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Fire safety is crucial in the restaurant industry due to high foot traffic, flammable materials, and intense cooking activities. This case study explores integrating fire hazard prevention strategies within the interior design of a bustling urban restaurant, aiming for a safe yet aesthetically pleasing dining environment.

In the restaurant industry, ensuring the safety of patrons and staff is paramount, not only for regulatory compliance but also for maintaining a positive reputation and customer trust. The hypothetical bistro in this study faced several challenges: a high volume of guests, close proximity of dining areas to the kitchen, and the need to meet stringent fire safety standards without compromising the ambiance and functionality of the space.

The approach taken in this case study involved a comprehensive strategy that addressed material selection, layout and space planning, ventilation systems, emergency equipment and signage. By using fire-resistant materials, a restaurant can minimize the risk of fire spreading through furnishings and finishes. Careful layout planning can ensure clear pathways and adequate separation between high-risk kitchen areas and dining spaces, facilitating quick evacuation if necessary. Additionally, the installation of efficient ventilation systems plays a crucial role in managing smoke and heat, enhancing air quality and safety during an incident. Marked exits, emergency lighting, and advanced fire suppression systems provide further layers of protection. Regular staff training and fire drills ensured that all employees should be prepared to respond effectively in an emergency, reducing panic and improving overall safety. Lasly, you should always hire an experienced restaurant interior designer near you for ensuring both the aesthetics and safety of your restaurant.  

Through these measures, a restaurant can not only enhance its fire safety profile but also create a reassuring environment for customers and staff. This case study highlights the importance of proactive fire hazard prevention in restaurant design, demonstrating how thoughtful integration of safety measures can achieve a balance between aesthetics and security.

Fire Hazard Prevention with Restaurant Interior Design

Background

A recent case of death by fire hazard in a restaurant was filed. According to Dhaka Tribune’s news article, What do we know about Baily Road fire case? discussed the Baily Road incident. On Thursday night, 29th February 2024, a sudden fire spread out at Bailey Road’s Green Cozy Cottage building. This resulted in at least 46 deaths and 20 severely injured.  

Problem

There are two key problems regarding this case study. 

1. Restaurant fire hazard is a common problem for any restaurant in Bangladesh. 
2. Negligence to implement any fire protection system for their restaurant interior design. 

Let us go through the Bailey Road fire incident news articles to understand the reasons for these key problems. 

• According to Dhaka Tribune’s news article, What do we know about Bailey Road fire case? explores the three main reasons for the Bailey Road fire incident. Firstly, there was an illegal business operating in that building. Secondly, Gas cylinders were stored carelessly. It is reported that the explosion of gas cylinder in the “Cha Chumuk” restaurant triggered the fire. Lastly, it was originally constructed as a residential complex. They also lacked the fire service office’s permission. 
• According to the Daily Star’s news article In Pictures: Bailey Road Fire explained the reason for so many casualties is that there were no fire exits and many took the only stairs that were already engulfed in flames. The flames soon reached on the rooftops and many jumped from there. So, there were no fire extinguishers, fire exit stairs, or firefighting equipment. 
• According to the Daily Star news article Bailey Road Fire: Leaking Gas, shorted kettle to blame mentioned that the deadly fire emerged from the short circuit of a kettle from “Cha Chumuk” restaurant. 

So, who are responsible for these key problems?

• Dhaka Tribune’s news article, What do we know about Baily Road fire case? mentioned that Ramna police station Sub-Inspector Shahidul Islam filed the case on Friday night, charged the accused with causing it was a case of “death by negligence and attempted murder”. The accused were the building owner Amin Mohammad Group, Anwarul Haque (29); owner of “Chumuk Fast Food”, Munshi Hamimul Alam Bipul (40); the building’s manager, and Sohel Siraj (34); owner of “Kacchi Bhai” restaurant. 
• As a matter of fact, many other restaurants in Bangladesh were investigated and found guilty of not having any fire protection system. The Daily Star news article Fire Hazards: 6 restaurants, buildings sealed off in the capital mentioned the names of the restaurants that violated the rules. Rajdhani Unnayan Katripokkha (Rajuk) team shut down 4 restaurants: “Nababi Bhoj”, “Sultan’s Dine”, “Roaster Café”, and “Pizza Mastan”. Rajuk team also imposed Tk 1 lakh fine on “Swiss Bakery” and Tk 2 lakh fine on “Capital Siraj Canter Shopping Mall”. 
• A mobile court sealed off a 12-story building called “Sky View Nightingle Tower” in Khilgaon, Taltola which also had restaurants on every floor with no owners or papers of approval. 
• Dhaka North City Corporation shut down 2 eateries and imposed fines on 8 others in Gulshan, Batara, and Mirpur. 
• Dhaka Metropolitan Police raided 455 restaurants and 104 LPG shops, and three chemical warehouses. They filed five cases for various violations including lack of fire safety measures. 

Evaluation of the Case 

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s “Structure Fires in Eating and Drinking Establishments”, the causes of restaurant fires are 5% intentional, 7% smoking materials, 7% electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 10% heating equipment, 57% cooking equipment, etc. 

According to the Business Standard news article, Bailey Road fire is not an accident, it is the result of our actions, the expense for a sufficient fire protection system is only 30% of what a restaurant spends on interior decoration. 

In the case of the Bailey Road fire incident, it was intentional negligence and attempted murder by not spending a penny on any fire protection system in the whole 8-story building. The accused group of people wanted to have an illegal business by renting out restaurants on every floor of that building despite knowing it was a residential complex. It is a well-known fact that residential complexes are not built like commercial buildings. Harboring restaurants full of flammable materials on each floor made it a ticking time bomb.    

Possible Solutions

Material Selection

• Fire Resistant Materials: Interior finishes and furnishings should be chosen for their fire-resistant properties. Upholstery and curtains should be treated with flame-retardant coatings to minimize fire spread. Some fire-resistant materials are: stainless steel, glass, marble, fire-retardant wood, fire-retardant fabric, paints, and coatings. 

Layout and Space Planning

• Clear Pathways: Ensure clear pathways and unobstructed exits throughout the dining area to facilitate safe evacuation in case of emergencies. 
• Keep Fire Routes Free:  Design an emergency fire route through which people can easily run away in case of emergencies. 
• Separation from Kitchen: Design a layout that creates a sufficient buffer zone between the kitchen and dining areas, reducing the risk of kitchen fires affecting guests.  

Ventilation Systems 

• Cooking Exhaust System: Install a high-quality exhaust system to remove heat, smoke, and smell. This system can suck out gas leakage and other flammable material leakage from the kitchen. 
• Ventilation Fan:  Installing high-quality ventilation systems not only to improve air quality but also to mitigate the accumulation of smoke in case of a fire incident. This system helps regulate temperature by drawing in outdoor cool air, reducing indoor temperature, and keeping the overall humidity under control.   

Emergency Equipment and Signage

• Cooking Fire Extinguishing System: A cooking fire extinguishing system has carbon dioxide (CO2) in a steel container. Install it in the kitchen interior design. If a fire breaks out, the system spreads in the area and limits the oxygen flow to reduce the fire.        
• Fire Extinguishing Ball: A fire extinguisher ball has a special gas called Monaommonium phosphate (MOP). If it comes in contact to fire, it explodes automatically and creates short-time smoke that isn’t harmful to the human body. It controls fire smoke perfectly.  
• Standpipe Systems: The standpipe system is made for firefighting purposes. Design several output lines to allow water to flow whenever there’s a fire hazard. It can be attached to the wall of the building or concealed within the building.  
• Water Sprinkler System: The water sprinkler system allows heavy pressure water supply through the pipe and a sprikler device connected to the different points of the pipe. The fire sprinkler or water sprinkler system is installed in industries like garments, chemical industries, hotels, and other commercial buildings.It is important to implement it for restaurant interior design. Although it can easily control the fire, it cannot control the smoke.  
• Fire Alarm System: A fire alarm system consists of a detector, a control panel, and a notification mechanism. Some fire alarms have communication options that automatically trigger whenever it detects fire. Thus it is a must for any restaurant interior design.   
• Automatic Fire Suppression System: This system can automatically extinguish fire without human engagement. This system consists of some valuable devices such as a water sprinkler, sensor, fire notification sensor and smoke or heat detector. Every restaurant interior should have this system in the kitchen to prevent fire hazard.   
• Bulk Carbon Dioxide Beverage System: The bulk carbon dioxide beverage system uses a bulk container to store pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbon dioxide beverage systems are used in areas where water isn’t suitable for firefighting such as electrical areas. This system is often used in shopping malls, hotels, high-rise buildings, server rooms, restaurants, and other sensitive environments. 
• Flammable Materials in Safe Zones: Design a safe zone in the restaurant to store flammable materials such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), paints, alcohol, and others.  
• Flammable Materials Precautions: Use stickers and banners with fire and danger signs.for flammable items such as oil, gas, and electric distribution. Use “No smoking” signs in certain areas for creating awareness in the restaurant.    

Lastly, apart from restaurant interior design, the restaurant owner, manager and stuffs need to be trained by conducting fire drills and educating about fire prevention measures through awareness programs.  

Recommendations 

According to Business Standard’s news article Bailey Road fire is not an accident, it is a result of our actions provided some recommendations for restaurant owners to prevent fire hazards in restaurants. Such as: 

• Build the restaurant according to the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC). 
• Maintain proper fire exits with fire doors, emergency lighting, fire alarms, and fire hydrant systems. 
• Install automatic water sprinkler system. 
• Install wet chemical-type kitchen suppression systems for kitchen hoods. 
• Store cooking oil, LPG gas, and other flammable items in separate zones. It also requires permission to do so. 
• A refuge area in a multi-story building is required to take shelter in case of a fire accident. 
• Use proper ventilation and fire-rated dampers in central HVAC ducts. 
• Use CO2 or ABC powder extinguishers with a minimum capacity of 6 kg per 550 square feet area. 
• Use wet chemical extinguishers for class K fires (cooking oil/fat). 
• Regularly maintain and check electrical and safety equipment. 

Restaurant Interior Designers Near Me 

Start by searching for restaurant interior designers near me online. Ask for recommendations from your colleagues. Check out the designers’ portfolios and client reviews on social media.  

Muhammad Ariful Islam is the CEO and Principal Interior Architect of Zero Inch Interiors Ltd. is an experienced and portfolio-heavy interior design company in Bangladesh. The designers of this company have 10+ years of experience. They have worked with many clients in Dhaka, Bangladesh, especially for prestigious areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, Dhanmondi, Bashundhara, and Baridhara. He and his team of professionals have designed and renovated interior designs of Restaurants, Apartments, Commercial offices, etc. Some of their biggest projects include the Brissie Estate Corporate Office, Mainland Headwear Holdings Limited., Opulent Elegance Apartment, and the British Aid Home Association (BAGHA) Club renovation, etc. Check out their valued client reviews on their official YouTube channel.  

Conclusion

Effective fire hazard prevention in restaurant interior design requires a holistic approach that considers both aesthetic appeal and safety standards. By carefully selecting materials, planning layouts, installing adequate ventilation and suppression systems, and ensuring staff readiness, restaurants can significantly mitigate fire risks while maintaining an inviting ambiance for guests. This case study underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in enhancing overall restaurant operations and customer satisfaction. 

FAQ  

Q1.  Why is fire hazard prevention important in restaurant interior design? 

Ans. Fire hazard prevention is crucial in restaurant interior design to ensure the safety of patrons and staff, comply with local fire safety regulations, and protect the property from potential fire damage. Proper measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and enhance the overall dining experience. 

Q2. What materials are recommended for fire-resistant restaurant interiors?

Ans. Materials such as fire-resistant upholstery, flame-retardant treated fabrics for curtains and drapes, non-combustible wall and ceiling panels, and fire-rated flooring are recommended. These materials help to slow down or prevent the spread of fire within the restaurant.  Some fire-resistant materials are stainless steel, glass, marble, fire-retardant wood, fire-retardant fabric, paints, and coatings. 

Q3. How can the layout of a restaurant help in fire hazard prevention? 

Ans. A well-planned layout can ensure clear and unobstructed pathways for quick evacuation. Separating dining areas from the kitchen with a buffer zone can reduce the risk of fire spreading from cooking areas to dining spaces. Additionally, strategically placing exits and ensuring they are easily accessible is vital. 

Q4. What role do ventilation systems play in fire safety?

Ans. Ventilation systems help to manage smoke and heat, improving air quality and visibility during a fire incident. Efficient ventilation can prevent smoke accumulation, which can be hazardous to customers and staff, and assist in maintaining a safer environment until the evacuation is complete.

Q5. What emergency equipment and signage should be installed in a restaurant for fire safety?

Ans. Restaurants should have marked exit signs, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and automatic fire suppression systems, particularly in high-risk areas like the kitchen. These tools are essential for early fire detection and suppression, guiding safe evacuation.

Q6. How can the integration of fire safety measures impact a restaurant’s reputation?

Ans. Integrating fire safety measures demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of customers and staff, enhancing the restaurant’s reputation as a responsible and safe establishment. It can increase customer trust and loyalty, as guests feel assured of their safety while dining. 

Q7. What are the common fire safety regulations that restaurants need to comply with?

Ans. Common fire safety regulations include maintaining clear and accessible exits, installing and maintaining fire detection and suppression systems, using fire-resistant materials, conducting regular fire drills, and adhering to occupancy limits. Compliance with these regulations is necessary for obtaining operational permits and avoiding legal penalties. 

Q8. How can regular maintenance contribute to fire safety in a restaurant?

Ans. Regular maintenance of fire safety equipment, ventilation systems, and electrical installations ensures that all safety measures are functioning correctly. Routine checks can identify potential hazards early, allowing for timely repairs and preventing fire incidents.