When owning a commercial kitchen spot it may seem annoying to ensure that all of the equipment is clean and working properly. While it may seem tedious it is important not only for health reasons but also for safety reasons. Improper cleaning of kitchen appliances can lead to workplace accidents, equipment malfunctions, and even more serious accidents such as fires. The National Fire Protection Association has established cleaning guidelines - such as NFPA 96 – which are used by local governments as standardized guidelines for protecting against fires.

A leading cause of fires in commercial kitchen spaces are grease fires. While it may seem like cleaning up grease is as easy as whipping down a cooking top, you must also clean out the hoods and grease traps. These areas are susceptible to grease build ups, and the grease build ups get too hot it is a recipe for a grease fire. It is recommended that you schedule regular cleanings of grease areas – both internal cleaning as well as professional cleaning – to help prevent these types of fire risks.

Unclean and faulty equipment in a commercial kitchen can also lead to fire hazards. Between 2006 and 2010 the NFPA estimates an average of 7,640 structural fires per year at eating and drinking establishments. This caused roughly $246 million in damages, and 3 out 5 of those fires involved the kitchens cooking equipment. It is recommended to check all equipment in the kitchen regularly, daily if possible. Regular maintenance check ups are also a great way to prevent any type of equipment malfunctions which could lead to damage to both the equipment and the kitchen.

Although it may seem daunting, daily / weekly / monthly checkups and cleaning schedules make all the difference in a commercial kitchen. Setting up checklists – daily, weekly, and monthly – help to ensure your kitchen and its equipment stays functional and protects the safety of the kitchen staff. HoodMart provides our customers with a wide range of exhaust hood systems - from Compensating (Short Cycle) to Perforated Supply Plenum PSP - as well as all exhaust hood accessories such as hood filters, canopy hood lights, and curbs. If you still have questions regarding the purchase of your hood system, please feel free to contact one of our experts today by calling us at 1.800.715.1014 or by contacting us through our live chat system.