Inspections must also take outside the exhaust systems into concideraton. The fatal grease fre in Boston is a perfect example. Many duct systems are unseen above the ceilings and even straight up ductwork needs occasional inspection above the hoods. Leakage of the grease ends up outside the suppression area and can fuselage fires out of control before anyone even knows what is going on. This latest inspection clearly shows the 2 most common issues. Improper leaking access plates and leaking ductwork. Even properly installed ductwork can leak if not tested during the installation stage with high pressure water. This particular ductwork is not only leaking at the poor welds, it was actually bolted together and any previous sealant is long gone. The only permanent solutions is welding. You can see here the grease has been pooling above the hoods. This rancid old buildup even has rags trying to soak it up. I cannot think of a worse fire danger than grease soaked rags on top of a hot hood. Even without the heat. The rags could spontaneously combust without knowledge below until it is possibly too late to save the building and putting lives at stake. The next issue we see if the screwedon access plates. This does not follow any code even when new. At least the cleaning company should have replaced all the screws back properly and put a fire rated gasket on this plate. With the newer easy to install UL listed access doors on the market, these must be replaced with a proper listed door at does not leak. We can only imagine what would happen during a gease fire burning at over 1700 degrees behind these access plates and leaking ductwork. Please remember that proper cleanings and Inspections must also include the exterior of the ductwork and system as well as the interior.
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