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 Service / 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

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

This commercial kitchen hood and exhaust system cleaning compliance checklist helps food service / 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 does the Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust System Cleaning Compliance Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Cleaning Verification, Hood and Plenum Cleaning, Exhaust Duct Cleaning, Rooftop Equipment, Fire Suppression Reinstatement, Cleaning Certificate and Documentation. It is designed for food service / hospitality operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per cleaning service (varies by cook volume: monthly to annually). Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

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

This checklist is designed for Restaurant Manager / Hood Cleaning Contractor professionals in the food service / hospitality 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.