Your hood system's six-month check
Commercial cooking suppression systems are inspected every six months under NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A. That's twice a year.
On a typical visit the technician looks over the hood, ducts and nozzles, checks that each nozzle is aimed at the appliance it protects, confirms the agent cylinder and pull station are in order, and replaces the metal-alloy fusible links, which NFPA 96 requires at least every six months. Then the tag is updated.
Don't forget the portable unit. Kitchens with a suppression system also need a Class K extinguisher for cooking oils and fats, and wet chemical units like that get a hydrostatic test every five years. Our fire extinguisher service in Santa Monica handles those.
UL 300 kitchen systems and older dry chemical hoods
UL 300 is the test standard for pre-engineered wet chemical systems that protect cooking appliances. Older dry chemical systems don't meet it.
If your hood still runs on a dry chemical system, we can inspect what's there and quote a wet chemical replacement listed to UL 300. Not sure which you have? Send a photo of the cylinder label and the last service tag. A swap is a new installation. That means plan review.
The Santa Monica Fire Department's part
Santa Monica runs its own fire department. The Santa Monica Fire Department Fire Prevention Division inspects the life-safety parts of new construction, remodels and fire protection systems for compliance with the Santa Monica Fire Code, and it also issues annual fire permits.
Plans for a new or replacement suppression system go to that division for plan review (Attn: Plan Review, 333 Olympic Dr., 2nd Floor), and the permit is issued only after fees are paid. Have a question about your kitchen's permit? Call Fire Prevention at (310) 458-8915.
Who does the work
California work is done by Hedrick Fire Protection. Hedrick holds C-16 (fire protection) and C-10 (electrical) contractor licenses, is licensed by the State Fire Marshal under Title 19 for extinguisher and water-based system service, and is licensed to install and service commercial kitchen hood suppression systems, new or existing.
Santa Monica hood suppression questions
How often does a hood suppression system need service?
Every six months. NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A set that schedule.
Can we keep our old dry chemical system?
Dry chemical systems don't meet UL 300. Whether yours must be replaced is a question for the SMFD Fire Prevention Division, and we can quote a wet chemical system if you need one.
How soon can a technician come out?
It depends on the week. Callers with an inspection only a few days out have sometimes found our earliest opening too late, so book as soon as you have a date and tell us your deadline.
Is Santa Monica still in your service area?
Yes. The phone and email on this page reach us for Santa Monica work.
Requesting service
Tell us what's under the hood. The brand on the cylinder, the number of appliances on the cook line and the date on your last tag help us quote the visit before we arrive.
Call (213) 568-0188 or email socal@1profire.com