Fire Prevention in Coffee Roasteries

Fire risks are inherent in coffee roasteries due to high temperatures, combustible materials, and reliance on gas-powered equipment. Implementing fire prevention strategies protects staff, customers, and equipment while ensuring compliance with local safety standards.  See our article on Fire Safety Procedures for an in-depth look at how to manage roaster fires when they occure, but more importantly, how to prevent them from happening altogether.

Key Practices

• Gas Safety:

  • Always close gas valves when the roaster is not in use to minimize the risk of leaks.
  • Ensure gas connections are installed and maintained by certified professionals.
  • Perform regular gas leak checks

• Certified Installations:

  • For insurance purposes and safety compliance, ensure your gas, ventilation, and electrical installations are signed off by certified installers in accordance with local regulations.
  • Do not try to do everything yourself.  Professionals with years of experience can spot a problem long before they even happen, so be sure to use your local professionals from time to time: chimney sweeps, gas installers, electricians, roasting consulants and of course Genio Roasters' technical support channels.

• Common Fire Risks:

  • Neglecting Roasting Beans: Never leave roasting beans unattended, as this can lead to bean fires in the drum.
  • Loss of Electrical Power: Power outages mid-roast can create dangerous conditions. Consider installing a UPS system in areas prone to power cuts.
  • Chaff Buildup: Regularly clean the chaff collector and cyclone to prevent fires caused by smoldering chaff.
  • Blocked Chimneys: Chimney blockages pose the highest fire risk. Schedule routine cleanings with a professional chimney sweep.

• Equipment Maintenance:

  • Inspect and clean fans, chimneys, and ventilation systems regularly to prevent overheating or blockages.
  • Monitor drum alignment to ensure beans do not fall through gaps, potentially igniting fires.

• Emergency Readiness:

  • Keep a CO₂ fire extinguisher within 2 meters of the roaster. Avoid powder extinguishers, as the residue can contaminate equipment and are difficult to clean.
  • Post an emergency evacuation plan prominently on the wall, and clearly mark all exits to assist during smoke-related evacuations.
  • Train staff in fire safety protocols, including the use of fire extinguishers and emergency shutdown procedures.

• Other Preventative Measures:

  • Install an air quality sensor to detect excessive smoke, gas leaks, or COX/NOX levels.
  • Avoid excessive fan speeds during roasting, as this can pull beans into the chaff bucket, causing embers to ignite the chaff.
  • Ensure no flammable materials, such as thatch roofs, wood paneling, or decorations, are near the roaster.
  • Understand the fire triangle: oxygen (provided by the fan), fuel (beans), and heat (burner). Removing any one of these elements will extinguish a fire.

Summary

Preventing fires in a coffee roastery requires vigilance, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols. By addressing common risks, training staff, and equipping your roastery with the necessary tools and knowledge, you can create a safer environment for everyone.
For a deeper dive into fire safety, see our comprehensive Fire Safety guide.

References

• Genio 6 Precision User Manual
• Typhoon Coffee: Coffee Roaster Safety Inspections
• Perfect Daily Grind: Creating a Safe Coffee Roastery