What actions or product applications help prevent grease fires in kitchen ventilation systems?
Peter D’Antonio: Most grease fires are a result of poor maintenance of the exhaust system. Grease fires are avoidable through proper operation and maintenance. A good O&M plan will ensure the system is properly air balanced, makes provisions for kitchen staff to perform routine maintenance, and contracts qualified outside services to inspect and clean the grease exhaust system periodically based on the amount of effluent produced and filtration in place. Steve Melink: I think canopy-style hoods should be less susceptible to grease fires since they hang higher above the cooking equipment. The greater the physical separation between the heat source, boilers, the fuel source, and the grease-laden filters, the less likely an ignition will occur. Using the same logic, cooking equipment that is only 36-in. high is better than similar equipment that is 72-in. high. In addition, there should be horizontal duct runs, so that grease is less likely to collect on the bottom wall and become a poten
