Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleanliness and Operation Audit

NFPA 96-aligned inspection for commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, grease filters, exhaust fans, makeup air balance, and cleaning documentation.

Inspection Scope and Access

• Hood system identified and inspection area accessible
  Verify the correct hood line, exhaust fan, and associated duct access points are identified and reachable without obstruction.
• Inspection date and time recorded
  Record when the inspection was performed.
• Inspector notes on system scope
  Document the hood line, kitchen area, or equipment covered by this audit.
• Reference cleaning log available on site
  Verify the last cleaning record or service ticket is available for review.

Hood Interior and Exterior Cleanliness

• Visible grease accumulation on hood surfaces
  Measure the heaviest visible grease accumulation depth on accessible hood surfaces.
• Hood exterior free of grease film and residue
  Check the visible exterior surfaces of the hood for grease film, sticky residue, or staining.
• Hood interior surfaces free of excessive buildup
  Inspect accessible interior hood surfaces for heavy grease accumulation or non-conformance with routine cleaning expectations.
• Drip cups, troughs, and grease collection points clean and functional
  Verify grease collection points are not overflowing, damaged, or obstructed.
• Light fixtures and lens covers within hood are clean and intact
  Check hood-mounted lighting for grease buildup, cracked lenses, or missing covers.

Filters and Grease Removal Devices

• Grease filters installed and properly seated
  Confirm filters or other grease removal devices are present, correctly oriented, and secure.
• Filters free of excessive grease accumulation
  Inspect filters for heavy grease loading, dripping, or blockage that could reduce airflow or increase fire risk.
• Filter condition
  Assess whether the filters are intact and serviceable.
• Filter access and removal path unobstructed
  Verify filters can be removed and reinstalled without obstruction or unsafe force.

Exhaust Fan and Airflow Operation

• Exhaust fan starts and operates continuously during test
  Verify the exhaust fan energizes and remains operational during the inspection test.
• Fan vibration, unusual noise, or wobble observed
  Check for abnormal mechanical conditions that may indicate a maintenance deficiency.
• Exhaust airflow appears adequate at hood capture zone
  Rate the visible capture performance of the hood during normal operation.
• Exhaust fan housing and accessible surfaces free of visible grease buildup
  Inspect the fan housing and accessible surfaces for grease accumulation or residue.

Makeup Air and Kitchen Balance

• Makeup air system operating during exhaust fan test
  Confirm the makeup air unit or supply air source is running when the exhaust system is operating.
• Kitchen pressure balance appears acceptable
  Assess whether doors slam, smoke drifts, or supply air is clearly insufficient.
• Supply diffusers and makeup air discharge unobstructed
  Check that supply grilles, diffusers, and discharge points are not blocked or damaged.

Cleaning Records and Corrective Actions

• Last professional hood cleaning date recorded
  Record the date of the most recent professional cleaning or service visit.
• Cleaning interval appears consistent with use and grease loading
  Assess whether the cleaning frequency appears reasonable based on observed grease accumulation and kitchen volume.
• Deficiencies documented with corrective action
  List all deficiencies, non-conformances, and required follow-up actions, including responsible party and target completion date.