Phil Ackland
KEC Expert
Hello all.
The following is an excerpt from the Cleaning and Certification Manual. I came across it while doing a final check on the next edition that is coming out shortly.
Thoughts?
Phil
Editorial Comment To Install or Not to Install?
There are some exhaust cleaners who feel that installing access panels is outside the duties of a cleaner. They feel, (and they are correct) that it is the responsibility of the owner to see that these panels are installed. In addition, installing access may make them liable if there is a fire and there is a problem with the access panel. If a panel is installed improperly (not according to local Fire Code) then there could be some repercussions. Properly installing UL Listed access panels protects you from liability.
The reason for listing a product with the Underwriters Laboratory is only partly to have it tested. The lesser known, but more valuable aspect from the stand point of the product manufacturer is that once listed UL then takes a degree of liability for the product, which protects both the manufacturer and the installer. So, if you use a UL listed access panel and install it according to the instructions, you will not be held liable for the installation.
Unfortunately, some cleaners see installing access as a negative, because now there is more area to clean, which takes time and costs money. In addition, it is easier to check to see if they did a complete cleaning. If they can put the owner to sleep with the assumption that they are cleaning the whole system they can make some easy money. This industry has been plagued by this mentality for many years.
An even greater obstacle is the restaurant owner, who in a large majority of cases, does not care about this service. They think only with their wallets. Many corporations set up a manager’s bonus based on the money they save, and preventative maintenance is traditionally one of the first items to be ignored. So, if a vent cleaner comes in and claims to clean the system for $95.00 and another cleaner tells the manager, he needs 4 access panels and the job will take 6 hours and cost $500.00 to be done properly, who do you think the manager is going to hire?
Of course when there is a fire, the restaurant management will get sanctimonious and claim they thought they were getting a proper job, from a professional company, that was doing everything exactly as the Codes require. Then insurance companies descend on the cleaner as the bad guy.
For the most part cleaners have to react to the market. They are held in little regard when they attempt to voice the need for increased access and accountability. In many cases, the restaurants are getting what they pay for which is very little, but then they deserve what they get.
Whether you install access or not, all cleaners have to inform the owner, in writing, of the need for the access and notification that there is a risk of potential fire due to the fact that parts of the system can not be cleaned. If the owner understands this, then you have reduced your liability. It is strongly suggested that you get their signature on any written warning and keep a copy.
A point of interest: The author was recently engaged by an insurance company to offer expert testimony in a fire loss case that involved a vent cleaner in the Midwest U.S. Although it was obvious that the vent cleaner was not to blame for the fire, the insurance company was made to pay out a six-figure amount. This was mainly because it was felt that the vent cleaner was responsible for notifying the owner IN WRITING, of the fact that the ductwork and access provisions were not up to Code.
The following is an excerpt from the Cleaning and Certification Manual. I came across it while doing a final check on the next edition that is coming out shortly.
Thoughts?
Phil
Editorial Comment To Install or Not to Install?
There are some exhaust cleaners who feel that installing access panels is outside the duties of a cleaner. They feel, (and they are correct) that it is the responsibility of the owner to see that these panels are installed. In addition, installing access may make them liable if there is a fire and there is a problem with the access panel. If a panel is installed improperly (not according to local Fire Code) then there could be some repercussions. Properly installing UL Listed access panels protects you from liability.
The reason for listing a product with the Underwriters Laboratory is only partly to have it tested. The lesser known, but more valuable aspect from the stand point of the product manufacturer is that once listed UL then takes a degree of liability for the product, which protects both the manufacturer and the installer. So, if you use a UL listed access panel and install it according to the instructions, you will not be held liable for the installation.
Unfortunately, some cleaners see installing access as a negative, because now there is more area to clean, which takes time and costs money. In addition, it is easier to check to see if they did a complete cleaning. If they can put the owner to sleep with the assumption that they are cleaning the whole system they can make some easy money. This industry has been plagued by this mentality for many years.
An even greater obstacle is the restaurant owner, who in a large majority of cases, does not care about this service. They think only with their wallets. Many corporations set up a manager’s bonus based on the money they save, and preventative maintenance is traditionally one of the first items to be ignored. So, if a vent cleaner comes in and claims to clean the system for $95.00 and another cleaner tells the manager, he needs 4 access panels and the job will take 6 hours and cost $500.00 to be done properly, who do you think the manager is going to hire?
Of course when there is a fire, the restaurant management will get sanctimonious and claim they thought they were getting a proper job, from a professional company, that was doing everything exactly as the Codes require. Then insurance companies descend on the cleaner as the bad guy.
For the most part cleaners have to react to the market. They are held in little regard when they attempt to voice the need for increased access and accountability. In many cases, the restaurants are getting what they pay for which is very little, but then they deserve what they get.
Whether you install access or not, all cleaners have to inform the owner, in writing, of the need for the access and notification that there is a risk of potential fire due to the fact that parts of the system can not be cleaned. If the owner understands this, then you have reduced your liability. It is strongly suggested that you get their signature on any written warning and keep a copy.
A point of interest: The author was recently engaged by an insurance company to offer expert testimony in a fire loss case that involved a vent cleaner in the Midwest U.S. Although it was obvious that the vent cleaner was not to blame for the fire, the insurance company was made to pay out a six-figure amount. This was mainly because it was felt that the vent cleaner was responsible for notifying the owner IN WRITING, of the fact that the ductwork and access provisions were not up to Code.
Really Really