IKECA's PECT Program — Helping to Professionalize the Industry
The International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) recognizes the importance of skilled professionals in the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry. To that end, they've developed the Professional Exhaust Cleaning Technician (PECT) program. This program aims to enhance the knowledge and expertise of individuals working in this critical field.
The PECT program is designed to assess a technician's understanding of essential safety and operational standards. The program's core focus lies in testing knowledge related to:
NFPA 96: This is the National Fire Protection Association's standard for the ventilation of commercial cooking equipment. It provides comprehensive guidelines for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of kitchen exhaust systems.
OSHA Regulations: Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations outline safety protocols and best practices for workers in various industries, including kitchen exhaust cleaning.
Industry Best Practices: The PECT program also evaluates a technician's familiarity with established best practices within the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry, such as proper cleaning techniques, safety procedures, and equipment usage.
By successfully completing the PECT program, technicians demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a deeper understanding of industry standards. This not only enhances their individual skills but also elevates the overall professionalism of the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.
The PECT program serves as a valuable tool for both individual technicians and the companies they work for. It provides a standardized measure of competence, allowing clients to confidently select qualified professionals. Moreover, it fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the industry, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient kitchen exhaust cleaning operations.
Underpressure currently has six employees who hold the PECT designation.