An efficient hood ventilation system is part of every safe and successful commercial kitchen since they are necessary for effectively removing excess heat, smoke, and grease build-up, which can be hazardous and a source of fire incidents.
These unavoidable risks are also a regular part of kitchens — regardless of whether it’s for residential or commercial use — and this assurance makes exhaust hoods an essential component of your restaurant’s fire and smoke control system.
NFPA reports indicate that fire accidents in food and drinking establishments usually start in the kitchen involving cooking equipment and grease build-up. Dust and moisture accumulation is also hazardous to the health of the staff and the customers, so it’s crucial to keep your exhaust system well-maintained with the help of grease duct access doors.
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Why Do You Need Grease Duct Access Doors?
Here are the key benefits when installing a duct access unit in your kitchen.
- Additional Safety – Although safety precautions are set to reduce or prevent certain risks, grease build-up inside your ductwork may be challenging to clean daily, especially since some workers tend only to clean those within their sight and reach.
Kitchens with a neglected exhaust and duct system are more prone to bacteria, moisture, and grease build-up. Mold and bacteria can cause various health and sanitation issues, but grease deposits are far more dangerous since they are flammable and tough to extinguish.
However, when you install a grease duct access panel, cleaners and technicians can easily access the hard-to-reach areas of the exhaust system and effectively remove build-ups to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.
- Compliance – All businesses have certain fire and safety regulations, especially in kitchens that primarily serve fried food. One of the standards you need to fulfill for your business is the NFPA-96 which covers standard kitchen equipment’s design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and operation.
In addition, the NFPA-96 4.1.8 also requires all exhaust systems to have a proper access point where they can be cleaned and maintained, especially if the opening is too small for an adult person to enter.
Depending on your area of operations, there could be other codes that you need to follow suit. It would help to do research or hire an expert to help you along the way and secure that your restaurant complies with all safety requirements.
- Ease of Maintenance – If there’s one thing that grease duct panels are excellent at, it’s providing direct and convenient access to your ductwork system. Their function benefits technicians when they need to inspect the ducts and remove grease and dust accumulation.
A well-maintained exhaust hood is essential to your business since they eliminate odors and keep the system working to effectively remove smoke, improve air quality, and reduce heat build-up. Grease can also make the system heavy, putting additional stress on the unit.
Types of Grease Duct Access Doors
When choosing which grease access panel to purchase, the choice you make can significantly enhance the safety and cleanliness of your commercial kitchen. Understanding the features of each product and the access needs for your duct system can ultimately help you make the right decision.
- Fan Access Door – As the name suggests, this type of duct access unit is used to gain access to the fans of your exhaust system. It’s an uninsulated door that features a self-adhesive template that most manufacturers include based on the size of the product that you choose. In addition, you don’t need to use any tools to open the fan access door.
- High Temp Access Door – High temp panels can help your business meet NFPA 96 standards. The product’s gaskets have a rating of 1000° to 2300° and have a frame-less design, making the unit very easy to install since there is no need for drilling o welding to seal the product properly.
Like fan access doors, it also has a self-adhesive template depending on the duct opening size where it will be installed. Finally, the product includes wing nuts and bolts for easy opening and closing, but the door is also removable.
- Flat Grease Duct Access Door – If you need a heavy-duty door, you can choose the U.L rated flat grease model since its door is made with 16 gauge steel, and its gaskets are rated to 2300ºF (1260ºC) for a fire tight seal. The bolt patterns on the unit provide a fire-safe enclosure, and the back frame reinforces the duct cutout so that you don’t have to wield the product in place.
- Curved Grease Duct Access Door – Like the flat grease panel, the curved grease model is also durable and built with 15 gauge steel or stainless steel. Ideal for use on round ducts, its gaskets also have a rating of 2300ºF (1260ºC) for a fire-tight seal. They are commonly manageable to install and maintain, and their positive bolt pattern ensures safe and sealed closures.
Reliable access door suppliers offer various types, sizes, and UL/ULC access panel certifications. The panels must comply with NFPA 96 standard for fire safety reasons and be fire-rated to a certain degree.
Proper Installation of Grease Duct Access Doors
As indicated in the NFPA 96, access points are necessary to properly clean and maintain commercial exhaust systems. These doors play an essential role in your business’s overall safety and sanitation, a top priority in distinguished restaurants. It shows that you value the security of your employees and that you are a responsible business owner.
Most grease duct access panels don’t require tools or welding when installed. If you purchase from a reliable supplier, your order should include a template sticker that would allow users to place the unit in the correct position. You don’t have to worry about misalignment issues with a single rigid handle.
As a business owner, you want to eliminate excessive labor for your staff while improving your fire and safety protection system. An excellent way of accomplishing both is by replacing the current openings on your exhaust system with a reliable and effective grease duct panel.
Takeaway
There are many ways to control commercial grease fires, and it starts with a well-maintained exhaust unit. As a business owner, it’s essential to reduce unnecessary work for your staff while improving fire safety. Choosing a reliable and dedicated access door for your exhaust system can significantly enhance its effectiveness in removing oil build-up.