Exhaust System Inspections
It took years of neglect for grease to build up throughout the ducts in your property. Don't let that happen again!
Safe Dux will inspect and document your tenant's exhaust systems annually with photographs, videos, and written reports.
Restaurant operators are busy cooking to make a living. They do not know how to inspect exhaust systems and are not covered by insurance to be on the ladders required to perform these dangerous inspections. Lastly, restaurant operators are not motivated to report these problems.
But they should be because a grease fire can be extremely expensive for a restaurant. Grease fires can cause significant damage to property, equipment, and inventory, leading to injuries or even fatalities. The costs of a grease fire can include.
- Property damage: A grease fire can quickly spread and cause damage to the structure of the restaurant, including walls, floors, and ceilings. The cost of repairing or rebuilding damaged property can be significant.
- Equipment damage: Grease fires can also damage cooking equipment, such as stoves, fryers, and grills. The cost of repairing or replacing this equipment can also be high.
- Lost revenue: A restaurant that is closed due to a grease fire will lose revenue during the time it is closed. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could be for weeks or even months.
- Legal fees: If a grease fire results in injuries or fatalities, the restaurant may face legal action, which can be costly in terms of legal fees and settlements.
- Increased insurance premiums: A grease fire may result in increased insurance premiums for the restaurant, which can be a long-term expense.
Overall, the cost of a grease fire to a restaurant can be significant, both in terms of financial costs and reputational damage. It is important for restaurant owners to take precautions to prevent grease fires and have a plan in place for how to respond in case of a fire.
Exhaust System Maintenance Issues
Leaking Grease Ducts
Leaks in commercial grease ductwork can be a serious issue for a restaurant or other food service establishment. Grease ducts are designed to carry hot, greasy air from cooking equipment to the outside of your building. If there are leaks in the ductwork, hot grease can escape and accumulate in unseen areas of your building, leading to additional fire hazards.
Additionally, leaks in the ductwork can allow carbon monoxide to enter areas throughout your building, which can be harmful to occupants.
Code violations: Leaks in commercial grease ductwork can result in code violations, which can lead to fines and legal issues.
To prevent leaks in commercial grease ductwork, it is important to have the ductwork inspected regularly by a qualified professional. And any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible.
Fire Wrapping Grease Ducts
NFPA 96 requires a U.L. rated fire wrap to prevent the spread of fire from the inside of the ductwork to other areas of your building. This wrap is a type of insulation material that is installed around grease ducts to provide fire protection. The standard requires that grease ducts be wrapped with a minimum of 1.5 inches of fire-resistant insulation or with an approved alternative protection method. The fire wrap must be installed in a manner that completely covers the ductwork and must be secured in place with a non-combustible wire or band.
Eliminating "Low Spots" in Grease Duct
NFPA 96, any horizontal runs of exhaust duct greater than 22.86 m (75 feet) in length should have a minimum slope of 8% towards the exhaust hood or a collection device.
The purpose of this requirement is to prevent the accumulation of grease and other flammable materials in the ductwork. If ductwork is not sloped properly, grease and other substances can build up in low spots and increase the risk of a fire hazard.
This is designed to ensure that any liquids or solids in the ductwork flow back toward the exhaust hood, reducing the likelihood of accumulation and the associated risks.
For shorter sections of horizontal grease duct, the requirements are a minimum slope of 2% slope towards the hood.
However, not every grease duct is installed to these specifications. And the Low Spots must be eliminated whenever possible.
Per NFPA 96 Drains shall be provided where low points cannot be avoided, to collect liquid grease.
Safe Dux will install drains where required, and inspect these areas annually.
Inspections and Maintenance Benefits
Reduces risk of kitchen fires
Regularly scheduled inspections can detect problems early; thus, mitigating the risk of fire.
Improves kitchen air quality
When grease ducts are kept clean, exhaust fans can operate as they are designed keeping air quality optimal throughout your entire property. The only way to ensure that a system is in top working order is to have it inspected regularly.
Mitigates risk of legal and financial liability
Restaurant Operators are required to comply with health regulations, safety standards, fire codes and local laws. Regular inspections will ensure the applicable standards are being followed.
Increases safety for staff and customers
When companies are not compliant with safety standards and fire codes, they put staff and customers at risk; while opening themselves up to legal and financial liability. One way to ensure standards are followed is with regular inspections.
Increases safety for first responders
If commercial kitchens have accurate grease duct diagrams available on-site for first responders, this expedites the time it takes to extinguish the fire.
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