Why Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Is Necessary
Kitchen exhaust cleaning is a very important part of maintaining a functional kitchen. Many fires that happen in restaurants are caused by a failure to maintain a clean hood system. The result is hazardous buildups that are not only dangerous, but also a risk to the health of workers and customers. A properly maintained hood system can reduce the risk of fires, which can be fatal. This type of cleaning also keeps your business operating safely.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires a cleaning of the hood system on a regular basis. It is also a good idea to hire a qualified contractor to perform the job. Having a certified company do the work will ensure that your employees and your customers are safe.
Kitchen exhaust cleaning is also necessary for maintaining compliance with the NFPA-96 Standard, which covers ventilation control and fire protection for commercial cooking operations. While this standard outlines the procedures for inspection, testing, and maintenance of commercial kitchen ventilation systems, it also explains what to look for during the inspection process.
Kitchen exhaust cleaning services also help to improve the efficiency of your ventilation system. This helps keep your energy costs low and your food safe. By cleaning the system regularly, your business can avoid fines from the fire department and insurance companies.
In addition to keeping your kitchen exhaust system safe, a regular cleaning can help your business qualify for lower insurance rates. Having a professional do the cleaning allows you to avoid a costly claim. Having a technician perform a cleaning can also ensure that your ventilation system remains in compliance with NFPA standards.
Before a restaurant begins any cleaning work, the technician will perform a thorough inspection to assess the condition of the kitchen. They will make sure that Hood Cleaning the hood is properly insulated and that it is free of any debris that could be hazardous to employees and customers. These inspections are important for identifying parts of the system that need to be replaced.
A reputable vent hood cleaning company will remove any debris that has collected on the hood and baffle filters. The company will then clean the exhaust fan and duct system. Typically, they use hot water power washing to get rid of any excess grease buildup.
Another benefit of hiring a contractor is the chance to have your hood cleaned to bare metal. The NFPA recommends hiring a certified contractor for this task. A certified contractor has a higher standard of inspection and testing than other contractors. Your hood will be cleaned to bare metal to help ensure safety.
After the cleaning is completed, your hood will be protected by a sticker that shows the date of the next scheduled cleaning. Having this sticker on the hood will ensure that the fire department or insurance company knows when the hood should be cleaned.
You should have a hood cleaning done at least once a year, depending on how busy your business is. Restaurants that cook heavily or have a lot of oil used on their dishes will need more frequent cleanings. Even a small amount of grease buildup can lead to a fire.