Safety always comes first. In the fast-paced retail sector, design and construction is implemented at high speed. Solutions to MEPF design challenges, such as high-quality HVAC heat load calculations, fire detection and alarm system design, need to keep pace. As technological innovations arise across the board and an increasing number of patrons return to restaurants and other food chain outlets, new methods of fire safety are being implemented.

One such fire suppression system is protecting food service kitchens effectively. It knocks down flames, cools hot surfaces and generates vapour-securing blankets. Utilising a flexible design, it effectively uses a low pH liquid agent to prevent re-ignition. In the process of fire suppression, it protects ventilation systems, hoods, ducts, filters and plenums. It is designed to protect spaces with ventilating system equipment, auxiliary grease extraction equipment and cooking equipment.

Thus, fast food chains, retail food courts in malls, diners, catering facilities, hotels, casinos, stadiums, schools, hospitals and other establishments have a new, safe alternative for their fire protection design.

For restaurants and retail food chains with large commercial kitchens, it is essential to have robust MEP services design to handle high volumes of work and provide reassurance. Just outside the kitchen areas, diners require a well-ventilated, safe and secure environment. For a successful business venture, excellent customer service must provide a quality product and do so in reassuring surroundings. This is a sector where the technological expertise and experience of MEP designers and consultants is crucial.

Fire Protection Systems

One way to improve customer safety is to install a reliable fire protection system in the premises. The right system will ensure the safety of human life and protect physical assets during a fire.

Sensors

A food temperature sensor can improve restaurant and retail food chain safety. It will continuously monitor the temperature and power status of kitchen equipment. An increase in power or a sudden loss of power will trigger the sensor, which will then notify the relevant person of the new status. A quick reaction can save lives and large quantities of food from becoming unusable.

Fire Alarms

Fire alarms alert diners in every part of a restaurant or retail food chain outlet to the existence of a fire. A fire alarm is also useful to monitor such food outlets late at night. In case of a fire at such a time and empty premises, fire alarm monitoring systems can alert the local fire department.

Fire Sprinklers

Fire sprinkler systems can help suppress fires and prevent extensive damage to restaurant and food chain equipment. A fire’s heat activates a sprinkler system, which douses a fire before it spreads.

Fire Extinguishers

Placed throughout retail food chains and close to flammable products, fire extinguishers can mean the difference between life and death. Typically, fire extinguishers can douse fires originating from flammable liquids, electronic equipment and burning paper or plastic, all extensively available in a food chain outlet.

Trusted and experienced MEP consultants can provide MEP BIM services to help create MEP 3D models and provide to accurately represent fire suppression and fire protections systems. Using their expertise in building design and engineering, fire protection system design, fire sprinkler system design and other building engineering design services, MEP consultants can create precise and accurate design drawings and documentaion to help protect retail food chains from fire risks.