Tag Archive: Kitchen exhaust cleaning

1. IKECA Technical Seminar 2018

   November 8, 2018 7:08 pm Leave a Comment

   As part of our professional development, our certified exhaust cleaning specialists attended IKECA’s 2018 Fall Technical Seminar and Expo.  It took place October 2^nd through 5^th in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is the place to be if you want to gain valuable knowledge of industry changes, share business best practices and learn about new and innovative products.  We encourage anyone in the industry to attend at least one IKECA event annually.

   There were some great speakers at this year’s technical seminar who shared their experiences with fire suppression systems, kitchen exhaust system inspections, and equipment troubleshooting.  Other presenters covered NFPA 96 and ANSI code updates, WSIB and accident prevention.  It’s always interesting to take part in these sessions and learn how others companies overcome the same challenges that we face here in Toronto.  The fall protection demo reminded us of the importance we must all take when working at heights to service kitchen exhaust system fans and duct work.

   Products being promoted in the main expo hall included hood filters, grease containment systems, access doors, WOW cleaners and polishes, and other accessories.  These are some of the products that Pressure-Kleen offers to its Canadian customers to maintain their kitchen exhaust systems.  There was also some innovative pressure washing equipment that will bring cutting edge advancements to our industry.  We are always looking for safer, more effective methods of removing grease from kitchen exhaust systems.

   Attendees were invited to “A Night at the Museum” at the Koorsen Fire Museum.   A bus took them to the site where reception celebrating those who serve in the life safety and fire protection industry. It was enjoyable sharing fellowship and refreshments while looking back at the history of the fire protection industry.

   

   Courtesy of IKECA

    

   Although our attendees enjoyed this event, we look equally forward to IKECA’s 30^th anniversary celebration in Las Vegas next April.

2. Industry Networking at IKECA Conference 2017

   June 27, 2017 3:38 pm Leave a Comment

   Another great conference for the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association. This year the well-attended annual meeting was held in sunny Charleston, South Carolina. I always enjoy attending these IKECA events that allow me to network and learn about the latest tools.

   

    

   The conference was packed with industry related seminars from Fire departments to business matters and equipment manufacturers. I have personally been attending these meetings for over 25 years, and they have never disappointed me. The opportunity to meet and learn with other industry leading cleaning companies from across the North America, ensures our cleaning solutions are the most current.  This year we got a refresher on the ANSI/IKECA standards of Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning as well as demonstrations from exhibitors about new products.

    

   I personally take great pride that I have been asked to be a presenter at many of these conferences. Being the First Canadian President of the Canadian Chapter in IKECA, I never could of imagined all the rewarding benefits of giving back to our industry.  Pressure-Kleen Services Company has often been applauded by our industry peers for our innovation and highest standards.  I’m looking forward to next fall’s conference where I can expand my knowledge and share that expertise with my customers.  I believe an educated customer can make better decisions.

    

    

    

    

3. Fire Closes Down Leamington Wendy’s Restaurant

   January 11, 2016 5:43 pm Leave a Comment

   Fire has caused an estimated $200,000 to the Leamington Wendy’s Restaurant in Southern Ontario. Fire crews were called to the fast food restaurant on Oak Street just after 9am on November 18, 2015.  A team of 18 firefighters were able to bring the fire under control quickly. Officials say it started with the cooking equipment in the kitchen.

   Have you had your kitchen equipment and exhaust system inspected recently?  Regular inspections and cleaning can greatly reduce the possibility of grease fires. Be sure your inspector is a certified Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning inspector like those at Pressure-Kleen Services Company.  Also ensure that your kitchen exhaust cleaning company provides detailed reports of their inspections.  Pre-cleaning and post-cleaning photos should be available for your review.

   It is imperative that any identified deficiencies are corrected before they affect the safety of your employees. Luckily, there were no reported injuries associated with the Wendy’s fire in Leamington.

   Cleaning must go beyond what you can see. It must delve into the depths of the ductwork.  An inspection between the exhaust fan on the building exterior and the hoods in the kitchen allows us to advise on the required frequency for a cleaning program.

   

   There needs to be sufficient access to the ductwork.  Fire rated access doors should be installed at each turn in the system.  This will allow your inspector to conduct a proper inspection and determine the extent of cleaning required.  The goal of cleaning is to restore the ductwork to bare metal by removing all grease build-up.   Access door installation may be required to allow cleaning to bare metal.

   

   We are authorized dealers for FlameGard access doors and hood filters. Call us for more information on our products or services.

   DISCLAIMER: Pressure-Kleen Services Company Inc. has never serviced this Wendy’s location

4. Preventing Commercial Kitchen Grease Fires

   August 13, 2015 3:50 pm Leave a Comment

   Every year, a memorial service for fallen firefighters is held in Toronto. The most recent service was June 7th, 2015 held at the Harbour Front fire station 334. Tragically, 245 fire fighters have lost their lives since 1948 while trying to protect us, our property and the environment.  (Source Citynews.ca)

   If an exhaust cleaning company is not cleaning to NFPA 96 Standard, it is acting with negligence.  It increases the possibility of a restaurant fire, causing firemen to have to answer the call and put their lives on the line for us. There is a way to dramatically reduce the risk of kitchen exhaust and hood fires. Simply make the commitment to have the entire system inspected and cleaned to bare metal at a proper frequency each and every time. Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection Schedule

   When you choose your professional kitchen exhaust cleaning company they should provide you with Absolute Proof® that it has been cleaned to bare metal. It’s our responsibility to provide this Absolute Proof® to provide reassurance that we are helping you to prevent kitchen grease fires.  It comes in the form of service reports detailing the condition of the system before and after the cleaning, backed up by photos of the interior of all the ducts and the fan, not just the hood.  We honour those firefighters by doing our best to eliminate the risk of grease fires…It’s our responsibility.