According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Code 96, all restaurant kitchens need to have an exhaust fan kit installed in their exhaust system. Not only does NFPA require them they are required by local codes, insurance companies and fire marshals.
First of all, there are several varieties of hinge kits out there. But, for the most part, they all have the same roll. They are there to allow the exhaust system to open and close for easier cleaning and maintenance. The hinge kits come with a chain attachment that uses a locking pin. This allows the turbine to tilt back and get in a locked position for cleaning or maintenance. Once cleaned, the chain and pin can lock the system back in place.
Safety. It’s important to regularly examine your exhaust system. The commercial kitchen exhaust system is designed to remove grease, smoke and other particles that float in the air. It has to go somewhere and it is usually vented out on the roof.
Installing an exhaust fan hinge kit will not only make is easier to clean your exhaust system but it can keep from breaking the lid. If the lid has to be removed and set down on the roof, it can get damaged or worse it could damage your roof because there are protruding parts and sharp edges.
Another area that is safeguarded when a hinge kit is installed are the electrical cords and fan. If the lid has to be removed, many times there are electrical cords that need to be disconnected. Damage to these cords could occur during a cleaning if not properly checked. There is also a risk that they may not be correctly re-attached. It also leaves the fan itself vulnerable to damage.
The hinge kit will eliminate potential hazards and make it easier to access. It is designed to keep the lid in a secured position for inspection, cleaning and maintenance. Most employees do not think to inspect the system on the roof so it is best to have a professional come in periodically to do the hood cleaning and maintenance.
If there is not exhaust hinge kit installed, the technicians|who need access to look inside will have to remove the lid. This takes time and many times there needs to be more than one person accessing it. The hinge kit allows the lid to open quickly and be locked. This is a much safer way to gain entry.
Having a hinge kit put in is also a money saver. It takes less time to get access and you only need one person to open it.
There are several forms of hinge kits available and of course they are all not the same price. It is good to look for one that is fairly trouble free to install and is made of heavy duty steel. It may cost a little more, but it will last longer and give you the peace of mind that you don’t have to keep going out and buy them or pay someone to come to your place and install one.
Orange County Hood Cleaning Pros does keep hinges in their inventory. We keep a supply on our vehicles so we don’t have to run back to the office causing you to have to wait around longer than you should.
Orange County Hood Cleaning Pros • Orange • California • 949-239-7541