Safety Alert - Toaster Fire Safety
News
Posted on Thursday 28 May 2026
There has been a recent increase in fires from toasters across the University. All users should be aware how to use toasters safely in designated fire-rated kitchen areas.
To help prevent fire risks, all toasters must be cleaned, tested, and checked regularly.
In Case of a Fire
- Isolate power if safe to do so.
- Use a suitable fire extinguisher/fire blanket, if trained to do so.
- Leave the room, closing any doors and windows if safe to do so.
- Raise the alarm and leave the building.
- Never use water on electrical fires.
Before Toaster Use
- Ensure that the toaster is being used within a Fire-rated kitchen that has suitable fire detection.
- Keep the toaster clear of combustible materials.
- Never leave the toaster unattended while operating.
- Ensure that the toaster is on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Crumb trays must be emptied regularly to prevent crumb and seed build-up.
Items not to be placed in Toasters
- Foil or metal objects.
- Greasy or buttered products.
- Packaging or wrappers.
- Oversized or thick items that may become stuck.
- Products too small to remove safely.
- Frozen products unless the toaster is designed for them.
- Do not force items into the toaster.
Cleaning and Testing of Toasters
To clean a toaster
- Switch off and unplug.
- Allow to cool.
- Empty crumb tray and remove loose crumbs.
- Wipe exterior with a damp cloth.
- Never use metal objects or water inside the toaster.
After cleaning, carry out a functional “pop test” to ensure that the toaster is dry:
Pop Test
- Bread carriage should lower and lock correctly.
- Elements heat evenly.
- Bread carriage pops up within the allotted time.
- There should be no smoke, sparks, or burning smell.
Additional checks
- Check for damage to the plug, cable and casing.
- Check all controllers and timer’s function.
- Check that a PAT testing label is present and in date.
Immediately remove the toaster from service if it fails any of these tests.