The "Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act" in Rhode Island establishes a regulatory framework for the inspection and cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust systems. Under this act, individuals and businesses engaged in these activities must be licensed and certified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
To obtain a license, applicants must demonstrate employment of certified technicians, possess approved cleaning equipment, and maintain general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Certification requires individuals to complete a minimum of 30 hours of hands-on experience, participate in an approved training program, pass a certification examination, and undergo a criminal background check. The fees for licensure are set at $200, while certification costs $100, with both valid for three years.
The act also mandates that a decal indicating the date of service, the technician's name, and the company details be affixed to the kitchen exhaust system after inspection or cleaning. The OSFM is granted authority to enforce compliance, including the ability to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses and certifications for violations such as misrepresentation or failure to report critical conditions.
The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2029.