The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), established in 1896, is dedicated to combating safety myths and misinformation surrounding fire, electrical, and related hazards. To reduce fatalities, injuries, and both property and economic losses, the NFPA has developed widely respected codes and standards, which are adopted by many states. While individual municipalities may vary in how strictly they enforce these codes, it is in your best interest to seriously consider these guidelines when scheduling your next exhaust hood cleaning appointment.
If a fire were ever to start in your kitchen, and the insurance company determines that you were neglectful on your part with proper preventative maintenance, your claim may be denied.
Here are some important NFPA 96 codes to be kept in mind:
Responsibility 4.1.5
NFPA 4.1.5.1 The responsibility for inspection, testing, maintenance, and cleanliness of the ventilation control, fire protection, and cooking appliances of the commercial cooking shall be that of the equipment owner.
NFPA 12.4 Inspection for Grease Buildup. The entire exhaust system shall be inspected for grease build up by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and in accordance with table 12.4
Table 12.4 Schedule Of inspection for Grease Build Up
| Type or volume of Cooking | Inspection Frequency |
| System serving solid fuel cooking operations | Monthly |
| Systems serving high-volume cooking operations | Quarterly |
| Systems serving moderate-volume cooking operations | Semiannually |
| Systems serving low-volume cooking operations | Annually |
NFPA 12.6 Cleaning of Exhaust Systems
NFPA 12.6.1 if upon inspection, the 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.
NFPA 12.6.1.1 A measurement system of deposition shall be established to trigger a need to clean when the exhaust system is inspected at the frequencies in Table 12.4. (Note: the tool used is called a Grease Depth Comb and it is set on different surfaces measuring the depth of the grease. Codes NFPA 12.6.1.1.1 through NFPA 12.6.1.1.4 indicate the permissible grease depths.)
NFPA 12.6.2 Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to remove combustible contaminants prior to becoming heavily contaminated with grease or oily sludge.
NFPA 12.6.8 After the exhaust system is cleaned, it shall not be coated with powder or other substances.
NFPA 12.6.13 After an exhaust system is inspected or cleaned, an adhesive table shall be securely attached to the hood.
** These are just some of the various clearly defined codes the NFPA expects commercial kitchen operations to abide by. The following NFPA Codes will be in reference to facilitating cleanings, keeping your roof clean, and proper cooking equipment maintenance. **
NFPA 7.8.2 Rooftop Terminations
NFPA 7.8.2.1 (6) Grease collection systems that are listed in accordance with UL 710A and meet requirements of 7.8.2.1 (4) and 7.8.2.1(5).
NFPA 8.1.2 Upblast Fans
NFPA 8.1.2.1 Upblast fans with motors surrounded by the airstream shall be hinged and supplied with flexible weatherproof electrical cable and service hold open retainers.
NFPA 8.1.2.3 Upblast fans shall have a drain directed to a readily accessible and visible grease receptacle not to exceed 1 gal (3.8 L).
NFPA 12.7 Cooking Equipment Maintenance
NFPA 12.7.1 Inspection and Servicing of the cooking equipment shall be made at least annually by a properly trained and qualified persons.
NFPA 12.7.2 Cooking equipment that collects grease below the surface, behind the equipment, or in cooking equipment flue gas exhaust, such as griddles, deep fat fryers, or charbroilers, shall be inspected and, if found with grease accumulation, cleaned by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
These are just some of the biggest violations seen today. Unfortunately, business owners are shocked to learn how their hood cleaners for years have never informed them of these regulations and ask us, “What do we do now?” If you would like to make sure that you are up to code and confirm that your business is safe, reach out to us to schedule a FREE INSPECTION and get that peace of mind today.
