posted 08-18-2003 08:16 AM            

I know this is a highly debateable subject because the code does not clearly spell it out in black and white. I always felt it best to err in favor of the code rather than the customer so I have often required hoods where one may not necessarily been required.

I was paging through some FAQ's on my states web site and I came across this bit of commentary that I thought I would share...for what it's worth.

IMC 507.2.
When is a Type I or Type II kitchen exhaust hood required for a "commercial food heat-processing appliance?"

Answer: The definition of commercial food heat-processing appliance under IMC Section 202 and the kitchen exhaust hood provisions under IMC 507.2 do not provide specific demarcations to answer this question for every situation and circumstance. Whether a food heat-processing appliance is a commercial food heat-processing appliance depends upon several variables and factors, including the nature of use, the frequency of use, the type of appliance, and even the type of food involved.

IMC 202 broadly defines a commercial food heat-processing appliance as producing "grease [laden] vapors, steam, fumes, smoke, or odors that are required to be removed" from "a food-processing establishment." And, a food-processing establishment is defined as including any building or portion thereof used for the processing of food.

A dwelling unit, or either a dorm room or hotel sleeping room with a stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, or toaster does not constitute a food-processing establishment. In addition, either an employee break room or a hotel/motel breakfast bar with microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters does not constitute a food-processing establishment. None of these facilities are primarily in the business of preparing food for compensation, trade, or services rendered. Neither a Type I nor a Type II exhaust hood is required for these facilities.

However, this still leaves a wide variety of occasions, situations, and operations in "commercial buildings" where food is prepared and sold, such as restaurants, taverns, cafeterias serving hospitals or dormitories, concession stands serving high school gymnasiums, and domestic kitchen facilities in church basements and convenience stores. In some instances, food-preparation appliances are brought in temporarily, adjunct to another activity. A popcorn wagon or completely enclosed popcorn machine provided for a high school basketball game is an example. This type of appliance and the frequency of its use under these circumstances would not constitute a "commercial food heat-processing appliance." Many convenience stores offer, besides coffee, a hot dog or a slice of pizza. Warming trays, ovens, or containers (e.g. crock pots) for such items as hot dogs or pre-cooked bratwursts, and enclosed single-pizza ovens at convenience stores are not pre-determined to be "commercial food heat-processing appliances." If the appliance is not a "commercial food heat-processing appliance," a Type I or II hood under IMC 507 is not required.

"Commercial" cooking appliances, such as those used in cafeterias, restaurants, dormitory kitchens, school kitchens, institutional kitchens, and banquet facility kitchens, that produce grease-laden vapors must be provided with a Type I hood. These appliances include deep fryers, griddles, tilting skillets or woks, braising and frying pans, charbroilers, salamander and upright broilers, infrared broilers, stoves and ranges, and barbecue equipment. Also, the type of food being prepared is a factor in whether grease-laden vapors are produced with the appliance. Commercial cooking appliances which are used in such facilities and which produce steam, smoke, or fumes, but no grease-laden vapors, must be provided with at least a Type II hood. These include steaming tables, completely enclosed ovens, and warming ovens.

Also, under IMC 917.1, a Type I or II hood may be necessary for a permanent cooking appliance in order to fulfill the listing requirements or instructions from the manufacturer of the appliance.