Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is mandated by NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, requiring inspection and cleaning intervals based on cooking volume and fuel type. Failure to maintain grease-free hoods, filters, ducts, and fans creates significant fire hazards and can result in facility shutdowns, insurance voidance, and regulatory fines. This checklist guides Food Service Managers through a thorough hood system inspection to document co

Industry: Food Service
Frequency: Monthly
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Role: Food Service Manager
Total Items: 35
Compliance: NFPA 96 Chapter 11 - Ventilation Control and Fire Protection, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 - Means of Egress, FDA Food Code 2022 Section 4-204.18, HACCP 21 CFR 120.8 - Sanitation Monitoring, State Health Department Code - Commercial Kitchen Ventilation

Hood Canopy & Surface Condition

Assess the visible surfaces of the hood canopy for grease accumulation, damage, and overall cleanliness.

Are all exterior hood canopy surfaces free of visible grease buildup?
Is the hood canopy structurally intact with no dents, gaps, or missing panels?
Are hood canopy seams and joints properly sealed with no grease leakage?
Is a photo of the current hood canopy condition captured?
Are any deficiencies or damage noted in writing?

Grease Filters & Baffles

Inspect grease filters and baffle systems for cleanliness, fit, and operational condition.

Are all grease filters or baffles present and properly seated in their tracks?
Are grease filters free of excessive grease accumulation (less than 1/8 inch buildup)?
Are grease drip trays beneath filters clean and free of overflow?
Are filters free of physical damage such as bent frames, missing mesh, or holes?
How many filters were removed and cleaned or replaced during this inspection?

Exhaust Duct Condition

Evaluate the accessible portions of the exhaust ductwork for grease accumulation and structural integrity.

Are all accessible duct access panels present, operable, and grease-free?
Is the interior of the duct (as viewed through access panels) free of grease deposits exceeding 1/8 inch?
Are duct welds and seams intact with no visible gaps or breaches?
Is a photo of the duct interior (via access panel) captured and attached?
Are there any visible signs of prior grease fires inside the duct (charring, discoloration)?

Exhaust Fan & Motor

Inspect the rooftop or inline exhaust fan, motor, and associated components for proper function and grease management.

Is the exhaust fan operating at normal speed without unusual vibration or noise?
Is the fan housing and wheel free of grease accumulation?
Is the grease drip tray beneath the fan clean and properly drained?
Are fan belts (if applicable) in good condition with no cracking or excessive wear?
Are fan motor electrical connections secure and free of grease contamination?

Fire Suppression System Integration

Verify that the hood-mounted fire suppression system is properly maintained and accessible.

Is the fire suppression system service tag current and within the required 6-month inspection interval?
Are all suppression system nozzles clean, unobstructed, and properly positioned over cooking equipment?
Is the manual pull station for the suppression system clearly marked and unobstructed?
Are gas shutoff interlocks functioning and tested during this inspection?
Is a photo of the suppression system tag and nozzles captured?

Makeup Air & Ventilation Balance

Assess the makeup air supply system to ensure proper airflow balance with the exhaust system.

Is the makeup air system operational and supplying air when the exhaust fan is running?
Are makeup air supply diffusers clean and free of grease or debris?
Are makeup air filters (if present) clean and within the recommended replacement schedule?
Does the kitchen maintain neutral or slightly negative pressure relative to adjacent dining or service areas?

Cleaning Records & Corrective Actions

Document cleaning activities, vendor certifications, and any corrective actions identified during this inspection.

Is a cleaning certificate from a certified hood cleaning contractor available on-site?
Does the cleaning log show cleaning intervals that comply with NFPA 96 Table 11.4 for the cooking type and volume?
Were any deficiencies identified during this inspection that require corrective action?
Please describe all deficiencies and required corrective actions identified?
What is the target completion date for all corrective actions?
Has this inspection report been reviewed and signed off by the Food Service Manager?

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Why Use This Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This kitchen exhaust hood cleaning inspection checklist [free pdf] helps food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food service manager professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with NFPA 96 Chapter 11 - Ventilation Control and Fire Protection, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 - Means of Egress, FDA Food Code 2022 Section 4-204.18, HACCP 21 CFR 120.8 - Sanitation Monitoring, State Health Department Code - Commercial Kitchen Ventilation. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 7 sections: Hood Canopy & Surface Condition, Grease Filters & Baffles, Exhaust Duct Condition, Exhaust Fan & Motor, Fire Suppression System Integration, Makeup Air & Ventilation Balance, Cleaning Records & Corrective Actions. It is designed for food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Food Service Manager professionals in the food service industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.