Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System Inspection: What To Know and How to Prepare
When it comes to ensuring the safety of your commercial kitchen, regular inspection of your kitchen hood fire prevention system is crucial. After all, you are working with the public. Safety should be your main priority. That's why a twice yearly inspection of your hood is important.
At Valley Fire, LLC, we're certified technicians through the Getz Fire Equipment Company, a leader in the industry. So you have every right to expect the absolute best from us! We follow the NFPA 96 code to ensure the work is done correctly.
In fact, we guarantee that our work will pass code.
So what happens during an inspection? Our technician will thoroughly evaluate the system to ensure that it is functioning properly. This includes examining the nozzles to make sure they are clean and unobstructed.
We inspect the valves and piping for any signs of leaks or damage, and we check that all necessary components, such as the detection system and manual release, are in working order.
We will also test the system to ensure that it activates correctly and effectively to suppress a fire. Additionally, we will assess the condition of the extinguishing agent, such as the fire suppression liquid or chemical powder, and make any necessary replacements or refills.
A kitchen vent hood inspection by a certified fire inspection company provides peace of mind that your system is ready to effectively protect you in the event of a fire.
Preparing for a Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System Inspection
Before we ever arrive, there are ongoing tasks that you can do to prepare. For example, the kitchen hood plays a vital role in extracting smoke, grease, and other contaminants from the cooking area, preventing potential fire hazards. Regular maintenance and inspection of your kitchen hood suppression system is necessary to detect any potential issues and ensure its efficiency.
It is important to clean the kitchen hood thoroughly, especially the grease filters and exhaust ducts. Grease buildup can increase the risk of a hood fire, so it is essential to keep the area clean and free from flammable debris.
You should also inspect the system to ensure it is in proper working condition. Schedule your kitchen hood system inspection in advance to allow ample time for any necessary repairs or replacements. Make sure your fire alarm and other safety equipment are functioning properly to provide early detection and prevent any potential kitchen fires. Taking these precautions will help to maintain a safe and secure environment in your kitchen.
If you do not want to take the time to do this cleaning, you can always call a commercial kitchen hood cleaning service. We recommend Pristine Hoods, LLC. They are local like we are and they received their certification from MFS Trade School in Florida.
Either way, you're doing your part to ensure that inspection requirements are met.
Conduct Kitchen Fire Suppression System Monthly Inspections
By conducting a visual inspection every month, you can identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into a fire hazard.
Furthermore, regular maintenance and monthly look overs help to ensure that the system is functioning optimally. Check for the accumulation of grease, which is a major fire risk in a commercial kitchen. Check for wear on pipes, cylinders, and nozzles. Are there any signs of wear? If so, it's time to replace them.
A monthly visual scan gives the restaurant owner or kitchen manager peace of mind that they have taken all necessary precautions to protect their establishment, employees, and customers from fire-related dangers.
Your commercial kitchen fire suppression system is vital to making sure your kitchen is safe for your staff and the public.
How Often Should You Have Restaurant Fire Suppression System Inspections?
According to NFPA 96, a restaurant owner is required to have a complete restaurant kitchen hood fire suppression system inspection every six months by a licensed fire protection company. The work must be performed by a certified fire safety professional.
Should you choose not to use a certified professional and you have a fire, your insurance company will not cover the damage.
Valley Fire, LLC, recommends that you do a basic kitchen hood inspection monthly. Some common problems to check for our clogs and grease, damage to extinguishing lines and nozzle caps, and anything else that looks suspicious.
A basic monthly visual inspections of your kitchen suppression system can further reduce fire risk, saving both money and potential damage.
Yes, it's an inconvenience to do a monthly check and to have regular hood system maintenance, but you cannot be too careful. Protection of commercial cooking operations is far less costly than the average $60,000 cost of an uncontained restaurant fire. (source: National Fire Data Center)
Why is a Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System Inspection Important?
A kitchen hood inspection is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a hood fire can be extremely dangerous and can quickly spread throughout a commercial kitchen.
The buildup of grease is a serious fire hazard, and the inspection helps identify and address any potential issues related to grease accumulation. What's more, fire codes require commercial kitchens to be regularly inspected to ensure this compliance. The suppression system is specifically designed to detect and extinguish fires that start within the hood or surrounding area.
Non-compliance with these regulations can pose a risk to the safety of your staff in the kitchen. It can also result in severe penalties and legal consequences for the establishment. Conducting a thorough system inspection--for ventilation control and fire protection--is crucial in maintaining a safe and compliant commercial kitchen environment.
That's why having a certified professional inspect your system twice a year is so important.
Call a Fire Suppression Specialist When Your System Activates
When your suppression system activates, it is crucial to call us immediately. We can respond promptly and effectively to ensure your system is functioning properly and that the fire is contained.
With our expertise and knowledge, Valley Fire Safety, LLC we can determine the cause of activation. We'll also identify any potential issues or malfunctioning components.
To ensure fire protection of commercial cooking in your establishment, we will refill your canister, inspect and service it. Our job is to make sure that there is ventilation control and fire protection for your commercial cooking system service!
Inspection Record for Insurance and Compliance
Besides regular inspections, it is important to maintain a system service and inspection record. At Valley Fire, LLC, we keep a digital record of the kitchen fire suppression system inspection. In case of any repairs or replacements needed, we will be able to address them efficiently.
Keeping a copy of inspection results is essential for insurance and compliance records, especially when it comes to fire protection.
What's more, compliance with fire safety standards is crucial for avoiding legal consequences and maintaining a safe environment for occupants. By retaining inspection records, property owners can easily demonstrate their commitment to fire safety measures.
These records also serve as a valuable source of information. But, if for some reason, you misplace your record, just call us.
We'll send you a replacement copy right away. You'll always have peace of mind knowing that your fire suppression system is reliable, effectively protecting your kitchen, your employees, and your patrons from the devastating effects of a fire.
Learn more about our kitchen hood testing here. Or, get in touch with us to schedule your service!