What is NFPA 96?
NFPA 96 is the ventilation and fire protection standards set by the National Fire Protection Association for restaurants and cooking operations.
Under NFPA 96, you will find there are several parts, including the fire code regulations for:
Hood inspections and cleaning frequency
Hood grease filters
Rooftop grease containment
Hood Inspections and Cleaning Frequency
According to NFPA 96, hood systems should be cleaned by a properly trained, qualified, and certified company. The hood will likely be left with a sticker showing the cleaning date and proper documentation should be provided by your professional hood cleaning company.
The hood cleaning frequency is as follows:
If you’re past due or need a hood cleaning in Houston, please contact Rujo Hood Cleaning today.
Hood Grease Filter Requirements
Hood grease filters must be UL listed as they are fire code approved.
If your filter isn’t UL listed and a fire occurs at your business or restaurant, insurance may not cover any damages.
According to NFPA 96:
6.1
Grease Removal Devices
6.1.1
Listed grease filters, listed baffles, or other listed grease removal devices for use with commercial cooking equipment shall be provided
6.1.2
Listed grease filters and grease removal devices that are removable but not an integral component of a specific listed exhaust hood shall be listed in accordance with UL 1046
6.1.3
Mesh filters shall not be used unless evaluated as an integral part of a listed exhaust hood or listed in conjunction with a primary filter in accordance with UL 1046
6.2.3.1
Grease filters shall be listed and constructed of steel or listed equivalent material.
6.2.3.2
Grease filters shall be of rigid construction that will not distort or crush under normal operation, handling, and cleaning conditions
6.2.3.3
Grease filters shall be arranged so that all exhaust air passes through the grease filters.
6.2.3.4
Grease filters shall be easily accessible and removable for cleaning.
6.2.3.5
Grease filters shall be installed at an angle not less than 45 degrees from the horizontal
Rooftop Grease Containment Requirements
All restaurant rooftops are requires to have grease containment systems. Grease containment systems help prevent fires and major damages to your roof that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The NFPA states:
7.8.2
Rooftop Terminations
7.8.2.1
Rooftop termination shall be arranged with or provided with the following:
(4) The ability to drain grease out of any traps or low points formed in the fan or duct near the termination of the system into a collection container that is noncombustible, closed, rainproof, and structurally sound for the service to which it is applied and that will not sustain combustion
(5) A grease collection device that is applied to exhaust systems that does not inhibit the performance of any fan
(6) Listed grease collection systems that meet the requirements of 7.8.2.1(4) and 7.8.2.1(5)
8.1
Exhaust Fans for Commercial Cooking Equipment
8.1.1.3
Upblast fans shall have a drain directed to a readily accessible and visible grease receptacle not to exceed 3.8 L (1 gal)
What Can Happen if I’m Not Up to Code?
A lot of not-so-good things can happen.
For one, you will risk fines and even temporary closure of your business.
An unclean hood can also result in fires. If you’re unable to prove to your insurance company that you’ve been keeping up with your regular hood cleanings by a professional hood cleaning company, they may not cover damages, that may result in losing your business entirely.
How Can I Make Sure to Stay Compliant with NFPA 96?
The simple answer: contact Rujo Hood Cleaning, the hood cleaning company of Texas. They will help keep you on a regular hood cleaning schedule and can help you determine what else you need to stay compliant.