If you are in a restaurant and there is a fire, do you know what to do to avoid being injured or suffering burn injuries? You may think it is as simple as running from the restaurant but it is not always that easy. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have already been in this situation, have been injured, and require the help of a personal injury attorney.
Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
OSHA, which is an association that is in charge of enforcing safety standards for the workplace, requires that all restaurant employees have training on how to use a fire extinguisher but if you are in an emergency situation, knowing how to use it yourself can be the difference between life and death. Just pull the pin, aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle of it, and then sweep in a back and forth motion until the fire is out.
Note that is only for smaller fires or a fire that you need to make a path through. If there is a larger, out of control fire, you cannot stop it with a fire extinguisher. In that situation, get out and call the authorities.
Gas Leaks and Explosions Can Be Extremely Dangerous
If there is a gas leak, it is likely the result of equipment that has been poorly maintained or poorly fitted. Signs of this type of issue include dizziness, bad smells, and lightheadedness. If large amounts of gas get into a restaurant, they can cause people to become unconscious and can cause death. Some gas leaks, such as those involving methane or carbon dioxide, can be very serious.
These gas leaks can also lead to fires when the gas is ignited. This is why if someone in a restaurant expects a leak, they should not flip a light switch, use a garage door opener, or even use a cellphone as it has the potential to set off an explosion.
Fires in the Kitchen
It is possible for a fire to occur anywhere in a restaurant but it is often the kitchen in which it happens. This is why kitchens have specific safety instructions they must follow. For example, there are steps that they are required to take to prevent slips, fall, cuts, and chemical burns. If you are invited into a commercial kitchen, decline unless you have slip-resistant shoes.
In the event you are injured in a fire one someone else’s property, whether a person or a business, you may have grounds to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation to learn more.
