Hopkinton Fire Department

HOPKINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Safety Inspection Checklist for Cooking Establishments Operating at the Hopkinton, NH State Fair Grounds

The following fire safety checklist is used for all cooking establishments that wish to operate in the Town of Hopkinton.

Inspections and Permits

  • All Cooking establishments shall be inspected by the Hopkinton Fire Department prior to cooking
  • A Permit to Operate will be issued to establishments complying with these established regulations.
  • Establishments found to be in non-compliance of the regulations will not be issued a Permit to Operate. Establishments discovered in operation without a valid permit will be instructed to immediately cease

General Requirements for Mobile and Temporary Cooking Operations:

Cooking equipment used in the processes producing smoke or grease-laden vapors shall be equipped with an exhaust system that complies with the requirements of NFPA 96 as listed below.

The following equipment shall be kept in working condition:

  • Cooking equipment
  • Hoods
  • Ducts (if applicable)
  • Fans
  • Fire-extinguishing equipment.
  • Special effluent or energy control equipment

If the heat source is nonelectric and open flames are used, at least one listed carbon monoxide (CO) detector shall be installed within the cooking establishment.

Operations using Liquified Petroleum Gas shall be equipped with a gas leak detector.

Mobile or temporary cooking operations shall be separated from other establishments or buildings by no less than 10 feet.

When the mobile unit is parked, the unit shall be stabilized so that it will not move, either by jacking the unit off the ground or placing wheel chocks around the wheels.

LP Gas Equipment and Installations:

  • All commercial cooking equipment shall be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the NH State Fire Code, NFPA96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, and NFPA 58: Liquified Petroleum Gas Code (if applicable).
  • Liquified Propane Gas (LPG), Electric, and Charcoal type cooking appliances are the only equipment allowed for use at the Hopkinton State Fair.
  • Residential cooking equipment used in commercial operations shall not be considered commercial equipment.
  • Cooking equipment shall be used in a fixed location.
  • All LPG Gas tanks shall be securely attached to the building or cooking establishment utilizing a metal chain, cable, or other non-combustible material.
  • All LPG tanks, in use or in storage must be stored and secured in the upright position to prevent accidental tipping.
  • Placement of cooking fuels (LPG Tanks, Charcoal, etc.) in use or being stored must be a minimum of 10 Feet from any cooking equipment, ignition point, or any structure to include tents. Hopkinton Fire Department reserves the right for final approval of tank and charcoal placement.
  • Storage of empty or unused cylinders is not permitted in any vehicle, trailer, or confined space.
  • All LPG operated equipment connections, piping, and electronics shall meet the requirement of the State of NH Fire code.
  • All gas pipe installations except for self-contained mobile units must be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

Electrical Connections/Installations

  • All electrical installations shall be in accordance with the NH State Fire Code and NFPA70 National Electric Code and shall be connected by a State of NH licensed electrician.
  • All flexible cordage, including extension cords, shall be of sufficient gauge and amperage to carry the intended load. Flexible cords cannot have any splices, cuts, or repairs.
  • Any electrical receptacle, or electrical equipment accessible to the general public shall be
  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected.
  • Generators shall be installed and operated in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC) 250.
  • Generators in use shall be a minimum of 12 feet from any building and shall not be located within any exit path or constitute a hazard to pedestrian traffic or emergency egress.

Fire Suppression

  • All concession stands intended for cooking, fixed or mobile shall be equipped with 1 (one) portable ABC (Dry Chemical) Fire Extinguisher of 10 Pound capacity or more, and 1 (one) water extinguisher of 2.5 gallon or more capacity.
  • Class K fire extinguishers shall be provided for cooking appliance hazards that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable oils and animal oils and fats).
  • All Portable Fire Extinguishers must show proper identification, and proper tags illustrating inspection within one year.
  • Portable Fire Extinguishers shall be readily accessible and available for emergency use.
  • All enclosed, fixed cooking establishments shall be equipped with means to exhaust cooking and fuel vapors. Construction of the hood assembly shall be from materials that are non- combustible (Steel or Stainless Steel) and must be approved by the Fire Inspector. The Hood system must be equipped with an automatic fire suppression system that is certified and inspected within the proper date to the NFPA 96 Standard.
  • Required cleaning and maintenance of the hood system and grease trap will be performed daily.

Tents usage as Concession/Cooking areas

  • Concession stands utilizing Tents shall be manufactured from Flame Retardant materials in accordance with NFPA 701 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films.
  • Proof that the tent is Fire Retardant rated and proof of the date of manufacture of the tent is required.
  • All Tents shall be set up in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • All Tents will be assembled by trained personnel. Documentation of training is required.

Decorative Materials

  • All materials used for decoration within the concession stand shall be flame resistant.
  • The Hopkinton Fire Department reserves the right to determine decorative materials use and placement for fire and life safety.

Means of Egress

All concession stands and cooking establishments will maintain a clear means of egress for employees working within the work areas and that they are free from trip hazards.

The Hopkinton Fire Department reserves the right to order any operation to cease cooking operations if any safety or fire violation of these regulations occurs.

The Hopkinton Fire Department is here to make your experience at the Hopkinton State Fair fire safe and enjoyable. Please contact the Hopkinton Fire Department with any questions regarding the permit process or inspections at (603) 746-3181.  Business hours are from 8am – 4pm, Monday through Friday.