Kitchen Exhaust System Cleaning

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The Hood Cleaning Process
  • PROTECTING THE KITCHEN: AHDS takes every precaution to make sure all grease/wastewater is contained.
  • All filters are removed, thoroughly cleaned, and replaced.
  • Ansul Systems are cleaned, allowing them to function properly in case of a fire.
  • Hood systems are designed to direct excess grease into an area designed for a grease trap. Hood grease traps allow excess grease to go in the trap instead of running down the wall requiring additional cleaning and maintenance.
  • Hinges enable safe access to the inside of the fan for cleaning, inspection, and repair. They allow the fan’s electrical components to stay stationary for continued safe operation. Fans not equipped with hinges have to be picked up off the duct and laid down on their side for cleaning, which causes extreme wear & tear on all parts of the fan especially to the electrical components.
  • Properly working hinge kits greatly reduce damage to the fan and require only one technician, producing a quicker and more efficient cleaning.
  • Once the inside of the fan is completely cleaned it’s placed back on the duct and thoroughly cleaned on the outside too.
  • The roof is then thoroughly cleaned around the fan whereas the technician inspects and notates the condition of the fan’s electrical cable and whether hinges and/or grease traps are present and working properly for your maintenance inspection report.
  • Grease traps enable any overflow to go into the trap instead of on the roof where it can cause subsequent damage over time. A weatherized, flexible electrical cable for the fan is required in order to safely open the fan for cleaning, inspection, and repair.
  • Stainless steel hoods are completely polished with an anti-rust protectant, guarding against buildup and rust.
  • A label of record is placed on the hood indicating the date of your most recent cleaning and the date the next service is due
  • Work areas are carefully cleaned and the floors scrubbed and mopped, leaving it cleaner than when we arrived.

FAQ’s

How often should my kitchen exhaust system be cleaned?

According to NFPA-96 Standard (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations), the following schedule shall be followed:

Exhaust System Inspection Schedule
Type or Volume of Cooking Frequency Frequency

Systems serving solid fuel cooking operations
Monthly

Systems serving high-volume cooking operations such as 24-hour cooking, charbroiling, or wok cooking
Quarterly

Systems serving moderate-volume cooking operations
Semiannually

Systems serving low-volume cooking operations (churches, day camps, seasonal businesses, or senior centers).
Annually

What components of a kitchen exhaust system should be typically cleaned?

According to NFPA-96 section 11.6.1: “Upon inspection, if found to be contaminated with deposits from grease-laden vapors, the entire exhaust system shall be cleaned by a properly trained, qualified, and certified company or person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction in accordance with Section 11.4.”

The entire exhaust system includes the hood, filters, fan, and all associated horizontal and vertical ductwork.

What risks am I exposed to in not properly cleaning a kitchen exhaust system?

Grease and particulate buildup in the exhaust system is a fire hazard, and greatly impacts the efficiency and lifetime of mechanical equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the majority of 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 of fire exists whenever cooking appliances are used.

Why do I need access panels installed in my exhaust system?

Access panels may be necessary to properly reach and clean areas of the exhaust system. Sometimes at the construction of the exhaust system, the proper amount of access panels needed to maintain the cleanliness of the system may not have been installed. This prevents a complete cleaning of the system and increases the risk of fire. NFPA recommends installation every 12 feet of duct work.

Why do I need to have hinges installed on my exhaust fans?

NFPA 96 8.1.1 states that all approved Upblast fans be installed with hinges. A fan with fixed positions is far more stable and less likely to have problems with balance and bearing misalignment due to limited movement allowed during the cleaning and inspection process. Properly installed hinge kits may add to the strength of the base and assist in minimizing metal fatigue over the years in larger fans.

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