Another day, another grease fire.
A simple Google search for “restaurant + fire” quickly reveals news articles on more than 60 restaurant fires in the U.S. on any given month alone. Take a closer look and you’ll see a definite pattern emerge regarding the cause of those fires — grease buildup. In fact, according to a recent report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one in five fires at eating and drinking establishments had “failure to clean” listed as a contributing factor.
A recent NFPA study showed an average of nearly 8,000 reported fires and $246 million in property damage, with grease related fires costing restaurant owners an average of more than $50 million per year. These numbers are increasing every year! With statistics like these, it’s easy to see why grease accumulation in hood systems and ductwork is one of the biggest hazards facing every commercial kitchen today.
Costly repairs, loss of revenue, and the possibility of temporarily – or permanently – closing your establishment gives even the smallest fire the potential to be a business-ending catastrophe.
There’s no denying it. If you don’t keep your kitchen exhaust system clean, you’re going to get burned. When hood systems are not regularly cleaned, you create a dangerous environment. Accumulation ads up quickly, the inches will pile up. More importantly improperly cleaned kitchen exhaust systems easily reach over the limit of acceptable grease accumulations and will fuel any type of fire.
Some types of grease buildup can even cause fire-extinguishing systems to malfunction by plugging up their mechanisms. According to the NFPA, this grease buildup is one of the primary causes of commercial kitchen fire-extinguishing system failure.
Even more frequently overlooked is rooftop grease. Grease residue travels up through the exhaust system and solidifies onto the fan blades and housing, causing a buildup of grease that eventually runs onto the rooftop. Without a rooftop grease containment system in place to maintain grease, the grease on roofs becomes additional fuel for fires. Grease on any roof from the exhaust system can cause significant and costly structural damage rapidly. But the problem doesn’t stop there; the grease also becomes an environmental hazard when it runs off into the water drainage system, which can result in regulatory fines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Don’t overlook your hood systems grease build up
When it comes to fires, a good offense is your best defense. Unfortunately, many busy restaurant operators have trouble finding time to schedule their kitchen exhaust cleaning. Add this important life safety service to your budget. The worst thing you can do is to skip or delay service. Be proactive and establish a cleaning and maintenance plan with a professional hood cleaning company that adheres to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
Hood Filters
Another very important part of protecting your establishment against grease related fires is ensuring that you have the right type of hood filters. With so many variables, it’s easy to make mistakes like picking the wrong filter for the job. Our well trained Technicians take the guesswork out of which filter to buy and answer all common questions about ensuring the proper fit, correct installation, when to replace, and compliance requirements.
Keep the hood filters clean
Just how often do hood systems and filters need to be cleaned? That usually depends on the type of food prepared and the number of hours your exhaust system(s) are in use per day. Most hood filters perform at their best with a daily or weekly cleaning and a professional cleaning or dipping semi-annually or quarterly.
It’s important to remember that grease-laden filters are just as dangerous as dirty ductwork. They can also increase your utility costs and affect your health inspection score. However, hood filter cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to implement a regular cleaning routine, which will make them last longer and significantly reduce your risk of fire.
Facility Managers and Restaurant Owners looking for more information on fire safety and Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning practices and requirements may find the National Fire Protection Association website a helpful resource. There, you will find current information on “NFPA 96: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations” as well as research, safety and training information.
Start reducing your risk right away
There will always be a risk for fire in commercial kitchens, but following a few simple precautions, risks can be minimized for your customers and provide a safer work environment.
Cleaning Resource Center is are the experts in Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning in Phoenix, AZ @ 602-454-6790
Or email: CRC@cleaningresourcecenter.com
