No matter how careful you and your employees are, your business may still experience an unforeseen injury to a customer on your property, from a meal you prepared or possibly an employee who has imbibed a little too much. You may also experience a robbery. This section describes some common and not so common hazards found in restaurants which may cause your business a financial loss.

Consider each hazard and determine if you have reduced your potential to loss by implementing safe operating practices and providing appropriate training to your employees.

The principal hazard in most restaurants is fire. A restaurant fire has the potential of a total loss to the building and contents, significant business income loss, and injury or loss of life. Common causes of a restaurant fire include:

• Grease buildup leading to kitchen fires

• Inadequate or infrequent cleaning of hoods, ducts, filters, deep fat fryers and fans

• Absence of automatic and manual fuel cutoff valves

• Improperly extinguished cigarettes and candles

• Inadequate wiring or other electrical defects

• Overheated motors in refrigeration and air conditioning units