Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning:
NFPA 96 Compliance & Fire Prevention

Raleigh’s Experts in High-Hazard Grease Removal

At Steel Mountain, we specialize in the professional mitigation of the primary cause of commercial kitchen fires: grease buildup. With over 20 years of experience, our certified staff and field technicians provide precision cleaning for your entire exhaust system, ensuring your facility remains safe and Fire Safety Compliant. We understand that "grease-laden vapors" are a constant ignition risk; therefore, our services are designed to meet the rigorous NFPA 96 standards for ventilation control and fire protection.

Technical Standards for Hood and Duct Construction

Our cleaning and inspection process is informed by a deep technical understanding of kitchen infrastructure requirements. According to NFPA 96, primary collection means for cooking vapors must be constructed of specific materials, such as No. 18 MSG steel or No. 20 MSG stainless steel. A critical component of our inspection involves verifying the integrity of the liquidtight continuous external weld on the hood’s lower perimeter, which prevents grease from leaking and creating a fire hazard. By choosing Steel Mountain, you ensure that your system is not only clean but also structurally compliant with these federal and local mandates.

Grease Removal Devices and Filtration Integrity

A compliant exhaust system relies on the efficiency of its grease removal devices. We ensure that your listed grease filters are maintained in accordance with UL 1046 standards. Our technicians are trained to identify prohibited components, such as mesh filters, which are not permitted unless they are an integral part of a listed exhaust hood. We also monitor the condition of exhaust duct systems, ensuring they lead directly to the exterior of the building to avoid "unduly increasing any fire hazard".

Operational Efficiency and Maintenance Protocols

Maintaining a clean exhaust system is essential for the overall efficiency of your kitchen. Per NFPA 96 regulations, exhaust systems must be operated whenever cooking equipment is turned on, and they must never be operated with the filters removed. Our comprehensive service includes checking that openings for replacing exhausted air are not restricted by covers or dampers that could reduce the operating efficiency of your system. Through our semi-annual inspections and cleaning, we help you maintain the "minimum standards for fire safety" required by local authorities.

The Steel Mountain Compliance Guarantee

Our mission is to enhance fire safety and protect lives by providing a "total compliance" solution. By integrating our exhaust cleaning with your fire suppression and extinguisher maintenance, we provide a holistic approach to safety that builds trust and reliability. Whether you are managing a single restaurant or a large industrial food operation, our customer-centric approach ensures your facility is protected by the most experienced technicians in the Raleigh area.

Call 833-686-3473

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