The majority of restaurant fires originate on the kitchen cooking appliances and flare into the kitchen exhaust system. Regular maintenance of a restaurant's kitchen exhaust system is one of the primary defenses against fire hazards. By keeping these systems working at their best, they will evacuate the smoke and grease out of the building and produce a cleaner kitchen and better working environment for staff.

When contracting for cleaning services, it is important to ensure you get a complete cleaning of your entire system. Some contractors offer a "hood cleaning" service which does not include the ductwork or rooftop fan. While such services may keep the interior of the kitchen looking sharp, they do little to secure fire safety and reduce health threats. Only a complete cleaning of the system-from the hood in the kitchen to the fan on the roof-will reduce the risk of kitchen fires and ensure compliance with fire regulations.

Restaurant kitchen exhaust systems, according to National Fire Protection Association Standard 96 should be inspected by a properly trained, qualified and certified company or individual. NFPA 96 has established minimum frequencies for the inspection of systems but based on the type or volume of cooking the inspections may be required more often. While a low-volume cooking establishment shall be inspected annually, high-volume operations such as fast food or charbroiling or solid fuel cooking operations may require monthly, or even weekly inspections. If the system is found to be contaminated the entire exhaust system shall be cleaned. During peak seasons the frequency of inspections and cleaning should be increased.

All Professional kitchen exhaust cleaning companies should supply you with a "Certificate of Performance." NFPA codes require this Certificate to be posted near the hood, much like the tag on your fire system. The Certificate should state the date the system was cleaned and expiration date, as well as noting if there are inaccessible areas in the system. 

BENEFITS OF REGULARLY PERFORMED, PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN EXHAUST CLEANING

• Reduced risk of kitchen fires.

• Enhanced working environment for kitchen staff.

• Improved ventilation for smoke and odor removal.

• Lower insurance premiums offered by some insurance companies.

• Compliance with local and national fire and health codes.