Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

August 7, 2003

RE: Stove and hood for daycare center
MCNYS 507.2, FCNYS 609.2 & 904.11

This is in response to your questions regarding the requirements for hoods and extinguishing systems over domestic or commercial stoves in day care centers. You ask if day-care centers utilizing residential-type food heat-processing appliances are exempt as they were in the Title 9(B) version of the Uniform Code. It is our opion that such appliances are not specifically exempt. Mechanical Code of New York State (MCNYS) section 507.2.2 and Fire Code of New York State (FCNYS) section 609.2.2 state that domestic cooking appliances utilized for commercial purposes (in non-residential occupancies) shall be provided with Type I or II hoods as required for the type of appliances and processes. Section 507.2.1 requires that a Type I hood shall be installed at or above all commercial food heat-processing appliances that produce grease vapors or smoke (also see FCNYS section 609.2.1) and that a Type I or Type II hood shall be installed at or above all commercial food heat-processing appliances that produce fumes, steam, odor or heat.

Although not defined, Type I hood should be provided where the nature of the cooking produces grease-laden vapors or smoke in sufficient quantities to constitute a hazard and can not be handled by a Type II hood. The production of any or minimal grease-laden vapors or smoke does not necessarily trigger the requirements for a Type I hood. A Type I hood should also be provided where the appliance is primarily used in catering or similar commercial cooking operations. In the case of a day care center, the warming of bottles and/or lunches could, in most cases, be sufficiently ventilated by a Type II hood.

MCNYS section 509.1 and FCNYS section 609.8 require an approved automatic fire suppression system for a Type I hood and duct system in compliance with FCNYS section 904.11 and not for a Type II hood and duct system. Attached is a Technical Bulletin which provides additional information.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have questions regarding this advisory, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Cheryl A. Fischer, P.E.
Assistant Director for Code Interpretation
Codes Division
Al03-176

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526