IKECA is a non-profit organization committed to fire prevention and life safety by advancing the quality of cleaning, inspection and maintenance of commercial kitchen exhaust systems worldwide.
Our Vision
IKECA will be the internationally recognized association directly impacting the standards and procedures for commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning, inspection and maintenance.
History
IKECA was founded in 1989 during a meeting among kitchen exhaust cleaning specialists, who found that they all had similar needs and shared a belief in the importance of proper and complete exhaust cleaning for fire protection.
Within two years, these founders had created the first trade association for the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.
In 2009, IKECA joined the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standards developer. This allows IKECA to help develop voluntary, consensus-based industry standards for the cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of commercial
kitchen exhaust systems. As American National Standards, they can be adopted by other ANSI organizations (National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council) as well as by outside jurisdictions.
This is just the beginning. With members all over the world, IKECA is bringing its core beliefs and ethical standards to every part of the globe and continuing to lead the industry in certification and continuing education.
IKECA is a volunteer-led organization and your leadership is needed! Participating on an IKECA Committee is a key way to maximize your membership investment: build relationships, learn something you can apply back at the office, and earn
CEUs for participating. All members of IKECA are welcome and encouraged to join a committee.
All committee members will receive 0.1 CEUs toward certification renewal, per each 1 hour committee meeting in which they participate.
The Professional Exhaust Cleaning Technician (PECT) pre-certification program is only available to IKECA member companies in good standing and designed to expose crew members and employees to the codes and practices
required by IKECA.
IKECA Certifications set the industry standard of knowledge, and increases worker professionalism in the field. An IKECA certification next to your title shows a dedication to success and provides recognition throughout
the kitchen exhaust industry.
IKECA requires a minimum level of individual Certification by employees of its Member KEC (kitchen exhaust cleaning) companies, and has established stringent Code of Ethics for its Member contractors engaged in
kitchen exhaust cleaning.
Every IKECA Member company is committed to providing a complete cleaning of the entire system: from the hood in the kitchen to the fan on the roof. They follow the most complete cleaning and inspection standards
in the industry found in NFPA-96, the International Mechanical Code and International Fire Code.
Other companies may simply provide a quick and easy “hood cleaning” service, which does not include the duct work or rooftop fan. This limited hood cleaning may keep the interior of the kitchen looking sharp, but
it does little to secure fire safety and reduce health threats. Choose a KEC operator who will clean the entire system and who is committed to the IKECA Code of Ethics.
Download IKECA’s Guidelines and Best Practices for choosing a professional kitchen exhaust cleaning contractor, to learn more.
Easy. Follow the link to Find a Member. You can search by zip code, company name or by state. Many members service multiple states,
so make sure to check states adjacent to yours. Enter the two-letter state/territory abbreviation when conducting your search.
Certification is a knowledge-based recognition of an individual who shows a competency on the guidelines, codes and standards in the industry.
By studying the materials and passing the test, a student shows that they have a working knowledge of the required codes and standards that apply to the entire industry.
Neither training nor certification guarantees that any company or individual will do a good job. Some organizations offer “certification for life” and others let candidates take open book exams. IKECA’s programs
are different. We believe that individuals should continue their education well beyond the exam, and that those that we certify, uphold the most rigid Code of Conduct in the industry.
In May, 2008, the City Council passed an Ordinance requiring that all contractors who clean or inspect commercial kitchen
exhaust systems within the City limits obtain and maintain certification. For information about IKECA Boston Certification click here.
Continuing education is essential in any certification program. By updating and refreshing your knowledge of the industry, you show a commitment to lifelong learning and bettering yourself. This shows a dedication
and commitment to the work that you do. All IKECA certifications require Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to qualify for renewal.
No. IKECA members are companies engaged in the cleaning and inspection of commercial kitchen exhaust systems. IKECA certifies the individuals doing the work, but not the company. For a list of member companies who
have met all the requirements of membership, click HERE.
No. IKECA is an Accredited Standards Developer with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Part of that process involves the separation of training
and certification. Any program that offers training and certification should be reviewed carefully for any indications of impropriety in the exam process.
According to NFPA 96, Section 11.4: “The entire exhaust system shall be inspected for grease buildup by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and
in accordance with Table 11.4.”
NFPA 96 - 11.4 Exhaust system inspection schedule
NFPA Table 11.4 Schedule of Inspection for Grease Buildup
Type of Volume of Cooking
Inspection Frequency
Systems serving solid fuel cooking operations
Monthly
Systems serving high-volume cooking operations, such as 24-hour cooking, charbroiling, or wok cooking
Quarterly
Systems serving low-volume cooking operations
Semiannually
Systems serving low-volume cooking operations, such as churches, day camps, seasonal businesses, or senior lefts
According to NFPA 96 – 2011, Section 11.6.1: “Upon inspection, if the exhaust system is found to be contaminated with deposits from grease-laden vapors, the contaminated portions of the exhaust system shall be cleaned
be a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.”
According to NFPA-96 section 11.6.2: “Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to remove combustible contaminants prior to surfaces becoming heavily contaminated with
grease or oily sludge.”
IKECA has developed a grease gauge to determine the cleanliness of the system. Made of light weight high impact plastic, the IKECA Grease Gauge include markings for depths ranging from zero to .125 inches and notations
of No Grease Build Up, Acceptable (grease build up), Cleaning Required, and Critical Depth to assist in determining the need for cleaning. They are available for purchase on IKECA’s Online Store.
Grease and particulate buildup in the exhaust system is a fire hazard, and greatly impacts the efficiency and lifetime of mechanical equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association,
the majority of restaurant fires originate on the kitchen cooking appliances and flare into the kitchen exhaust system. If the entire exhaust system is not cleaned, a significant risk for fire exists whenever
cooking appliances are used.
Access panels may be necessary to properly reach and clean areas of the exhaust system. Sometimes at the construction of the exhaust system, the proper amount of access panels needed to maintain the cleanliness
of the system may not have been installed. This prevents a complete cleaning of the system and increases the risk of fire. NFPA recommends installation every 12 feet of ductwork.
NFPA 96 8.1.1 states that all approved upblast fans be installed with hinges. A fan with fixed positions is far more stable and less likely to have problems with balance and bearing misalignment due to limited movement
allowed during the cleaning and inspection process. Properly installed hinge kits may add to the strength of the base and assist in minimizing metal fatigue over the years in larger fans.
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