PHOTO SHOWS → EXTREME FIRE HAZARD → Filters in horizontal position → Grease pools and auto-ignites → Hood/duct fire almost guaranteed
What You Are Looking At
- Stainless steel baffle-type grease filters inside a Type I commercial cooking exhaust hood
- Required over deep fryers, griddles, charbroilers, and any appliance producing grease-laden vapors
Why This Is a Serious Concern
- Horizontal filters trap grease instead of draining it → self-heating → auto-ignition temperature reached in minutes
- Leading cause of $250K–$2M+ total-loss restaurant fires
- Insurance carriers routinely deny claims when filters are improperly installed (NFPA 96 violation)
Good Condition (Acceptable)
- All baffle filters installed VERTICALLY (upright) with bottom edge seated in grease trough
- Grease drips freely into collection cup/tray
- Filters clean (≤1/16 inch buildup), undamaged, no bent slats
- Current professional hood/duct cleaning tag (within past 6 months; 3 months for heavy-volume or solid-fuel cooking)
Fix Needed – HIGH PRIORITY (Grease Fire Hazard)
- Filters installed horizontally or flat (as shown)
- Visible grease pooling on top of filters
- Buildup >1/8 inch, rust, or bent/damaged slats
- Missing or expired cleaning tag
Corrective Actions & Proper Recommendation
- Immediate – Remove all filters and reinstall VERTICALLY so grease drains into trough.
- Within 24–48 hours – Degrease all filters (commercial dishwasher or steam clean) until shiny.
- Within 7 days – Schedule licensed NFPA 96 hood & duct cleaning contractor for full system cleaning, nozzle blow-off test, and new service tag.
- Ongoing – Train staff on correct vertical installation; perform and log weekly visual checks.
Report Wording Suggestions
“Good” – “Baffle filters installed vertically, clean, grease drains properly, current NFPA 96 cleaning tag present.”
“Fix Needed – HIGH RISK” – “Kitchen hood baffle filters installed horizontally with heavy grease pooling. Severe fire hazard. Recommend immediate vertical reinstallation and filter cleaning today, followed by licensed NFPA 96 full-system cleaning with new tag within 7 days.”
LCA Certified Inspector Motto
“Stand them up. Drain it out. Tag it. Rec it.”
Disclosure:
Horizontal installation of baffle filters is a direct violation of NFPA 96 (2024 ed.), Section 11.4.2. Immediate correction is required to maintain insurance coverage and code compliance. Always verify current NFPA 96 and local fire marshal requirements. When in doubt — recommend immediate service by a licensed hood cleaning contractor.