Frequently Asked Questions
Codes and regulations (for this question I would like you to add the NFPA QUICK GUIDE THAT I WAS SENT IN THE ORIGINAL EMAIL.)
IKECA is an international trade association representing kitchen exhaust cleaning specialists and inspectors of commercial kitchen exhaust systems.
When choosing a company, you can go into the IKECA website (auto impose the link to local IKECA members) and look for a vender near you. We always recommend to ask for some referrals of clients that the company has recently done. Finding out how long they have been in business for will also help.
According to NFPA 96 – 2011, Section 11.6.1: “Upon inspection, if the exhaust system is found to be contaminated with deposits from grease-laden vapors, the contaminated portions of the exhaust system shall be cleaned be a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.”
Benefits of a regular cleaning include: Prevent Fires-Maintain proper airflow in your cooking area and keep the exhaust system free of dangerous grease build-up; Reduce Liability-Regular exhaust system cleaning and maintenance protects your investment from hazards; Eliminate Expenses-Properly maintaining your vent hood system will reduce wear and the need to replace costly parts.
Grease and particulate buildup in the exhaust system is a fire hazard, and greatly impacts on the efficiency and lifetime of mechanical equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most restaurant fires originate on the kitchen cooking appliances and flare into the kitchen exhaust system. If the entire exhaust system is not cleaned, a significant risk for fire exists whenever cooking appliances are used.
According to NFPA 96 – 2011, Section 11.4: “The entire exhaust system shall be inspected for grease buildup by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and in accordance with Table 11.4.”
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, cooler kitchen and better working environment for staff and customers.
Kitchen exhaust cleaning Is the removal of the grease laden vapor that builds up on the Interior walls of the Kitchen exhaust system. This build up is usually unseen and is in the area of the hood behind baffles (grease filters), in the ductwork and at the exhaust fan.
The function of your kitchen exhaust system is to remove grease laden vapors, that is a by-product of the food your facility cooks. The removal of the grease laden vapors is essential in the safety for your customers and facility.