Access Panels
NFPA 96 has strict requirements regarding the placement and the accessibility of access cleanout panels.
NFPA 96 requires that access cleanouts be installed at intervals of no more than 12' along horizontal duct runs (at a minimum) and at every change in direction. Vertical ducts must have access cleanouts at the base of the duct and on every floor leading to the roof.
NFPA 96 is the Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of commercial cooking operations. Access cleanout panels are an important component of the standard as they allow for cleaning and inspection INSIDE of the grease duct system.
Access cleanouts are typically located at strategic points along the exhaust system, including at the base of vertical ducts, at horizontal duct runs, and at bends or changes in direction. They are designed to be easily removable so that cleaning tools can be inserted into the ductwork to remove grease and other debris.
Access cleanout panels must be constructed of materials that are compatible with the exhaust system and must be large enough to allow for thorough cleaning of the ductwork. They must also be installed in a location that can be easily reached and in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of the exhaust system or create a fire hazard
Proper installation and maintenance of access cleanouts are critical to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of commercial cooking operations. Regular cleaning and inspection of the exhaust system, including the grease duct behind these access cleanouts, is required to prevent grease buildup and potential fire hazards.
Access Panels and Grease Containment Unit Benefits
NFPA 96 and fire code compliant
According to the NFPA and fire codes, all commercial exhaust fans must have grease containment units to prevent flammable grease from draining onto rooftop surfaces, and access panels must be installed in every commercial kitchen grease duct if it does not run directly out of a building within 12' of the exhaust hood with no turns or bends.
EPA compliant
The EPA requires that every commercial kitchen must prevent grease from draining into storm sewers. Properly installed and maintained grease containment units prevent grease from draining onto rooftops, which prevents it from draining through downpipes into storm drain systems. Additionally, access panels are installed to facilitate the removal of grease from inside otherwise inaccessible grease ducts. This is the grease that is slowly pulled to the roof, and subsequently into grease containment units if they are present, maintained, and properly installed.
Increases safety
When flammable grease is kept from draining onto the rooftop, the risk of an unseen rooftop fire is greatly reduced. This increases safety for staff, customers, neighboring businesses, and first responders who do not need to turn out for a fire.
Mitigates risk of legal and financial liability
Grease is acidic and it damages all types of commercial rooftops. If your building has a roof leak anywhere within 25' of a restaurant exhaust fan–the leak was most likely caused by grease damage. Additionally, because grease is so flammable, NFPA 96 mandates that only "listed" grease containment units are installed to mitigate fires. Properly installed and maintained units prevent such damage.
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