Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist

This checklist ensures commercial kitchen exhaust hood systems are cleaned and maintained per NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations and applicable local fire department requirements. Designed for restaurant managers and hood cleaning contractors.

  • Industry: Food & Hospitality
  • Frequency: Per cleaning service (varies by cook volume: monthly to annually)
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Restaurant Manager / Hood Cleaning Contractor
  • Total Items: 22
  • Compliance: NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection, IKECA Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Standards, ICC International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 6, State Fire Marshal Hood Cleaning Requirements

Pre-Cleaning Verification

Pre-service checks before beginning hood cleaning.

  • Fire suppression system tagged out before cleaning begins?
  • All cooking equipment shut off and cooled?
  • Pre-cleaning photos taken of all grease accumulation areas?
  • Grease accumulation severity assessed (light/moderate/heavy)?

Hood and Plenum Cleaning

Grease removal from hood canopy, plenum, and filters.

  • Hood canopy interior cleaned to bare metal?
  • Plenum chamber cleaned thoroughly?
  • Grease filters removed, cleaned, and reinstalled?
  • All access panels opened and areas behind panels cleaned?

Exhaust Duct Cleaning

Grease removal from exhaust ductwork.

  • Exhaust ductwork cleaned from hood to rooftop (full length)?
  • Access panels used to clean all duct sections?
  • Exhaust fan housing and blades cleaned?

Rooftop Equipment

Rooftop exhaust fan and grease containment.

  • Rooftop grease containment box / tray emptied and cleaned?
  • Fan curb and duct connection sealed with no gaps?
  • Fan hinge kit installed allowing cleaning without disconnecting wiring?

Fire Suppression Reinstatement

Suppression system restored and verified after cleaning.

  • Fire suppression system reinstated and verified operational?
  • Suppression nozzles unobstructed and pointed at cooking surfaces?
  • Suppression system last inspection tag current (within 6 months)?
  • Post-cleaning photos taken?

Cleaning Certificate and Documentation

Cleaning documentation and certification.

  • Cleaning certificate issued and posted in kitchen?
  • Deficiencies (inadequate access, damaged ductwork) documented on certificate?
  • Next recommended service date noted based on cooking volume?
  • Additional notes or deficiencies

Related Kitchen Operations Checklists

Why Use This Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist?

This commercial kitchen hood and exhaust system cleaning compliance checklist helps food & hospitality teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for restaurant manager / hood cleaning contractor professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per cleaning service (varies by cook volume: monthly to annually).

Ensures compliance with NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection, IKECA Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Standards, ICC International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 6, State Fire Marshal Hood Cleaning Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist?

A Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by restaurant manager / hood cleaning contractor to ensure consistent food & hospitality operations. It contains 27 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE commercial kitchen hood cleaning compliance checklist PDF. NFPA 96 and local fire code compliant template for restaurant hood cleaning verification and fire suppression inspection. Download FREE template now.

How often should I use this food & hospitality checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed per cleaning service (varies by cook volume: monthly to annually). Regular use ensures compliance with NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection and IKECA Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Standards and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 27 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection, IKECA Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Standards, ICC International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 6, State Fire Marshal Hood Cleaning Requirements. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this food & hospitality inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Restaurant / Establishment Name, Address, Cleaning Date, Cleaning Company Name and License, and Lead Technician Name and Certification. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

What are the key sections in this food & hospitality checklist?

This food & hospitality checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Pre-Cleaning Verification, Hood and Plenum Cleaning, Exhaust Duct Cleaning, Rooftop Equipment, Fire Suppression Reinstatement, Cleaning Certificate and Documentation. Each section contains specific inspection points that restaurant manager / hood cleaning contractor must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during food & hospitality inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 30-45 minutes to complete.

Who should use this Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist?

This checklist is primarily designed for restaurant manager / hood cleaning contractor working in food & hospitality operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that food & hospitality standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.

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