Pressure Washer Institute

IKECA was founded in 1989 when a small group of exhaust cleaners were attending the same meeting. They found that they all had similar needs and beliefs in the importance of proper and complete exhaust cleaning to the fire protection world. Within two years, these founders had created the first trade association for the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.

Almost twenty years later, IKECA Members represent the best companies in the industry, and the association has made significant contributions to the decrease in commercial kitchen fires in the US.

Recently, IKECA joined ANSI with the intent to develop a definitive ANSI standard for cleaning and inspecting commercial kitchen exhaust systems. Once completed, this standard can be adopted by other ANSI organizations (NFPA, ICC) as well as jurisdictions across the US.

And that’s just the beginning. With members all over the world, IKECA is bringing its core beliefs and ethical standards to every part of the globe, and continuing to lead the industry in certification and education.

What is Certification?
Certification is a knowledge-based recognition of an individual who shows a competency on the guidelines, codes and standards in the industry. By studying the materials and passing the test, a student shows that they have a working knowledge of the required codes and standards that apply to the entire industry.

Neither training nor certification guarantees that any company or individual will do a good job. Some organizations offer “certification for life” and others let candidates take open book exams. IKECA’s programs are different. We believe that individuals should continue their education well beyond the exam, and that those that we certify, uphold the most rigid Code of Conduct and Ethics in the industry.

IKECA Code Of Ethics:

All Members shall agree to uphold the following:
To, at all times, serve our clients with integrity, competence and objectivity;
To perform all work for clients in accordance with the latest standards and practices published by IKECA;
To clean all readily accessible areas of the kitchen exhaust removal system, utilizing positive cleaning methods and techniques consistent with proactive by-product management;
To strive to comply with all applicable municipal, state and national codes and guidelines during the course of business engagement;
To ensure that safety of life and property remain an integral operations effort;
To strive to comply with all applicable industry-related environmental standards, and practice with ongoing awareness as continuing education advances the industry;
To operate with a good working knowledge of available products and to specify, where applicable, those accepted within the industry as efficient and effective;
To establish initial and ongoing documentation consistent with local, state and national guidelines regarding kitchen ventilation by-product management service schedules and scope;
To strive to continue education consumers, neighboring industries and authorities with respect to kitchen exhaust removal systems;
To strive to operate morally, ethically and in good conscience during the course of maintaining kitchen exhaust removal systems;
To obey local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations as they pertain to our industry;
To remain within compliance of the policies, standards and practices and by-laws of the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association.