June 11th, 2018
by Tara Lukasik

In an effort to collect the maximum amount of feedback possible, the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) announced that it is extending its public comment period on a new maintenance standard for kitchen exhaust systems — BSR/IKECA M-10-201x, M-10 Standard for the Methodology for Maintenance of Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems.

This standard defines the acceptable methodology to operate and maintain commercial kitchen exhaust systems by end users in the interim between professional system cleaning services. This standard does not apply to residential kitchen exhaust systems, replacement air systems, heating and air-conditioning systems, dryer exhaust systems, and toilet exhaust systems.

It will enhance public safety by reducing the potential fire safety hazards associated with commercial kitchen exhaust systems, irrespective of the type of cooking equipment used and whether used in public or private facilities. Adherence to this standard shall be maintained by persons familiar with cooking operations, related equipment and processes. The authorities having jurisdiction, insurance underwriters, installers, maintainers, designers, inspectors, specifiers, operators, and food service establishments shall use this standard to ensure compliance and alignment with applicable codes and requirements for system cleanliness and fire.

Comments are due Aug. 1, 2018. Please send any comments or questions directly to John Dixon at jdixon@fernley.com no later than Aug. 15, 2018. More information is available on the IKECA Standards webpage.

A non-profit industry association accredited by the American National Standards Institute to develop, publish and maintain standards for the industry, IKECA develops voluntary consensus standards for the cleaning, inspection and user maintenance of commercial cooking operations for the purpose of protecting life and property from fire.

About the Author
Tara Lukasik is the periodicals editor for the International Code Council, working out of the Western Regional Office in Southern California. With more than 20 years of experience in editing, writing and pioneering electronic newsletters and magazines from conception to completion, she is currently putting her experience to good use as the editor of the Building Safety Journal and its BSJ Weekly e-newsletter. Follow her on Twitter @ICCTLukasik