<\/span><\/h2>\nThis is the first and most important question<\/strong>.<\/p>\nNFPA 96 is the fire code standard that governs commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning. If a company is not compliant, your restaurant is at risk \u2014 even if the hood looks<\/em> clean.<\/p>\nAsk them:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \n
Do you follow NFPA 96 cleaning standards?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Can you explain what parts of the system you clean (hood, ducts, fan, filters)?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Do you provide documentation after each cleaning?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always request a post-cleaning service report.<\/p>\n<\/span>2. Are Your Technicians Certified and Trained?<\/span><\/h2>\nHood cleaning is not janitorial work \u2014 it\u2019s specialized fire-prevention maintenance.<\/p>\n
Ask them:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \n
Are your technicians trained in commercial exhaust cleaning?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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How long have your cleaners been working in this field?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Do you conduct background checks and safety training?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Certified and experienced technicians know how to clean hard-to-reach ductwork without damaging your system.<\/p>\n
<\/span>3. Do You Carry Liability Insurance and Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/span><\/h2>\nThis protects you, not just the cleaning company.<\/p>\n
If an uninsured worker is injured or property is damaged during cleaning, your restaurant could be liable.<\/p>\n
Ask them:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \n
Do you have general liability insurance?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Are your workers covered under workers\u2019 compensation?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Can you provide proof of insurance?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Never hire a company that hesitates to share this information.<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. What Exactly Is Included in Your Hood Cleaning Service?<\/span><\/h2>\nSome companies offer partial cleaning at a lower price, which can fail inspections.<\/p>\n
Ask for clarity on:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \n
Hood interior and exterior<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Exhaust ducts (full length or partial?)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Exhaust fan and housing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Filters and grease containment areas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Rooftop cleanup after service<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If ducts and fans are excluded, the cleaning is not NFPA compliant.<\/p>\n