Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning

Es ilegal permitir que se vierta a un desagüe pluvial cualquier cosa que no sea agua de lluvia.

Fat, oils, grease, wash water, or rinse water that leaves a restaurant can cause buildup in city sewer lines and lead to sanitary sewer overflows. Additionally, if disposed of improperly or spilled, materials such as fat, oil, grease, nutrients, surfactants, and pathogens can be harmful to water quality and creek habitats.

Individuals and businesses that provide, or contract, hood cleaning services may be subject to both civil and criminal prosecution for improper handling and disposal of non-stormwater materials.

The National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 96 (NFPA Kitchen Hood Cleaning Requirements) requires trained and certified personnel to clean restaurant kitchen hoods and exhausts on a regular basis (NFPA 96-11.4).

PROPER CLEANUP PROCEDURES:

• Immediately clean up spills and leaks when they occur.

• Empty and clean grease collection trays located inside of exhaust hoods regularly.

• Used filter bath solution from soaking exhaust hood filters (both hazardous and non-hazardous) should be taken to an off-site disposal facility.

• Dry wipe or scrape prior to cleaning. Scrape excess grease into container and dispose of it according to local regulations which may include a tallow bin.

• Consider steam or hot water pressure washers to eliminate or reduce the use of harmful chemical cleaners and pH spikes.

• Cleaning products labeled “nontoxic” and “biodegradable” can harm wildlife if they enter the storm drain system. These products are prohibited discharges to the storm drain system.

• Never clean exhaust hoods or filters outdoors where oil, grease, wash water or rinse water may flow to a storm drain. Wash water must never flow out the back door, into any parking lot, a gutter, or storm drain.

• Clean floor mats and equipment in an area that drain to the sanitary sewer (i.e., mop sink).

ROOFTOPS:

• Any rooftop section of a grease hood should have a covered grease collector to capture excess grease. Collectors should be emptied (to solid waste or rendering), cleaned, and documented on a regular basis.

• Any wastewater generated on the roof should not be allowed to enter the roof drain. Collect wash and rinse water and discharge to sanitary sewer drains inside the business.

• Do not leave pooled wash and rinse water on the roof.

STORAGE:

• Maintain all hazardous materials in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and all applicable laws and regulations.

• Properly store and handle all chemicals to prevent any spills or discharges onto the ground or into a storm drain.

DISPOSAL:

• Check with your local wastewater treatment facility for specific requirements. A Wastewater Discharge Permit may be required.

• Use a licensed septage hauler to dispose of the wastewater properly. If this is not feasible, the wastewater may be discharged to drains that are connected to a working grease interceptor.

• Chemical cleaners used to remove grease can cause wastewater to reach corrosive levels (pH>12.5). The pH of wastewater must typically remain between 5.0 and 12.5.

• A pH greater than 12.5 is considered hazardous and is not allowed to be discharged to any drain; it must be managed as hazardous waste.

CONTRACTING:

Include contract language to:

• Require Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to prevent discharges and protect the storm drain system.

• Have documented training. Training should include storm water regulations, spill response, personal safety, and hazardous waste handling and disposal.

ARE YOU READY TO RESPOND TO A SPILL?

• Tenga un plan escrito.

• Formar anualmente a los empleados en materia de normativa sobre aguas pluviales, respuesta ante derrames, seguridad personal y manipulación y eliminación de residuos peligrosos.

• Have spill cleanup materials onsite. Spill kits should additionally be equipped with materials to contain and prevent grease discharge.

• Disponga de fichas de datos de seguridad de todos los productos utilizados.

En caso de emergencia o derrame de materiales o residuos peligrosos, llame al 911 o al Departamento de Bomberos local.

Para todos los vertidos no urgentes / no peligrosos

• To report a Non-Hazardous spill, or for other useful phone numbers, see Spill Numbers informational reference sheet for your local agency contact information or visit: www.streetstocreeks.org/spill-numbers/