PHOTO SHOWS → UNSAFE FRYER–RANGE SETUP
→ Fryer full of oil directly beside open flames → No 16" gap or 8" baffle → Heavy grease debris → High flash-fire risk
What You Are Looking At
- Commercial deep fryer positioned immediately adjacent to an open-flame gas range.
- No required stainless-steel baffle installed between appliances.
- Grease and food debris present near burners and trough area.
Why This Is a Serious Concern
- Hot oil splatter or vapor can ignite instantly when exposed to an open flame.
- Fire can rapidly spread into:
- the hood and duct system,
- grease filters,
- the overhead suppression system.
- Lack of separation is a direct violation of NFPA 96 (2024) – Section 10.4.1.
- Grease accumulation accelerates flame spread and reduces suppression effectiveness.
Good Condition (Acceptable)
- Minimum 16-inch horizontal separation between fryer edge and open-flame burner OR
- Installed 8-inch-high stainless-steel baffle that spans the full height/depth between units.
- Baffle clean, free of grease buildup.
- Grease trough/filter clean, emptied daily into sealed container.
- No oil overflow, food debris, or grease accumulation near open flames.
Fix Needed – HIGH PRIORITY (Flash-Fire Hazard)
- Fryer located less than 16 inches from open flame without an 8-inch baffle.
- Missing, damaged, or undersized baffle.
- Grease/debris buildup in trough or around burners.
- Units touching or grease bridging the gap between appliances.
- Visible oil overflow or spillage near burners.
Corrective Actions & Proper Recommendation
Immediate
- Install a stainless-steel 8-inch baffle between fryer and range OR relocate fryer to achieve ≥16-inch separation.
- Clean and remove all grease/debris around fryer, range, and trough.
Within 7 Days
- Clean grease trough, filters, and surrounding surfaces thoroughly.
- Establish daily grease-trough emptying into sealed metal containers.
Ongoing
- Maintain monthly cleaning logs for the fryer, trough, and baffle.
- Schedule annual hood/suppression inspection per NFPA 96 and local fire code.
Report Wording Suggestions
“Good”
“Fryer–range separation maintained with ≥16-inch clearance or compliant 8-inch stainless baffle. Baffle clean and grease trough emptied daily.”
“Fix Needed – HIGH RISK”
“Deep fryer positioned next to open-flame range with no 16-inch clearance or 8-inch baffle. Grease debris present. Immediate flash-fire hazard. Recommend installing compliant stainless baffle today, cleaning trough, and completing NFPA 96 inspection within 30 days.”
LCA Certified Inspector Motto
“Divide it. Clean it. Space it. Rec it.”
Disclosure
This card highlights common causes of fryer-range flash fires in commercial kitchens. Requirements for spacing, baffle installation, hood cleaning, and suppression system maintenance vary by local fire code, appliance type, and AHJ interpretation of NFPA 96 (2024 ed.). Always verify local requirements and consult a licensed hood/suppression contractor when separation or grease conditions are in question.
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