Frequently Asked Questions

What is NFPA 96?

NFPA 96 is the Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It establishes fire-safety requirements for commercial cooking equipment, kitchen exhaust systems, inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and related fire protection. Applicable requirements are enforced by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

What does NFPA 96 require for kitchen exhaust system inspections?

NFPA 96 section 12.4 requires the entire exhaust system to be inspected for grease buildup by properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the AHJ, according to the required inspection schedule.

What happens when grease buildup is found?

NFPA 96 section 12.6 requires contaminated portions of an exhaust system to be professionally cleaned when an inspection identifies deposits from grease-laden vapors. The work must be performed by properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the AHJ. First inspect. Then clean when required.

How often should a kitchen exhaust system be inspected?

NFPA 96 establishes inspection frequencies based on the type and volume of cooking: Monthly, solid-fuel cooking operations. Quarterly, high-volume cooking operations. Semiannually, moderate-volume cooking operations. Annually, certain low-volume cooking operations. Your specific requirements can also depend on your facility, cooking operation, and local AHJ.

How often should commercial cooking appliances be inspected?

NFPA 96 section 12.7.1 requires commercial cooking equipment to be inspected and serviced at least annually by properly trained and qualified persons. When applicable grease accumulation is identified, cleaning requirements under NFPA 96 must also be addressed.

What documentation do I receive after service?

Mac's Industrial Cleaning provides professional service documentation to help maintain a clear record of your inspection and cleaning history. Depending on the service performed, documentation includes:

• Job Service Report
• Before and After Photos
• Service Documentation
• Certificate of Performance Sticker(s)

What is the Fire Triangle?

Three elements are required for a fire: Heat plus Fuel plus Oxygen. In a commercial kitchen, cooking equipment can provide the heat, accumulated grease can provide the fuel, and air provides the oxygen. Removing combustible grease accumulation helps eliminate one component of that equation.

What is the Cleaning Triangle?

Effective heavy-duty cleaning relies on three primary elements: Heat plus Chemical Action plus Mechanical Action. We combine professional cleaning solutions, hot water, and appropriate cleaning equipment to break down and remove stubborn grease and buildup.

How often is NFPA 96 updated?

NFPA standards are periodically revised through NFPA's standards-development process. Because requirements and section numbers can change between editions, Mac's Industrial Cleaning stays current with applicable NFPA 96 requirements and updates our service information accordingly.

How do I know which NFPA 96 requirements apply to my kitchen?

Requirements can vary based on your cooking equipment, cooking volume, fuel type, exhaust system, facility, adopted code edition, and local Authority Having Jurisdiction. Mac's Industrial Cleaning helps customers understand the cleaning and maintenance requirements applicable to the services we perform and provides professional documentation upon completion.