According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 22% of the causes of fires that happen in commercial kitchens are a result of failure to clean cooking and heating equipment, including vents and ductwork.

Large amounts of grease will accumulate when the equipment is not cleaned properly, resulting in structure fires.

What if forgetting to clean caused a fire, or what can happen if a commercial kitchen lacks a commercial exhaust hood?

The problem could double or triple as a commercial kitchen is likely to be in violation of fire, health and building codes without an exhaust hood and ventilation system in place.

This goes to show that a commercial exhaust hood is not only necessary but crucial to a business’ health and legal compliance.

What Exactly is an Exhaust Hood Used For? 

It is generally used as a filtration system that removes grease, smoke, and other particles. In commercial kitchens, it is used together with devices that suppress fires, ensuring that a grease fire is probably vented and able to be quickly put out.

Depending on the design, it will also draw exterior air in and move it with the cooking fumes.

But that’s not all an exhaust hood is for.

Functions of a Commercial Exhaust Hood

1. Maintains good air quality

This is the most important job of an exhaust hood. It removes and filters out hazardous air pollutants, such as smoke, steam, and grease that come from cooking. All of these are inhaled by the kitchen staff, which can be harmful to their health, and will coat walls when left to accumulate.

2. Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning

An exhaust hood can vent out carbon monoxide that results from kitchen cooking and heating equipment and appliances. This means the absence of one can cause difficulty breathing when exposed to carbon monoxide in the short-term, and even death when exposed to the fumes in the long-term.

3. Removes excess heat

Built with a fresh air fan or fire suppression device, a commercial exhaust hood helps to cool the kitchen area, providing relief and protection to the kitchen staff. With the right equipment is in place, you can definitely take the heat in the kitchen.

4. Protects health of the staff

Used to filter and clean hazardous, irritating, and deadly pollutants, every commercial kitchen should have an exhaust hood installed. This is also the equipment that spares people in the kitchen, and surrounding rooms, from an eye, nose and throat irritations, potential carbon monoxide poisoning, and lung damage.

5. Ensures comfortable cooking and easy cleaning

Without the heat, smell, and steam, staff doesn’t have to suffer through the stuffiness in the kitchen that will make their tasks uncomfortable and more arduous than they’re supposed to. This makes cooking much more comfortable and enjoyable.

And because grease and moisture are filtered out, there’s little to no sticky film coating on various surfaces in the kitchen that dust and dirt can adhere to. This cuts down cleaning time by half, ensuring a sanitary and clean commercial kitchen.

Therefore, to reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of fires in a commercial kitchen, you must have an exhaust system installed. Make sure to choose an industry-grade commercial exhaust hood.