Every restaurant owner should know fire code guidelines for their commercial kitchen, especially when it comes to their exhaust system (range hoods). If these are not properly cleaned and inspected on a regular basis, this can result in a serious fire, damaging your entire kitchen and restaurant. If you do not know your state’s commercial kitchen fire codes, just read below (click on the link at the end of the summary to read about it in more detail).

The International Fire Code requires that restaurant owners are responsible for the inspection/cleaning of the buildup of grease in their commercial kitchen exhaust systems at regular intervals. Commercial kitchen exhaust systems handling grease-laden vapors must have a certified extinguishment system to protect the exhaust system.

NFPA 96 and the International Fire Code require the following areas to be free from combustible grease buildup at all times: exhaust filters, range hoods, appliances, backsplash, and the areas around the appliances. Restaurant owners are also responsible for maintaining air quality units.

NFPA says that a trained and certified company/person must complete the inspections, cleaning and servicing of the commercial exhaust systems. The Tacoma Fire Department requires a regulatory Fire Protection License to perform this work. The International Fire Code requires that written documentation and a cleaning sticker be provided on each range hood cleaned that includes the sate it was cleaned.

This inspection and cleaning must be completed at regular intervals (see below):

(Quarterly): Systems serving high volume cooking such as 24 hour cooking, charbroiling and wok cooking

(Semiannually): Systems servicing moderate volumes (which is most).

(Annually): Systems surviving low volumes such as churches, day camps and seasonal business.

Commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning companies are required to report the following to the Tacoma Fire Department Confidence Test Officer within 30 days:

When an inspection/cleaning is performed.

Any safety issues observed.

Improper cleaning occurring.

Any lapses in maintenance.

https://cms.cityoftacoma.org/fire/Website%202013/Prevention%20Division/Prevention%20Permits/information%20bulletins/Commercial%20Kitchen%20Exhaust%20cleaning.pdf