ADCD‑Approved Kitchen Hood Ventilation, Wet Chemical Fire Suppression and Fire Protection System
Overview
MEPS UAE engineered and delivered a comprehensive commercial kitchen safety and airflow solution for the Sliced Pizza Restaurant at Etihad Plaza in Abu Dhabi. The project involved:
• Designing and installing a Type I grease hood ventilation system with baffle filtration and ducting that meets NFPA 96 standards.
• Implementing a UL‑300‑compliant wet‑chemical fire suppression system to address oil and grease risks and satisfy Abu Dhabi Civil Defence (ADCD) requirements.
• Integrating a complete fire‑protection package with detectors, alarms and fire extinguishers where needed.
The MEPS team managed the entire process—from design and procurement through installation, testing and balancing, and coordination with the ADCD.
Certification and Compliance
All systems were engineered to meet ASHRAE and NFPA standards and to comply with the ADCD’s requirements.
Why Proper Ventilation and Suppression Matter
Effective ventilation and fire‑suppression systems are essential for Abu Dhabi restaurants because they:
• Control grease, smoke and heat to protect staff comfort and maintain indoor air quality.
• Ensure civil‑defence compliance, leading to faster approvals and safer operations.
• Use energy‑aware engineering—proper capture velocity, balanced exhaust and make‑up air—to reduce power consumption.
• Feature maintenance‑friendly designs with accessible panels and serviceable baffles to extend system life and minimize downtime.
Technical Approach
1. Load Study and Layout: MEPS UAE analyzed the heat load from the pizza oven and cook line and sized the exhaust airflow and capture area to prevent smoke and grease from spilling into the dining area.
2. Hood and Duct Engineering: Engineers designed a grease hood with baffle filters and routed ductwork to the roof with proper clearances, clean‑out access and airflow velocities to comply with NFPA 96.
3. Make‑Up Air and Balancing: Tempered make‑up air was introduced, and testing and balancing ensured the kitchen was not overly negative, preventing doors from being pulled shut or smoke from entering front‑of‑house spaces.
4. Wet Chemical Fire Suppression: UL‑300/NFPA 17A wet‑chemical nozzles were positioned to protect the pizza oven and cook line. The system includes automatic detection, a manual pull station and ADCD approval.
5. Commissioning and Handover: After verifying airflow, the team trained restaurant staff on operation and reset procedures and provided a maintenance plan to simplify ongoing ADCD compliance.
Results
The Sliced Pizza Restaurant now enjoys cleaner air and reduced heat around the pizza line, quieter operation thanks to proper testing and balancing, streamlined ADCD sign‑offs with clear documentation, and lower lifecycle costs because of the service‑friendly design.
Service Areas
MEPS UAE offers kitchen ventilation, wet‑chemical fire suppression, fire protection and smoke management, and HVAC/MEP contracting services across Abu Dhabi, including Etihad Plaza, Abu Dhabi Island, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island, Reem Island, Khalifa City and Mussaffah.
Contact MEPS UAE
For restaurant kitchen ventilation or wet‑chemical fire‑suppression solutions in Abu Dhabi, MEPS UAE provides design, supply, installation and commissioning of ADCD‑approved systems. Contact them at +971 56 959 7928 or visit www.mepsuae.co.