VAIL, COLOADO – Whether you are new to the restaurant business or an old hand, you may not be aware of how your hood cleaning method and schedule affect not only your kitchen but your entire business as well.

Chief Executive Massoud Farazandeh of American Professional Services (APS-Hoods), a professional hood cleaning company in Vail, Colorado said, “Knowledge about the importance of how unclean exhaust hoods can affect an entire restaurant business is very important.”

“Restaurant owners and managers,” he continued, “must make sure that hood cleaning occurs on a regular basis. Otherwise, there is a real possibility that the facility will sustain a fire. Hood cleaning simply cannot be overlooked for many other reasons as well.”

Why do clean exhaust hoods matter so much?

Clean exhaust hoods are essential to the health and welfare of your workers and customers. The potential fire hazard posed by unclean hoods is very great because grease, grime, smoke, and dirt build up deposits on the floors, walls, ceiling, roof, and inside the exhaust system. These deposits, which become glue-like, act like kindling for a fire. If the buildup is significant, a fire can spontaneously erupt.

In addition, without a properly working exhaust system, workers and customers will breathe dirty, polluted air, which is a certain health hazard for even the healthiest.

What consequences are there other than fire or polluted air when hoods remain dirty?

Everyone would agree that a fire is the worst-case scenario due to poor equipment maintenance. However, there are other problems and consequences requiring consideration.

• If exhaust hoods are not properly cleaned and maintained, local fire officials can either fine the restaurant or shut it down, or both.
• If hood cleaning is not undertaken regularly, the restaurant is not complying with local safety codes. State and or city officials can fine the restaurant and force it to close.
• If a restaurant is in violation of the fire and safety codes, the liability insurance carrier can drop the facility’s insurance or it can raise its premiums.

Is professional hood cleaning really necessary?

There are no laws saying you must hire a professional hood cleaning company, but it is strongly recommended. Here are some reasons why.

• Hood cleaning is a difficult, dirty, time-consuming job.
• There are nooks and crannies that a non-professional can overlook, which can hold potential fire dangers.
• Non-professionals do not always know how to tell if each part of the exhaust system is working properly. Just one poorly or non-working component of the system is potentially dangerous.
• Professional hood cleaners are very knowledgeable regarding the national code standards as compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and their publication NFPA 96.

“You are not doing yourself any favors by cutting corners and justifying professional hood cleaning as too expensive a cost,” said Farazandeh.

He continued, “Restaurant owners must see professional hood cleaning as part of the investment in their businesses. Health and safety are always good for business.”

Visit www.aps-hoods.com information on professional hood cleaners in Vail Colorado.

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June 20, 2008 — DENVER, COLORADO — The goal of any restaurant construction project is to find the company that provides quality work in a timely manner with the best bottom line. (more…)