Codes and Standards Governing Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Operations

This is a continuation of our fire investigation series to assist investigators in understanding the operation of commercial kitchen ventilation, commonly called restaurant grease fires.

In this article we will discuss the foundation of the codes and standards that govern commercial kitchen ventilation and appliances.

The construction, installation and maintenance of kitchen systems is regulated by Federal, State/Provincial and Municipal building codes and supporting by standards. Codes define various occupancy characteristics of buildings and establish basic construction features and performance criteria. Standards establish acceptable practices for meeting the minimum criteria and are generally referenced by the codes.

In the U.S. and Canada, various jurisdictions usually adopt a model code with supporting standards. Some jurisdictions make substantial amendments or prepare their own building and fire codes. Once adopted, the code becomes an enforceable legal document administered by various authorities within the jurisdiction. The requirements for commercial cooking facilities are addressed in the building, fire prevention, mechanical, fuel gas, electrical, and life safety codes.

Model codes and standards are developed by various private sector independent standards development organizations. There are presently two major code development organizations in the US and Canada in reference to commercial kitchens, which offer model codes for state/provincial and local adoption. They are:
The National Fire Protection Association - NFPAThe International Code Council - ICC

These bodies are made up of building and fire officials and/or expert volunteers from industry and/or government, as well as professionals from engineering, insurance and other interests. The technical committees of these organizations meet at regular intervals and review changing technologies, construction and other innovations that may affect the building trade or fire safety needs of the community.

When dealing with suggested code changes these bodies have differing procedures and protocols with varying degrees of involvement among interested parties. All, however, have the primary focus of improving fire safety.

Codes and standards relating to commercial kitchen operations are continually evolving. They lag technology as they have typically been written after incidents have occurred, and research results are available, and/or new products have been developed, most notably ultra-violet filtration technology and the integration of computerized HVAC and heat recovery systems. Additionally, the process of code development and adoption can take years, often decades. It is common, in most jurisdictions, that existing buildings are governed by codes and standards that were in effect the time of the building's construction. Cooking equipment, exhaust systems, and fire-extinguishing systems are governed by codes and standards in effect at the time of their installation. Conversely, facility operational aspects, fire safety practices, and system maintenance practices are governed by current fire prevention codes and referenced system standards.

In conducting a system failure or performance analysis, an investigator or expert will need to establish at what point in time specific editions of codes and standards were adopted by state and local jurisdictions. It is a never-ending task to keep abreast of applicable codes, but a thorough knowledge of them is critical to understanding the background of a commercial cooking facility and analyzing a fire incident.

In addition to codes and standards UL, and similar organizations, test products (systems) and prescribe installation and maintenance requirements. These requirements are part of the terms of a product and/or system "listing."

These listing requirements are often more current than governmental Codes and Standards. An investigator must acquire copies of any installation and operation manuals for listed products or systems. This information and service records will assist in determining whether the listing requirements were adhered to.

In our next article we will discuss, at greater length, third party listings; a secondly, identifying the installation and maintenance requirements and how compliance or non-compliance could have affected the spread of the fire.

By Phil Ackland

If you have any additional suggestions or points that you would like to see included, please feel free to contact us.
Phil Ackland is an icon in the field of commercial kitchen safety education, particularly restaurant kitchen fires. http://www.philackland.com/. He sits on the NFPA 96 committee, has been a qualified expert witness and is a consultant to attorneys and insurance companies. He has written a series of books on these systems. Two of the most popular are Inspecting Commercial Kitchen Systems and Fire Investigation in Commercial Kitchen Systems. His one and two day training seminars have been attended by 1000's of fire inspectors and fire investigators. http://www.philackland.com/courses/

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Different Types of Commercial Liability Insurance

Anyone who operates a company should understand how vulnerable they are to the various claims that are often faced by many different businesses. Therefore, it is required by law for every company owner to prepare themselves with a primary line of defense by purchasing a commercial liability policy to protect their investments.

With the day-to-day uncertainties of operating a business, no matter the size or scope, it's always comforting to know that when something goes awry you have the backing of commercial liability coverage to help for all the claims that could be reported by customers against your business.

Following is a list of a few different types of commercial liability insurance that will protect your company and you from a fiscal disaster:

General Liability Coverage

Every business should invest in commercial general liability coverage to shield the company from advertising claims, injury claims or claims of property damage. The majority of employers survive through using only this kind of insurance, but if you purchase it as part of a business owner's policy then you will normally get minimal coverage. However, you can always purchase this type of insurance as a separate policy to have more protection. As a rule of thumb, a company needs additional liability insurance coverage if it is faced with increased risk depending on the nature of the services or products that the business offers.

Professional Liability

If your operation is service based, the commercial liability insurance that is most fitting for your business is professional liability insurance. This insurance will help you cover the costs and damages that may be present when a customer files a negligence claim in case of error or omission, financial pitfalls or claimed failure to perform on the part of the policyholder. If you are in the legal or medical fields, you are legally required to have professional liability insurance.

Product Liability

Businesses that are engaged in the selling of physical products will thoroughly benefit from product liability coverage. This coverage will protect you if a customer suffers loss or injury due to a problem or defect in the merchandise. If you already have general commercial liability insurance, then look into the inclusions as it normally has products-completed operations insurance, which is exactly the same thing as product liability. In retail, you might face many or all kinds of claims including production or manufacturing flaws, deficient design or incomplete warnings and instructions. Ask any business that had the misfortune to go against product liability claims and they will tell you how such claims can quickly put you out of business.

Running your own business or practicing your profession can be lucrative but it does have one severe disadvantage: a vulnerability to claims. Though this shouldn't stop you from starting a business, it should serve as a warning and push you toward purchasing the required commercial liability insurance to keep you protected from adverse claims that can ruin your company.

Giacomo Palermo is an insurance expert who has helped individuals and residents in getting affordable, competitive commercial liability insurance in California and major medical insurance quotes for the past 20+ years.

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