If you own or manage a commercial kitchen, staying NFPA 96 compliant isn’t optional — it’s essential for fire safety, insurance coverage, and passing surprise inspections. In this guide, we’ll explain what NFPA 96 is, why proper hood cleaning is critical, and how your business can remain compliant with ease.
What Does NFPA 96 Mean for Commercial Kitchens?
NFPA 96 is the Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It sets the minimum fire safety requirements for commercial kitchens, including:
- Proper installation of hoods, ducts, and fans.
- Regular removal of grease buildup.
- Proper exhaust system design and maintenance.
In simple terms, NFPA 96 exists to protect kitchens from devastating grease fires — and local fire marshals use it as a reference during inspections.
External link suggestion:
Official NFPA 96 resource
Why NFPA 96 Compliance Matters More Than You Think
Being NFPA 96 compliant isn’t just about passing inspections. It’s about:
- 🔥 Preventing kitchen fires: Grease is highly flammable, and even a small spark can ignite buildup inside ducts.
- 💸 Avoiding fines & closures: Fire inspectors can issue violations or shut down kitchens for non-compliance.
- 🏥 Protecting staff & customers: A single fire incident can cause injuries, lawsuits, and permanent business loss.
- 📑 Meeting insurance requirements: Some insurers can deny claims if your kitchen wasn’t NFPA 96 compliant at the time of an incident.
The Role of Hood Cleaning in NFPA 96 Compliance
Your kitchen exhaust system is designed to remove smoke, odors, and grease-laden vapors. Over time, grease collects on hood surfaces, filters, ducts, and fans.
NFPA 96 clearly states that these areas must be regularly cleaned to bare metal to reduce fire hazards. Without cleaning:
- Airflow decreases, making cooking areas hotter and riskier.
- Grease buildup becomes a fuel source for fire.
- Your system won’t pass an NFPA 96 inspection.
Internal link suggestion:
👉 Learn more about our Commercial Hood Cleaning Services
NFPA 96 Hood Cleaning Requirements Explained
NFPA 96 compliance calls for regular inspection and cleaning of the following components:
- Hood Canopy: The visible part above your cooking equipment.
- Grease Filters: Must be cleaned or replaced regularly.
- Ductwork: Interior walls must be scraped/washed to bare metal.
- Exhaust Fans: Blades, housing, and motor need degreasing.
- Access Panels: Must remain clear and accessible for inspections.
Key NFPA 96 point: “The entire exhaust system shall be inspected for grease buildup and cleaned to bare metal when necessary.”
How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Hood?
NFPA 96 recommends cleaning based on cooking volume and risk level:
| Type of Operation | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| High-volume (fast food, 24/7) | Monthly |
| Moderate-volume (sit-down restaurants) | Quarterly |
| Low-volume (churches, seasonal) | Semi-annually |
| Non-grease cooking (coffee, soup) | Annually |
Tip: Even if your cooking volume is “moderate,” local fire codes may require more frequent service.
What Happens During a Professional Hood Cleaning Service
A certified hood cleaning service (like TruShine Services) will typically:
- Inspect your entire exhaust system — including hidden ductwork.
- Cover & protect kitchen equipment from water and chemicals.
- Remove filters for deep cleaning or replacement.
- Scrape & degrease the hood, plenum, ducts, and fans until they’re bare metal.
- Dispose of grease waste responsibly and eco-safely.
- Provide a compliance report & service sticker to show inspectors.
(Add before/after photo here — alt text: “NFPA 96 Compliant Hood Cleaning Before and After”)
How to Pass Inspections & Avoid Costly Fines
To stay NFPA 96 compliant year-round, follow these steps:
- Keep your service reports and stickers visible.
- Train kitchen staff to spot grease buildup early.
- Never block access panels or roof fans.
- Schedule regular hood cleanings (don’t wait until it’s visibly dirty).
- Partner with a certified cleaning company familiar with local fire codes.
Choosing the Right Hood Cleaning Partner
When selecting a provider, look for:
- Certification & insurance — Ask if they follow NFPA 96 standards.
- Before/after photos — Proof of thorough work.
- Eco-friendly solutions — Safe for staff & environment.
- Flexible scheduling — After-hours or off-peak cleaning to reduce downtime.
👉 TruShine Services specializes in commercial hood cleaning, fryer filtration, and exhaust maintenance for restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens. Contact us today to stay NFPA 96 compliant.
Staying NFPA 96 Compliant Year-Round — Practical Tips
- 🗓 Create a cleaning schedule that aligns with your kitchen’s cooking volume.
- 📂 Keep documentation for inspectors and insurance claims.
- 🔍 Have periodic self-inspections between professional services.
- 🚨 Respond quickly if you smell smoke or see grease drips.
- ✅ Work with experts — NFPA 96 compliance is easier when you partner with a dedicated provider like TruShine.
Resources & Further Reading
- NFPA 96 Standard — National Fire Protection Association (DoFollow link)
- OSHA Fire Safety Guidelines (DoFollow link)
- TruShine Commercial Hood Cleaning Services (Internal link)
🧽 About TruShine Services — Your Partner in NFPA 96 Compliant Cleaning
At TruShine Services, we help restaurants, hotels, schools, and commercial kitchens stay NFPA 96 compliant through expert, eco-friendly cleaning and maintenance.
Our certified team uses industry-approved techniques to make sure your exhaust systems, ducts, and hoods meet fire safety standards — every time.
🔧 Our Core Services
1. Commercial Hood Cleaning
We provide thorough cleaning of kitchen hoods, ducts, filters, and fans — ensuring your system meets NFPA 96 hood cleaning requirements and passes every inspection.
👉 Learn more about our Commercial Hood Cleaning Services
2. Fryer Oil Filtration & Management
We help you extend fryer oil life, save costs, and maintain food quality — while reducing grease accumulation in exhaust systems.
👉 Discover our Fryer Filtration Solutions
3. Exhaust System Maintenance
Regular exhaust and duct maintenance keeps your system efficient, reduces fire risks, and ensures your kitchen stays NFPA 96 compliant.
👉 Explore our Exhaust Cleaning & Maintenance Services
4. Kitchen Deep Cleaning
From walls to floors and behind heavy equipment, we provide full-scale commercial kitchen deep cleaning to meet health and fire codes.
👉 View our Deep Kitchen Cleaning Services
📞 Contact TruShine Services
Let’s help you stay NFPA 96 compliant and keep your kitchen inspection-ready.
Our fully equipped, certified cleaning team delivers professional, high-quality service—every time.
📍 Serving: Commercial kitchens across Georgia and surrounding regions
📞 Call: 678-751-8871
🌐 Website: www.trushineservice.com
📧 Email: info@trushineservice.com
“Let TruShine take your cleaning worries off your plate — so you can focus on what matters most: your business.”
