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Opening a new restaurant or even purchasing a pre-existing restaurant involves quite a bit of legal and safety concerns. If you’re fairly new to the food industry, you’ve probably conducted quite a bit of research. For instance, you probably know what licenses you must have, you’re aware how to avoid cross-contamination, and you’re knowledgeable when it comes to maintaining a clean kitchen environment.

However, something you might still have a question about is whether or not it’s a must to have an exhaust system installed in your California commercial kitchen. The answer you’re looking for is as follows.

A Kitchen Exhaust is a Necessity in Commercial Kitchens

Kitchen exhausts are critical units in a commercial kitchen. Why? Because they help expel humidity and debris from the kitchen environment, allow for proper sanitation, and provide a consistent flow of fresh air.

The state of California knows just how important exhaust systems are. According to California Health and Safety Code 114149 (a), “All areas of a food facility shall have sufficient ventilation to facilitate proper food storage and to provide a reasonable condition of comfort for each employee, consistent with the job performed by the employee.”

Based on the latter, not only is an exhaust system in a California commercial kitchen necessary, but it’s required. Apart from this safety code, know that there are also specific guidelines in California regarding exhaust system placement, necessary parts, cleanliness, and operation.

Safety Hazards of Cooking Without Kitchen Ventilation

Operating a commercial kitchen without an exhaust is not only illegal, but it’s a big risk. Imagine a humid, stuffy, odorous environment filled with toxic air that could potentially be detrimental to your staff members’ health. And with the risk of a flash fire and slip and fall injuries, you bet having adequate kitchen ventilation isn’t an option; it’s a must.

We know what you’re thinking: getting a kitchen exhaust installed, let alone maintaining that exhaust system over the years, is intimidating. But it’s the law – you must have one installed, and it must remain clean. The good news is, you don’t have to worry about maintaining it on your own every three months or so. (We know how busy restaurant workers are!)

When you call Flue Steam, Inc. at 800-700-FLUE for kitchen exhaust cleaning service in Mission Viejo, CA, we’ll be sure to spruce up your system to keep it in proper operation. Our special certification and knowledge on flue systems certainly shows in our work!

A commercial kitchen’s grease filter works by capturing flammable grease particles from your exhaust system. In fact, research shows that a properly working grease filter collects up to 98% of grease deposits within your system and, in turn, significantly helps prevent the risks of a flash fire.

However, it’s not as easy as having an exhaust system with a grease filter installed in your kitchen. As the owner and/or operator of your commercial kitchen, it’s important that you engage in the regular upkeep of these fire safety kitchen devices to not just keep them in compliance but also to keep them in safe, working order.

Although our Flue Steam technicians specialize in all parts of kitchen exhaust systems, let’s talk specifics: grease filters. Because they have their own individual upkeep, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the following information:

Make Sure to Clean or Replace Your Grease Filter Every 2 to 4 Weeks

As tedious as it may sound, approximately every 14 to 28 days (depending on how much oil or grease gets used in your kitchen), you must either clean or replace your kitchen’s grease filter. These filters may play a role in collecting grease, but even they can become overloaded with grease buildup. As a result, your grease filter may struggle to properly do its job going forward. This is why regular filter cleanings and replacements are imperative.

By making sure to engage in this regular maintenance, you’re ensuring that your commercial kitchen will be less likely to break out in flames due to the overaccumulation of grease.

Call Steam Flue Today to Get Your Grease Filter Exchanged in Southern California!

The problem with grease filter maintenance is that, well, it requires quite frequent upkeep. It’s easy to forget to clean or replace your filter. Restaurant owners may even have trouble gauging whether or not it’s the right time to replace their filter. In addition, some folks may have difficulty deciding whether their filter needs to be simply cleaned or completely replaced.

That’s where Flue Steam comes in! Our licensed employees are heavily knowledgeable when it comes to all things grease filters. If you live in the Newport Beach, CA area, you can contact us for quick and cost-effective grease filter exchange service. We’ll bring and install your new grease filters for you. And because we already have bulk supply of different filters available, you won’t have to wait a long period of time to get your filters replaced.

What are you waiting for? Contact us today at 800-700-FLUE to elect our services!

There are many important aspects of a commercial kitchen to ensure it remains as safe as possible. Portable fire extinguishers, a kitchen exhaust system, and a swamp cooler are a few specific things that are not only required by law to be installed in many kitchens; they also act as imperative safety measures to prevent or aid in the event that there’s a flash fire in your kitchen. Although the chance that a fire will erupt is relatively rare, there’s always that chance, especially in a greasy kitchen with gas-run appliances.

Another important piece of equipment that can help keep your kitchen protected from a potential fire is an automatic fire suppression system. These automatic extinguishing devices will put out a fire in your kitchen once it detects a certain ambient temperature. Thanks to this piece of equipment, many commercial kitchens in Southern California have faced less extensive damage due to a flash fire.

But it isn’t enough to just have an automatic fire suppression system. It’s just as important to ensure your system complies with all codes and regulations in the state of California and within your county/city.

Why Staying in Compliance Matters

Not all of us are going to agree with every rule. However, when it comes to keeping a commercial kitchen up and running, following all the rules matters. Not keeping your automatic fire-extinguishing system in compliance can lead to failed inspections and possible fines. Not to mention, when your system isn’t in compliance, it may not operate correctly when and if there is a fire in your commercial kitchen. This failure to operate can leave you with heftier damages and a greater safety risk for you and/or your employees.

We’ll Verify that Your Automatic Fire Suppression System in Granada Hills, CA is Up to Code!

It’s always better to be safe than sorry – that also stands true when it comes to ensuring your automatic fire suppression system is in compliance with all codes and regulations. The last thing you’ll want is a fat fine, a failed inspection, and an unsafe kitchen!

But how do you know if your automatic fire suppression system is in compliance? If you’re located in Granada Hills, CA or its nearby cities, you can count on Flue Steam to give you the answer! Our technicians will be able to quickly tell if your system complies with all necessary codes, and if not, we’ll tell you what you where you need to improve.

Just call us today at 800-700-FLUE to set up your appointment!

To open, operate, and keep a commercial kitchen running in California, there are certain requirements that you must meet. These include proper licensure and certification, continued compliance with safely handling food, passing of regular safety inspections, and keeping appliances and plumbing up to code.

Apart from the latter, having fire extinguishers present in your commercial kitchen space is not only an important safety measure, but it’s a requirement here in California. But it isn’t enough to simply have a fire extinguisher or two within your commercial kitchen; the right type, amount, and placement of your extinguishers matters too.

What Laws Require Fire Extinguishers in California Commercial Kitchens?

Title 8, Section 6151 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) mentions details regarding the fire extinguisher requirements for California businesses. The agencies that observe and enforce these regulations include Cal OSHA, the California State Fire Marshal, local fire marshals, and business and corporate liability insurance providers.

For commercial kitchens and restaurants, Class K fire extinguishers are required to be securely installed every 30 feet. Each extinguisher must be accessible at all times and cannot be blocked by furniture or other objects. In addition, all employees must be trained on how to use a fire extinguisher and informed where each one is located in the building. Training of employees should be done at the time of hiring, as well as once annually thereafter. Likewise, extinguishers should be inspected annually, and hydrostatic testing should be regularly performed.

Are There Penalties for Not Having Fire Extinguishers?

Failure to have the right number, type, and placement of fire extinguishers on your commercial property can result in hefty fines from OSHA, costing thousands of dollars per fire extinguisher that isn’t in compliance. Penalties can also result if you fail to train your employees on fire safety and/or don’t pass annual inspections/testing.

In order to avoid these penalties, it’s critical to follow all regulations and guidelines enforced in the state of California as well as in your locality.

Get High-Quality Fire Extinguisher Supply in Southern California

Not only do you want to be in compliance to keep your commercial restaurant or kitchen up and running, but you’ll want to have quality, reliable fire extinguishers on your property in case a flash fire erupts. But how do you ensure you get your hands on fire extinguishers you can trust?

Fortunately, Flue Steam, Inc. has a wide supply of various fire extinguishers for businesses in Southern California. Call us today for more information on fire supply to protect your commercial kitchen or restaurant from a devastating fire: 800-700-FLUE.

Many restaurants this time of year are busier than ever before. From serving large families coming together at one dinner table to celebrate the holiday season, to accommodating hungry Christmas shoppers, to whipping up catered meals for customers’ holiday celebrations, your kitchen staff are going to be slammed with endless tasks. This is no surprise for many restaurant and catering company owners.

But have you ever stopped to think how all the extra business you’re receiving around the holidays could be negatively impacting your kitchen equipment? Your expensive mixer might break, a burner on your stove might go out, the list goes on. One important unit many folks in the cooking industry forget to tend to is their kitchen hood, which will definitely be overworked this time of year, along with the rest of their equipment.

Commercial Kitchen Safety Starts with a Clean Hood!

There’s no better time to amp up the kitchen cleaning than during the month of December. And it goes beyond just the need for extra dishwashing, wiping down countertops more often, and frequently disinfecting door handles to steer clear of germs.

At Flue Steam, Inc., we recommend getting your entire kitchen exhaust system cleaned, including your range hood, drip cups, exhaust fans, and exhaust ducts, to get rid of excess grease buildup in your commercial space. Without regular exhaust system maintenance, especially during one of your busiest times of the year, this can result in unfortunate results, including:

• Poor air quality in your kitchen
• Possibility of a flash fire
• Lower lifespan of costly kitchen equipment
• Increased risk of slip and fall injuries
• Penalties for not properly maintaining your kitchen flue

The latter risks can not only be potentially expensive and time-consuming to tend to but can also have a negative effect on your staff members’ health and the safety of your commercial property. A filthy kitchen exhaust is perhaps one of the most dangerous aspects of any kitchen!

Get Kitchen Exhaust System Cleaning in Southern California Today

You might be one to do things on your own, but when it comes to your kitchen exhaust system, cleaning it correctly is critical in terms of health, safety, and compliance. Especially with you and your crew being extra busy around this time of year, it’s a great idea to have a professional come out to maintain your flue before or after Christmastime.

What are you waiting for? The holidays are almost here! Contact Flue Steam, Inc. in Southern California today at 800-700-FLUE to set up your kitchen hood cleaning soon.