The fear of a kitchen fire is common among restaurateurs. No matter how good your fire prevention practices are, there’s always a possibility something could go wrong. Fire codes require commercial kitchens to install fire suppression systems to protect exhaust equipment and cooking appliances. Like any other system, kitchen fire suppression systems must be inspected regularly. Whether your suppression system is new or a few years old, here are some things to know about fire suppression system inspections.
Professional Inspections Occur Semi-Annually
Every six months, kitchen suppression systems must be inspected by a certified professional, according to NFPA codes. Not only will this help ensure the system is operating correctly, but a certified professional will have access to replacement parts. Fire suppression professionals will conduct inspections and testing of every component of the system, including:
- Duct, appliance, and blow-off caps
- Link line and detectors
- Remote pull stations and control components
- Piping
- Verification of test dates of regulator and cylinders
- And much more
Conduct Your Own In-House Inspection Every Month
In addition to having your system inspected twice a year by a certified and trained technician, the restaurant owner should perform a visual inspection once every month. Here’s what to look for:
- Discharge nozzles must be pointed at the right appliance
- Check for any build-up of grease and dirt in the exhaust hood
- Ensure that the tamper indicator is intact
- Make sure the pull station is accessible and not blocked by boxes or shelving
- Verify the date of the last inspection
Make sure you call your fire protection company in case of any New, Used and Refurbished Fire Alarm Parts.
Keep a Copy of Inspection Results for Insurance and Compliance Records
The fire technician will provide compliance documentation for the restaurant once an inspection has been completed and the acceptance test has been approved. The documentation includes:
- New marked service tag, visibly attached to the system cylinder
- Notes of repairs that were made or any system discrepancy to be addressed
To maintain compliance with insurance and code requirements, you should always keep these documents on hand. When your number one priority is serving the best food to your guests, the last thing you’d want to worry about is the condition of your fire suppression system. Avoid this by partnering with a fire protection company that will handle all the details for you, from tracking inspection records to completing repairs or maintenance tasks.
Fire Protection Services from Quickshipfire
Whether you need smoke detectors or any fire alarm parts installed at your commercial property, Quickshipfire has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage and our experience shows in our excellent work! For more information visit us online or give us a call at (833)747-7845.
