Regular kitchen exhaust system cleanings help remove grease build up and keep your kitchen exhaust system running at its peak performance. Regular inspection of your exhaust system ductwork also ensures that your building is better protected against fires. One aspect of the cleaning process that is often overlooked by restaurant owners and managers is providing access points to the ductwork.

The NFPA has recognized this possible hazard and issued the following NFPA 96 section 7.3.1: “Openings shall be provided at the sides or at the top of the duct, whichever is more accessible, and at a change of direction.” These openings are called access panels or access doors and are necessary for a thorough cleaning.

You may not be aware of the access points in your kitchen exhaust ductwork. Inspect your commercial cooking establishment to determine if there are any inaccessible areas; if so, these areas are hazards. The NFPA 96 standard requires an access door for at least every 12 feet of duct and at every change of direction. Remember, access doors allow the service personnel to reach all areas of the system, so the grease and other contaminants are removed right down to the bare metal. This ensures that you are code compliant and that your investment is protected.

Restaurant Accessories Store by CJ’s carries only the best line of access doors on the market. The Access Armor Duct Access Door is the easiest access door on the market to install and operate. The patented “cam-lock” design eliminates misplacing fastening hardware. The Access Armor exceeds NFPA and UL-listed standards with a 2300-degree fire rating. These doors are available in several sizes and are precision cut, high-grade, 316 stainless steel with a unique octagonal shape to eliminate sharp edges.