What is the best way to avoid Issues with kitchen hood systems, including inadequate cleaning, which increases the risk of grease fires.

To avoid issues with kitchen hood systems and to reduce the risk of grease fires stemming from inadequate cleaning, you need to establish and adhere to a regular maintenance routine that encompasses the following strategies:

Regular Cleaning:
• Daily: Wipe down the accessible parts of the hood with a damp cloth to remove light grease and dust accumulation.
• Weekly/Bi-weekly: Perform a deeper clean with a degreaser on all external and accessible internal areas.
• Monthly: Check the filters and clean them using a degreaser or replace them if they are disposable.

Professional Cleaning:
• Semi-annual: Hire professionals to clean the entire system, including ductwork, fans, and other components that are not easily accessible, at least twice a year or more frequently depending on the usage level.

Regular Inspections:
• Monthly: Inspect the system for signs of wear and tear or any other potential issues that might need addressing.
• Annual: Have a professional inspection to ensure that the system is operating correctly and safely.

Proper Use of the Hood System:
• Operate the hood system at all times when cooking to ensure adequate ventilation and to avoid accumulation of grease and other residues.
• Avoid cooking at excessively high temperatures to prevent rapid accumulation of grease and residues.

Education and Training:
• Train all kitchen staff in the proper use and basic maintenance of the hood system.
• Develop and adhere to a maintenance schedule to ensure regular cleaning and servicing of the system.

Equipment Upgrade:
• Upgrade to a modern system: If your system is outdated, consider upgrading to a more modern and efficient hood system.
• Use high-quality filters that are designed to trap a greater amount of grease and particles.

Emergency Measures:
• Have fire suppression systems in place: Equip the kitchen with a fire suppression system that is compatible with your hood system.
• Have fire extinguishers accessible: Ensure that appropriate fire extinguishers are accessible and that staff is trained on how to use them.

Maintain Records:
• Logbook: Maintain a logbook to record all cleaning and maintenance activities. This can also serve as a compliance tool for local fire codes and insurance requirements.

Compliance:

• Adhere to Local Codes and Regulations: Ensure compliance with all local fire codes and regulations pertaining to kitchen hood systems.

By following these strategies, you can greatly reduce the risk of issues such as grease fires associated with inadequate cleaning of kitchen hood systems. If you would like us to do a site survey of your commercial kitchen call (718) 828-6424

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Remember, keeping your range hood system clean is the best way to avoid getting FDNY fire violations in your NYC restaurant.