A kitchen fire is something no restaurant owner wants to think about. While restaurant operators should be taking steps to prevent fires from starting in the first place, there is always a risk that something could go wrong. Luckily, fire codes require commercial kitchens to include fire suppression systems that can stop a fire before it gets out of control. As with any piece of life safety equipment, kitchen fire suppression systems need to be inspected regularly. Whether your restaurant’s suppression system is brand new or has been active for years, here is what every restaurant owner needs to know about commercial kitchen fire suppression system inspections.
Kitchen fire suppression system inspections have three main purposes:
- Ensure the system is functioning properly
- Prevent unwanted/untimely discharge
- Ensure the system will a pass code enforcement inspection or insurance audit
Professional inspections should take place at least semi-annually
NFPA codes require that kitchen fire suppression systems be inspected by a trained and certified technician every six months. Fire suppression professionals will conduct an in-depth inspection and testing of each of the components of your system, including:
- Appliance, duct, and plenum nozzles and nozzle blow off caps
- Link line and detectors
- Functionality and accessibility of actuators and control components
- Functionality of remote pull station
- Condition of pressurized and non-pressurized tanks
- Verification of test dates for cylinders and regulator
- Tightness of piping
- Functionality of all electrical interlocks
Conduct your own in-house inspection monthly
While it is required that a trained and certified technician inspect your system every six months, the restaurant owner or kitchen manager should perform a basic visual inspection every month. These monthly inspections should include:
- Check that all nozzles are pointed directly at the right appliance
- Check buildup of grease or dirt within the hood/duct
- Ensure the system gauges are “in the green” and in operable range
- Make sure the tamper indicator is intact
- Ensure the pull station is easily accessible and not blocked
- Look at the tag and verify the date of the last professional inspection
Keep a copy of your inspection results for code compliance and insurance records
After the inspection has been completed and the acceptance test has been approved, the technician will provide documentation of compliance for your restaurant. Be sure to always keep this documentation on-hand to maintain compliance with codes and insurance requirements.
The Jay L Harman Fire Equipment team understands your firefighting needs and is ready to help
Jay L Harman’s DOT Hydrostatic Testing facility and equipment meet all NFPA requirements for the hydrostatic testing of self contained breathing apparatus compressed gas cylinders in addition to testing ABC portable fire extinguisher cylinders.
Jay L Harman is the best and one of the biggest firefighting equipment suppliers and service providers in the region, specializing in fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire hoses, hydrostatic testing and more. Serving El Paso TX, Las Cruces NM and the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible.
Jay L Harman Fire Equipment is your go-to distributor for OVAL low-profile fire extinguishers in West Texas and New Mexico.
Contact Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment in El Paso TX at 915-533-7021 or Las Cruces NM at 575-523-8880..
Since 1925, we have protected businesses throughout the area from the harms and hazards of fires. Every Jay L Harman technician is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office. Each of these technicians continually receives the most up-to-date factory training and certifications by our manufacturers. Contact Jay L Harman Fire Equipment today. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff tell you more about our fire suppression systems and help you find the ideal fire suppression system for your needs. Learn more about our full offering of fire extinguisher training, firefighting services, firefighting products, request a quote, ask a question or request additional information.