NFPA 96
The National Fire Protection Association, also known as the NFPA creates codes and standards that are used by local and state public entities as well as insurance companies to enforce compliance practices to reduce fire hazards and protect the public.
NFPA 96 enforces the ventilation control of fire protection of commercial cooking operations which sets the requirements for commercial kitchen exhaust systems to prevent grease fires.
Below are excerpts from NFPA 96 that pertain to Kitchen Hood and Exhaust Cleaning:
12.4 The entire exhaust system shall be inspected for grease buildup by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
Table 12.4 Schedule of Inspection for Grease Buildup
Type or Volume of Cooking Inspection Frequency
Systems serving solid fuel Monthly
cooking operations
Systems serving high-volume Quarterly
cooking operations
Systems serving moderate-volume Semiannually
cooking operations
Systems Serving low-volume Annually
cooking operations
* High-volume cooking operations include 24-hour cooking, charbroiling, and wok cooking
*Low-volume cooking operations include churches, day camps, seasonal businesses, and senior centers
12.6.1 If upon inspection, the exhaust system is found to be contaminated with deposits from grease-laden vapors, the contaminated portions of the exhaust system shall be cleaned by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
12.6.1.1.1 Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to remove combustible containments to a maximum of 0.002 in.
12.6.2 Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to remove combustible contaminants prior to surfaces becoming heavily contaminated with grease or oily sludge.
12.6.13 After an exhaust system is inspected or cleaned, an adhesive label shall be securely attached to the hood.
12.6.14 After an inspection for grease buildup is complete, a written report shall be provided to the system owner or owner's agent within 2 weeks.