What to Expect From a Hood & Duct Cleaning & Kitchen Fire Suppression Inspection

An InspectionCommercial kitchens are held to a high safety standard, requiring routine cleaning and fire suppression system checks. Professional maintenance and inspections help keep your kitchen running smoothly and safely and reduce the risk of injury and property damage. In this article, we’ll be discussing what happens during a hood and duct cleaning and fire system inspection, how to prepare, and why you need these services in your kitchen.

What Is Included in a Hood and Duct Cleaning?

A hood and duct cleaning will include complete degreasing of any hoods, removal, and degreasing of fans, cleaning of the ducts behind the fans, and cleaning or replacement of fan and hood parts and accessories to ensure everything works as intended. The cleaning also includes polishing the hood and cleaning the surrounding areas that may have been affected by grease splatters.

What Is Not Included

Areas of your kitchen that are not affected by grease splattering will not be cleaned during a hood and duct cleaning. Additionally, the inner portions of your ductwork that aren’t easily accessible will not be de-greased.

How to Prepare

No de-greasing of the area is necessary before a professional cleaning is completed. However, the cooktop should be clear of equipment and debris, and access to your stove and hood should be left unobstructed. Ensure that the cleaning is scheduled outside of business hours or prepare for downtime during the inspection.

Risk of Not Scheduling a Cleaning

Neglecting to schedule a cleaning can leave your kitchen at high risk of fire, leaving you exposed to property damage, loss of business, personal injury, and potential loss of life.

What is Included in a Kitchen Fire Suppression Inspection

Your kitchen fire suppression system inspection will include an examination of nozzles, hoses, supply systems, pressure gauges, and manual pull alarms to ensure proper functionality. The technician will also ensure that the gas and electrical shutoffs will work as intended in the event of a fire.

What is Not Included

The inspection will not include de-greasing of your area to prevent fire, and it won’t include an assessment of your cooking equipment to ensure that the risk of fire is minimized. For that, you will also need a hood and duct cleaning.

How to Prepare

Preparation is simple and just involves ensuring that access to your kitchen and fire suppression equipment is unhindered. You’ll also want to schedule the inspection outside regular operating hours or prepare for downtime.

Risk of Not Scheduling an Inspection

Routine fire suppression systems are required by law, so you can face fines for neglecting to schedule one. You also risk severe property damage and potential loss of human life if you avoid regular inspections.

Hood and duct cleanings and fire suppression system inspections are of utmost importance for your commercial kitchen’s safe and efficient operation. When you’re ready to schedule these services for your business, contact one of our highly-trained, certified professionals for more information.