The Standard for Commercial Kitchen Hood Maintenance
The industry standard for the cleanliness and maintenance of commercial kitchen exhaust systems is NFPA 96. As you cook, vaporized grease solidifies inside the ventilation ducts, creating an unavoidable fire hazard. That is why a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule for your commercial kitchen hood and exhaust system is essential.
A trained technician can clean all parts of the system, including the filters, ducts, fans, and hood itself. They will also be able to inspect the system for potential fire hazards and ensure that it is up to code. A properly maintained commercial kitchen hood and exhaust system is essential for keeping your kitchen safe and in compliance with fire codes.
The code is broken down into four sections:
1. General Conditions
2. Design and Installation of a System
3. Operation and upkeep
4. Inspection, testing, and upkeep
Each section includes specific requirements that must be met in order to ensure commercial kitchen safety. NFPA 96 includes requirements for specific types of cooking equipment, such as deep fryers, griddles, charbroilers, ovens, and rotisseries, in addition to general requirements.
The Advantages of Following NFPA 96
There are numerous advantages to following NFPA 96 standards in your commercial kitchen. Most importantly, it can help to prevent fires from starting in the first place. You can help to create a safe environment for both your employees and your customers by ensuring that your kitchen is up to code.
Following NFPA 96 standards can help you save money in addition to preventing fires. For example, if you have a grease fire, your insurance policy will most likely cover the damage if you can demonstrate that you were in compliance with NFPA 96 at the time of the incident. If you do not comply, your insurance company may refuse to pay out any claims.
Finally, adhering to NFPA 96 standards communicates to your employees and customers that your company prioritizes safety. This can help to create a safety culture in your restaurant, which can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
