Navigating South Carolina's Fire Safety Regulations for Commercial Kitchens
Running a commercial kitchen in South Carolina is no small task. From managing staff and ingredients to creating memorable meals, there's a lot on your plate. But one critical aspect that can't be overlooked is fire safety compliance—especially when it comes to your kitchen’s exhaust system.
At Carolina Hot Wash, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can go sideways when kitchen exhaust systems aren’t maintained to code. Here’s what every restaurant owner, kitchen manager, or facilities director in the Lowcountry through Columbia needs to know to stay safe—and compliant.
Why Fire Safety Regulations Matter
The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 96 standard outlines how commercial kitchen ventilation control and fire protection should be handled. In South Carolina, these guidelines are enforced by both state and local fire marshals.
Failure to meet these standards doesn’t just lead to fines or shutdowns—it could result in devastating fires, insurance claim denials, or worse.
Top 3 Fire Safety Requirements for SC Kitchens
1. Regular Hood & Duct Cleaning
NFPA 96 requires routine cleaning of kitchen hoods, ducts, and exhaust fans based on cooking volume:
High-volume kitchens (e.g. fast food or 24-hour diners): Every 3 months
Moderate-volume kitchens: Every 6 months
Low-volume kitchens (e.g. churches, seasonal operations): Annually
Pro Tip: In coastal areas like Charleston, Beaufort, and Hilton Head, humidity can contribute to faster grease buildup. That’s why more frequent cleanings are often necessary even if your volume seems average.
2. Proper Documentation
After each cleaning, your provider should issue a Certificate of Performance and place a cleaning sticker on your hood system. This documentation:
Verifies compliance for inspectors
Helps with insurance claims
Tracks your cleaning schedule
At Carolina Hot Wash, we automatically provide this documentation after every service—keeping your records organized and your kitchen stress-free.
3. Fire Suppression System Inspections
While not directly handled by hood cleaning companies, your fire suppression system must be inspected every 6 months by a licensed technician. The exhaust cleaning and fire suppression systems work hand in hand, and both are reviewed during inspections.
We coordinate with local fire protection vendors in the Columbia, Charleston, and Savannah areas to ensure our clients stay on schedule.
Local Enforcement: What to Expect
Depending on your location, you may be inspected by:
City or county fire marshals
State licensing agencies
Health department officials
In areas like Mount Pleasant and Summerville, inspections are often unannounced, and violations can lead to same-day closures. That’s why proactive compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
How Carolina Hot Wash Keeps You Compliant
As a local business serving the entire Lowcountry through Columbia, we understand the unique challenges our region faces. Here's how we help:
Customized service schedules based on your usage and local fire code
Photo documentation of every job for your records
Partnerships with local fire suppression and safety vendors
Peace of mind—so you can focus on what you do best: serving great food
Schedule a Compliance Check Today
Not sure if you’re up to code? Need help understanding your inspection report?
📞 Call Carolina Hot Wash today for a free compliance consultation or to book your next hood cleaning. Let’s keep your kitchen safe, legal, and running smoothly.
