Restaurant Kitchen
Hood Systems
require a test/inspection on a semi-annual basis.
We work with system manufacturers of every kind. Which is why we have a diverse team of technicians to make sure you get the highest quality service.
Restaurant Kitchen
Hood Fire Suppression Systems
Escos Fire & Safety is the Bay Area's best fire protection company for fire suppression system inspection, testing, and maintenance services. In order to be compliant with state fire codes, your fire suppression system must be inspected every six months by a qualified contractor. At Escos Fire & Safety, we are fully licensed to inspect and maintain all brands and types of fire suppression systems, including dry chemical, liquid chemical, and hybrid systems.
Why Does the State Require Restaurant Fire Suppression Inspections?
Restaurant Fire Suppression Systems or Kitchen Hood systems are an important of fire safety. The hood fire systems work quickly in the case of a kitchen fire to extinguish a fire quickly. In a kitchen many different things are cooking at high temperatures and not all fires are extinguished the same way. Restaurant fire suppression systems are designed to extinguish all types of fire including grease fires, oil fires, and more. The system will starve the fire and create a vapor blanket to prevent a reflash of the fire to help keep it from spreading to other areas of the kitchen.
How often should my kitchen hood fire suppression system be inspected?
Your kitchen hood fire suppression system should be inspected every six months, according to NFPA 96. This inspection must be completed by a licensed fire protection company.
The inspector who performs your kitchen fire suppression system inspection will work to ensure that if there ever was a fire in your kitchen, your fire suppression system will activate and successfully put out the fire, while shutting off the gas or electric that powers your equipment.
What goes into a kitchen hood fire suppression system inspection?
Your bi-annual kitchen hood fire suppression system inspection has a few purposes. The first, as you might expect, is to make sure your kitchen fire suppression system is performing as it should. Your professional inspector will also replace any faulty or old parts, as well as make any necessary changes to the system.
For example, if you’ve changed or upgraded the equipment in your kitchen, your system may have different requirements. This bi-annual inspection will ensure that your kitchen hood fire suppression system meets all fire code requirements, and is in great shape to protect your kitchen in the event that there is a fire.
Here’s a look at some of the most common tasks your inspector will perform while completing your kitchen hood fire suppression system inspection:
All extinguishing agent nozzles are discharged and inspected for build-up
All nozzle caps are replaced
Extinguishing lines are blown out to ensure there is no blockage
Manual alarm pull station is pulled to ensure it is functioning well
Inspector checks pressure gauges to ensure proper PSI
Gas shut off valve and microswitch are tested
Inspector checks to make sure fans are operating properly
Ensures all system components are compatible
Checks for holes in hoods
Ensures your system is using the proper cartridge for your kitchen
Fusible links of the system are cut to see if the system activates properly
Check that gas and electrical shut off when the system activates
One the system has been activated, the inspector will install new fusible links with the date stamped on them. This serves as proof of service for the fire marshal inspection.
Now, your inspection certification can be filed with the local fire authority.
The inspector will tag the system showing certification was completed by a professional, and according to regulations.
Your inspector will leave you with a Commercial Cooking System Service and Inspection report, and will send one to your local fire department.
Every 12 years, a restaurant hood fire suppression system also needs to be hydrostatically tested and have its liquid chemical replaced. We offer a modified version of this inspection service for paint booth fire suppression systems.
Once your kitchen fire hood suppression system inspection is complete, your commercial kitchen is set for another six months. While you should continue cleaning your kitchen fire hood regularly, and complete monthly visual inspections, your system currently meets fire requirements, and should keep your kitchen safe until it’s time for your next inspection.
With any of our fire protection system services, you can also schedule on-site training and demonstrations for your kitchen staff at no additional cost. Our fire safety and prevention system training program educates your staff on what they will need to do in the event of a fire and keeps your restaurant or commercial kitchen compliant with current fire and safety codes. Call today to schedule an automatic fire suppression system inspection, testing, and maintenance service in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Fairfield, Suisun City, Vacaville, Napa, San Francisco, Oakland, Pittsburg, Martinez, Antioch, Vallejo, Pinole, Rio Vista, and surrounding areas.
How should I prepare for a kitchen hood fire suppression system inpsection?
Clean Your Kitchen Hood Thoroughly
First and foremost, it’s important to clean. You should already be cleaning your kitchen hood regularly, but now is a good time to complete a deep clean to remove any grease or build-up that could affect the inspector’s ability to inspect your kitchen hood fire suppression system.
Know When Your Inspector Will Arrive
Have a clear picture of the inspection timeline. When will your inspector arrive, and how long does he or she expect that inspection will take?
Prepare the Kitchen For Inspection
To complete this inspection, the kitchen cannot be in use. The area should be clear of pots and pans, and everything should be sufficiently cooled down so that the inspector can safely access all components of the system.
It’s a good idea to schedule your kitchen hood fire suppression system inspection on an off-day, or on off-hours, so you have minimal staff on-site. During the inspection:
You cannot use the kitchen
Any staff present must be aware of the inspection
The fire alarm will be temporarily disabled to properly complete the inspection
It’s important to understand these requirements for your kitchen hood fire suppression system inspection, so your kitchen is ready for the inspector. The better prepared you are, the faster your inspection will go.
Restaurant Fire Suppression System Recharging
24/7 Emergency Service
If you recently had a large enough kitchen fire that caused your fire suppression system to discharge, then you need a qualified fire protection company to come out and recharge your system before you can reopen for business. Since all the devices under the cooking system are tied to the fire suppression system, when the fire system is triggered, it shuts off all of the gas and electrical power that feeds into your cooking system. So, not only is a fully charged fire suppression system required in order to be in compliance with state fire code regulations, but you won't even be able to turn on your cooking equipment until the system is reset. To help get your kitchen back up and running as soon as possible, Escos Fire & Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to recharge and reset restaurant fire suppression systems in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Fairfield, Suisun City, Vacaville, Napa, San Francisco, Oakland, Pittsburg, Martinez, Antioch, Vallejo, Pinole, Rio Vista, and surrounding areas.
No matter the time you call or where you are, we can usually be on site within one to two hours. We are able to offer such a quick response because our technicians drive our fully stocked service vehicles home with them, and we maintain a large inventory of fire retardant chemicals and fire suppression system replacement parts for all brands, including Ansul, Pyro-Chem, Amerex, Badger, and Range Guard.
If it’s time for your kitchen hood fire suppression system inspection, the Escos Fire & Safety team is here to help. Whether you’re looking for a certification, or you’re just not sure how to prepare for your inspection, our team has the expertise and the capability to get your inspection scheduled now, and answer any questions you might have.