Compliance & Fire Safety
Understanding NFPA-96 requirements and how proper hood cleaning protects your business from fines, shutdowns, and liability.
What is NFPA-96?
NFPA-96 is the Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, established by the National Fire Protection Association. It sets the requirements for:
- Design and installation of kitchen exhaust systems
- Required cleaning frequency based on cooking type
- Acceptable grease accumulation levels
- Fire suppression system requirements
- Documentation and certification standards
California fire codes adopt NFPA-96, making compliance mandatory for all commercial cooking operations.
Why Restaurants Get Fined
Fire marshals inspect commercial kitchens regularly. Here are the most common violations that result in fines, shutdowns, or denied insurance claims.
Grease buildup exceeding allowable limits
Missing or incomplete cleaning records
Improper cleaning frequency based on cooking volume
Damaged or non-functioning exhaust components
Failure to repair identified issues promptly
Missing access panels for inspection
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Fines can range from $500 to $10,000+ per violation. Worse, a failed inspection can force closure until issues are resolved, costing thousands in lost revenue daily.
How We Prevent Fines & Shutdowns
Our systematic approach ensures your kitchen stays compliant and inspection-ready at all times.
Detailed Documentation
Every service includes comprehensive before/after photos and cleaning reports that satisfy inspector requirements.
Scheduled Maintenance
We maintain cleaning schedules that meet NFPA-96 frequency requirements based on your specific cooking operations.
NFPA-96 Certified Cleaning
Our technicians are trained in NFPA-96 standards and follow approved cleaning procedures for full compliance.
Fire Marshal Communication
We can coordinate directly with fire marshals, providing documentation and scheduling inspections as needed.
Post-Service Reports Matter
Documentation isn't just paperwork—it's your proof of compliance and protection against liability.
Every D&E service includes comprehensive documentation with photos, cleaning details, and official compliance certificates.
Questions About Compliance?
Our team can assess your current compliance status and develop a plan to keep your kitchen inspection-ready year-round.