In the restaurant industry, ensuring fire safety is a top priority, especially in large chains and high-traffic establishments. The compartmentalization of risk areas is a key measure to contain potential fires, protect occupants, and minimize damage to the facilities. To achieve this, it is essential to implement efficient and discreet solutions, such as fire curtains and smoke control curtains, which allow compartmentalization without altering the aesthetic or operability of the restaurant.
What is compartmentalization and why is it essential in restaurants?
Compartmentalization is a fire protection measure that divides a building into independent compartments using barriers designed to contain the fire and prevent its spread. In restaurants, this strategy is particularly relevant due to the diversity of critical areas, such as industrial kitchens, storage rooms, and service zones, which pose specific risks in case of fire.
In large restaurant chains, where the facilities are extensive and the flow of people is constant, implementing adequate compartmentalization is essential for managing risk effectively. This measure allows for addressing the specific characteristics of each space, such as high occupancy density or simultaneous operations in different areas, ensuring a safer environment prepared for contingencies.
Critical areas to compartmentalize in restaurants
In a restaurant, risk areas are not limited to a single space; each zone has its own characteristics and challenges in terms of fire safety. Below, we explore the main areas that should be prioritized in any effective compartmentalization plan.
Industrial kitchens
Industrial kitchens are the operational epicenter of a restaurant and also the area with the highest fire risk. The presence of high-powered cooking equipment, accumulated fats, and flammable oils makes these spaces require special protection.
According to the Basic Fire Safety Document (DB-SI) (CTE), kitchens with an installed power of over 20 kW must be established as independent fire sectors. In this regard, fire curtains play a key role, as they offer an effective barrier against flames and gases without compromising the restaurant’s aesthetics.
Unlike traditional fire walls, fire curtains are retractable elements, meaning they remain hidden until activated in the event of a fire. This allows restaurants to maintain their interior design intact, without the need for visible structures that alter the customer experience.
Storage and loading areas
Storage and loading areas contain combustible materials such as packaged food, paper, and cleaning products. A fire in these spaces can spread quickly, affecting inventory and infrastructure.
In many restaurants, storage and loading areas are often part of an open space with the kitchen or service areas. The installation of mobile fire curtains allows for effective compartmentalization of these spaces without altering the layout of the venue, ensuring that fire protection does not affect the restaurant’s operability or design.
Service areas and access zones
Service areas and access zones are key to the restaurant’s operability and evacuation in case of an emergency. Unlike kitchens or storage areas, these spaces present a lower fire risk, as their main function is to facilitate the flow of people and space distribution. However, their proper compartmentalization can contribute to improving safety and evacuation efficiency.
In these spaces, curtains not only act as barriers in case of fire but can also serve as orientation elements, helping to guide occupants to emergency exits. Their installation in strategic locations allows the signage of evacuation routes without interfering with the restaurant’s daily operations.
To ensure a safe and efficient evacuation, it is essential that fire curtains do not obstruct the flow of people. Under normal conditions, they remain hidden, ensuring that hallways and access points are completely clear. They only activate in the event of a fire, limiting the passage of flames and preventing the spread of smoke to transit areas.
Advantages of fire curtains in restaurants
Tecnitex fire curtains provide an advanced solution for fire compartmentalization in restaurants without compromising aesthetics, operability, or space efficiency. Below, we explore in detail the benefits they bring to hospitality establishments.
Integration with restaurant architecture and design
Restaurants invest in design and architecture to create spaces that convey a unique identity and offer a memorable experience to customers. This is why fire curtains present a great opportunity, as they do not affect the aesthetics or layout of the venue.
When not in use, they remain hidden in the false ceiling or integrated into the building’s structure. This allows fire protection to coexist harmoniously with the interior design of the restaurant, without creating visual interruptions or affecting the sense of space. In the event of a fire, they deploy automatically, ensuring compartmentalization without the need for permanent physical barriers.
Flexibility and versatility for different spaces
Each restaurant has areas with varying levels of risk, from kitchens and storage areas to hallways and service zones. Tecnitex fire curtains adapt to the needs of each area, allowing for efficient compartmentalization without architectural restrictions.
As mobile solutions, they can be installed in any part of the restaurant without altering its original layout. This is especially useful in high-turnover venues or open spaces, where fixed compartmentalization could limit the functionality of the business. Their flexibility makes them an optimal alternative for restaurants looking to optimize their protection without compromising operability.
Absence of permanent physical barriers
One of the main problems with traditional compartmentalization methods is that they impose permanent physical boundaries, which can affect staff circulation and the customer experience. With fire curtains, this limitation disappears, as they only activate when necessary.
This is crucial in restaurants where the flow of people and operations is constant. During normal operations, the curtains remain retracted, allowing smooth interaction between different areas. In the event of an emergency, they deploy quickly, creating safe compartments without disrupting the space’s dynamics.
Protection tailored to the risk level of each zone
Not all areas of a restaurant require the same level of fire protection. While kitchens and storage areas present a higher risk, service zones and access points have a more operational function. This is why our engineering service is responsible for analyzing all areas of the restaurant and offering a tailored project based on your needs.
Key regulatory aspects for compartmentalization in restaurants
Compliance with current regulations is crucial to ensuring fire safety in restaurants. Compartmentalization must be carried out using certified systems that meet the requirements set out in the Technical Building Code (CTE) and European passive fire protection standards.
Fire resistance classification of compartmentalization systems
Fire protection systems must meet a fire resistance classification according to UNE-EN 13501-2. This standard establishes different categories based on their ability to contain fire, heat, and thermal radiation. First, E (Integrity): ensures that the barrier prevents flames and gases from passing to the other side of the curtain. Second, EI (Integrity + Thermal Insulation): in addition to blocking flames, it reduces heat transmission to prevent the ignition of materials in the unexposed area.
Finally, EW (Integrity + Thermal Radiation Reduction): limits the emission of radiant heat to other sectors of the building, reducing the risk of fire spread through radiation.
For restaurants, the choice of an appropriate classification depends on the area to be protected. For example, in industrial kitchens with a high fire risk, an EI classification is recommended, ensuring both structural integrity and thermal insulation.
Applicable regulations for fire curtains in restaurants
Fire curtains must undergo fire resistance testing certified under EN 1634-1, which determines their ability to contain fire and toxic gases for a specified period. In most cases, a minimum resistance of 120 minutes is required, ensuring effective compartmentalization in critical areas of the restaurant.
Furthermore, in Europe, it is mandatory for these products to have the CE marking, which certifies their compliance with the safety and quality standards defined in EN 16034. This marking not only validates the fire resistance of the curtain but also requires factory production control (FPC) to ensure the product’s performance is maintained over time.
If you have a new restaurant project and would like to know more about compartmentalization solutions, feel free to contact us.