks
- Toasters, kettles and microwaves left on or used incorrectly.
- Overloaded sockets and multi-way adaptors. See our guide on extension leads and electrical risks.
- Crumbs, grease and rubbish building up.
- Tea towels and paper near hobs and toasters.
- Fridges and appliances that are old or damaged.
- Blocked doors or cluttered corridors outside the room.
Simple checks
- Agree basic rules: never leave cooking unattended, no foil in microwaves, switch off at the end of the day where appropriate.
- Keep it clean. Empty bins, wipe down toasters and clear grease.
- Check appliances for damaged cables, scorch marks and loose plugs, and remove faulty ones.
- Have the right extinguisher or fire blanket nearby, and make sure staff know where it is. Our page on fire extinguishers has more.
- Include the room in your weekly walk-round and note anything found.
Your duties
Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, a person in control of premises must take reasonable measures to guard against fire and to protect people if one occurs. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 places wider duties on employers to manage workplace risks.
Talk to Safer Solutions
A fire risk assessment looks at your premises, your people and the way you work, and gives you a clear written action list. Call us on 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie for a friendly, no-obligation chat. See our fire risk assessments in Ireland and our fire and legionella guides.