Restaurant Fire Prevention

The Department of Fire Services and the Division of Public Licensure have issued this guidance to building and fire officials about safety in the re-opening of restaurants and use of outside spaces. It talks about means of egress, temporary structures, temporary tents, calculating occupancy load (which impacts the means of egress needed), fuel storage for heating and cooking equipment, indoor barriers for COVID-19 separation, and the storage of hand sanitizer (which is flammable). These are difficult enough times, but make sure fire and life safety are part of your re-opening plan. 

There are many fire prevention regulations that cover issues such as commercial cooking equipment cleaning and inspections, fire suppression systems in kitchens, exit signs and emergency lighting, rubbish handling, flammability of decorations, drapes and furniture, crowd manager requirements, fire lanes, and general housekeeping.

Fire Prevention in Restaurants is a pamphlet that provides an overview of the fire prevention regulations for restaurants in English , Portuguese, and Chinese .

CO and CO2 for Restaurants: - Currently, the Massachusetts State Fire and Building Codes do not require restaurants to install carbon monoxide (by-product of combustion) or carbon dioxide (used for carbonation) detection in restaurants. This CO and CO2 for Restaurants pamphlet summarizes steps restaurants can take to protect workers and patrons from those dangerous invisible gases.

Commercial cooking exhaust hoods require inspection and cleaning by someone who holds a certificate of competency (aka “license”) from the State Fire Marshal. The regulation sets the frequency of inspection and the inspector determines if cleaning is required. For more information on the regulation or the licensing process.

Before hiring someone for this work, check that they are licensed hood cleaners and pay by check when the work is completed. Be cautious about hiring people who approach you, before you contact them. 

As of January 1, 2018, the hood cleaning companies must also have a license (certificate of registration) from the state fire marshal as well as the individuals performing the work. Before hiring a company, check that they are licensed as well.

On May 15, 2020, new penalties took effect for performing work that requires a license after it has been suspended or revoked, and for unlicensed individuals who falsely represent themselves as licensed to perform work regulated by the State Fire Code. Additional changes hold companies responsible for knowingly allowing their employees to falsely represent themselves as valid license holders.

A trained crowd manager is needed in facilities that feature entertainment by a live band or recorded music generating above normal sound levels and which have specific areas designated for dancing. Be sure to discuss this with your local fire department. Read this pamphlet that summarizes the requirement and explains the duties. For more information go to our webpage on Crowd Managers.

We offer a free online Crowd Manager Training Program.