Fire Codes

Liability and Safety

By law, kitchen exhaust cleaning is required for virtually every commercial cooking

establishment in the United States. Kitchen grease exhaust cleaning is required by the Fire

Marshals, Health Inspectors and Insurance Companies. The National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA 96 standard) requires commercial kitchens exhaust systems to be cleaned by a properly

trained, qualified and certified person(s).

We are New York State's Leading Certified Hood Cleaning Company. In New York State, the

Fire Marshal follows the NFPA 96 Standards as part of the Fire code. If you violate the code by

using a non-certified kitchen exhaust cleaning company, it can be considered to be negligence

on your part. If one of your businesses ever has a fire that originates in the kitchen exhaust

system, it could be an issue in getting your insurance company to pay for the repairs. Before you

consider using a non-certified company, think about the liability.

NFPA 96 - Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking

Operations

•4.1.5 - The responsibility for inspection, maintenance, and cleanliness of the ventilation control

and fire protection of the commercial cooking operations shall be the ultimate responsibility of

the owner of the system provided that this responsibility has not been transferred in written form

to a management company or other party.

•4.1.8 - All interior surfaces of exhaust system shall be accessible for cleaning and inspection

purposes.

•7.8.2.2 - Fans shall be provided with safe access and a work surface for inspection and

cleaning.

•8.1.1.1 - Approved upblast fans with motors surrounded by the airstream shall be hinged,

supplied with flexible weatherproof electrical cable and service hold-open retainers, and listed

for this use.

•11.4 - Inspection for Grease Buildup. 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 and in accordance with Table 11.4.

•11.6.1 - When 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 jurisdiction.

•11.6.2 - Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned at

frequent intervals to remove combustible contaminated prior to surfaces becoming heavily

contaminated with grease or oily sludge.11.6.8 - After the exhaust system is cleaned, it shall not

be coated with powder or other substance.

•11.6.8 - After the exhaust system is cleaned, it shall not be coated with powder or other

substance.