By Tennessee Hood Cleaners · Updated 2026-10-11
The standard in brief
NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, is published by the National Fire Protection Association. It addresses the design, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of commercial kitchen exhaust systems, including hoods, grease removal devices, ducts, and fans.
NFPA 96 is a standard published by the National Fire Protection Association. Whether and how a given edition applies to your kitchen is determined by your local authority having jurisdiction, such as the fire marshal.
What it covers for cleaning
The standard includes requirements for inspecting exhaust systems for grease buildup at defined frequencies and for cleaning the system when buildup is found. It also addresses access for cleaning, such as openings in ductwork, and documentation of the work.
Why it matters to owners
Fire officials, insurers, and landlords may reference NFPA 96 when evaluating a kitchen. Keeping the exhaust system clean and keeping records of each service helps owners respond to those questions. For exact requirements, consult the current adopted edition and your local fire authority.