— By Brian Smith —
The critical role of rooftop grease containment system in protecting life, property and business viability.
In the retail and restaurant industries, facility management extends far beyond interior upkeep. One of the most overlooked yet essential components of operational safety and compliance is rooftop grease containment. From the perspectives of life safety, property protection, environmental responsibility and overall business health, implementing the right grease containment system is not just a best practice — it’s a necessity.
Why Rooftop Grease Containment Matters
Grease discharge from commercial kitchen exhaust systems is more than an unsightly rooftop issue; it poses severe risks that can have financial, legal and operational consequences. Accumulated grease can lead to rooftop fires, extensive property damage, environmental contamination and regulatory penalties. Ensuring that grease containment systems meet and exceed compliance standards is critical to mitigating these risks.
1. Life Safety: Reducing Fire Hazards
Grease is highly flammable, and when left unchecked, it creates a significant fire risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grease buildup is a leading cause of commercial kitchen fires. NFPA 96 mandates that rooftop terminations of kitchen exhaust systems must be equipped with a grease collection device that does not impede airflow. Proper containment prevents grease from accumulating on the roof, reducing the likelihood of ignition and protecting both customers and employees from potential disasters.
2. Property Safety: Preventing Structural Damage
Grease runoff can cause extensive damage to roofing materials, leading to costly repairs and structural integrity issues. Standard rooftop designs vary, and selecting the appropriate grease containment system requires understanding the layout and drainage of each facility. Hydrophobic filtration systems ensure that only fat-based oils are captured while allowing water to drain safely. By preventing long term exposure to grease, businesses can extend the life of their rooftops and HVAC systems.
3. Environmental Safety: Compliance with EPA Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates grease discharge to prevent contamination of stormwater runoff and local water supplies. Uncontained grease can seep into drainage systems, leading to costly fines and potential shutdowns. A properly installed grease containment system ensures compliance with these regulations while also supporting sustainability initiatives.
4. Business Health: Protecting Brand Reputation and Avoiding Costly Liabilities
Operational disruptions due to fires, structural damage or environmental violations can be detrimental to a business’s reputation and bottom line. Third-party inspections and increasing regulatory oversight from organizations like the U.S. FOG Alliance (USFOGA) and the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) emphasize the importance of proactive grease containment measures. Implementing a reliable system not only reduces liability but also signals a commitment to safety and compliance.
Understanding Facility Needs: Selecting the Right System
No two kitchens operate the same way, and understanding the specific needs of a facility is crucial when selecting a grease containment system. Factors such as cooking volume, types of oils used, frequency of maintenance and rooftop design influence the appropriate containment solution. Facilities with high grease output, such as quick-service restaurants, may require systems with higher absorption capacity, whereas lower-volume operations may be adequately served with smaller, modular solutions.
The Role of Fan Hinging in Effective Grease Containment
Proper maintenance of exhaust fans is essential for effective grease containment and compliance with NFPA 96. Hinged exhaust fans provide accessibility for thorough cleaning and prevent damage to both the fan and the roof during maintenance. A well-maintained hinge system ensures that fans are securely opened and closed during service, reducing wear and tear while also improving overall cleaning efficiency.
A well-hinged exhaust fan also prevents grease from being inadvertently dumped onto the rooftop during maintenance, further reducing the risk of environmental contamination and structural damage. These systems ultimately extend the lifespan of ventilation equipment while keeping businesses in regulatory compliance.
The Rise of Third-Party Reporting and Industry Standards
The grease containment industry is experiencing a shift toward increased third-party oversight, with organizations like USFOGA and IKECA leading efforts to establish standardized best practices. These groups provide valuable education and training to facility managers, ensuring grease containment practices are not only compliant but also financially responsible and operationally efficient.
In many cases, facilities that adopt IKECA and USFOGA-endorsed containment and cleaning practices find that they exceed local, state and federal regulations, reducing liability and strengthening overall operational standards. As the demand for third-party verification grows, businesses that proactively implement these best practices will be ahead of the curve in both compliance and cost management.
Conclusion
Investing in a comprehensive rooftop grease containment strategy is more than just regulatory compliance — it is a proactive measure that protects lives, properties and business viability. By choosing the right containment system, ensuring proper fan hinging for maintenance and staying informed on evolving industry standards, businesses can mitigate risks, reduce costs and maintain a reputation for safety and environmental responsibility. As third-party reporting becomes more prevalent, aligning with organizations like IKECA and USFOGA will help businesses not only meet but exceed industry standards, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for all stakeholders.
— Brian Smith, Ph.D., is the founder of IA Business Advisors and host of the Daily Influence podcast. He is also the co-author with his daughter Mary Griffin of the “I” in Team Series™, including Individual Influence, Positive Influence and Responsible Influence. With more than 30 years of business consulting experience, Smith has been advising Omni Containment Systems, LLC, the world’s largest manufacturer of rooftop grease containment and hood access systems, since 2009. He is a member of IKECA and USFOGA. Additionally, he is the managing member of KECTraining.com, an online learning platform dedicated to the kitchen exhaust cleaning (KEC) industry. Through IA Business Advisors, Smith advises over 100 KEC companies worldwide.