- NFPA 96 · Fire Code Compliance
What Is NFPA 96?
NFPA 96 is the National Fire Protection Association Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. It sets the mandatory fire-safety rules for restaurant hood exhaust systems, grease ductwork, fans, air control, fire prevention, and cleaning frequency. All Maryland restaurants must follow NFPA 96 to pass Fire Marshal inspections, Health Department inspections, and insurance compliance checks.
NFPA 96
Compliant
24/7
Emergency
MD
Statewide
Quick Navigation
Exhaust System Cleaning
Cleaning Frequency Table
Hood System Requirements
Ventilation Requirements
Grease Filter Requirements
Fire Marshal Inspector Requirements
Maryland Frequency
Exhaust System Cleaning
11.6.2 Installation Requirements:
11.6.2.1 Installation systems shall be performed only by persons properly trained and qualified to install the specific system being provided
11.6.2.2 The installer shall provide certification to the authority having jurisdiction that the installation is in agreement with the terms of the listing and the manufacturers instructions and/ or improve design
- Hood interior & exterior
01
- Grease filters
02
- Plenum
03
- Horizontal & vertical ducts
04
- Rooftop exhaust fan + blades
05
- Fan housing & fan bowl
06
- Grease containment system
07
- Access panel
08
- Drip trays
09
Required Cleaning Frequency
NFPA 96 sets minimum cleaning frequency based on cooking operations:
Cleaning Frequency
Cooking Operation Type
Typical Businesses / Fire Risk
Monthly
- Highest Risk
Solid-fuel (wood/charcoal), heavy grease, fried chicken, hibachi
Low-volume operations — Modern cooking. High-volume cooking (wings, takeout, diners, fast food)
Typical Businesses: wood-fired pizza, charcoal grill, Brazilian steakhouse, BBQ smokehouse, high-temp wok, tandoor.
Fire Risk: Highest grease loading, rapid duct buildup, strong Fire Marshal scrutiny.
Quarterly
- High Risk
High volume cooking — 24 hour, trial, boiling and wok operation
Typical Businesses: casual dine-in restaurants, hotel kitchens, mid-volume restaurants.
Fire Risk: Moderate grease load, must still show bare-metal cleaning in ducts.
Semi Annual
- Moderate Risk
Low-volume operations — Modern cooking. High-volume cooking (wings, takeout, diners, fast food)
Typical Businesses: fried chicken chains, wings, diners open late, busy takeout kitchens, franchise burger/fast-food.
Fire Risk: Heavy daily use, continuous fryers, frequent inspections.
Semi Annual
- Low Risk
Low volume cooking (churches, daycares). Non-grease cooking (churches, daycares)
Typical Businesses: churches, daycares, community centers with limited cooking.
Fire Risk: Minimal grease, but NFPA 96 still requires documented cleaning.
IMPORTANT: These frequencies are NFPA 96 minimums. Local Maryland Fire Marshals can require more frequent cleaning based on inspections. HydroForce Power Washing LLC helps set the right schedule for each specific kitchen.
Hood System Requirements
Exhaust ducts must be constructed of continuous welded steel, minimum of 16-gauge (carbon steel) or 18-gauge (stainless steel), and installed with liquid-tight seams.
All seams must be liquid tight
Access panels must be installed for proper ductwork inspection
Ventilation Requirements
- ACTIVE
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Grease Filter Requirements
- UL 1046 and NFPA 96 baffle filters only
- No mesh filters allowed
- Filters must be installed at a 45° angle
- No gaps between filters
- Tracks must be secure and mounted correctly
UL 1046 and NFPA 96
Baffle Filter
✓ Approved
UL 1046 & NFPA 96
spark arrestor filter
Fire Marshal Inspector Requirements
- Before/After cleaning photos must be issued and dated
- Technician must be certified & Insured with credentials
- Service report must indicate system was cleaned to bare metal
- Any deficiencies or required repairs must be documented
- NFPA 96 inspection sticker must be placed on hood or on premise with service date
- Invoice must list all components cleaned (hood, ducts, fan, filters, etc.)
- Next scheduled service date must be clearly marked
- Compliance certificate must be provided for inspection records
- NFPA 96
Compliance
HYDROFORCE
Built for Fire Code. Trusted by Operators.
NFPA 96 Compliant
Certified
Fire Marshal Approved Cleaning
Certified
Fully Insured
Certified
Commercial Kitchen Specialists
Certified
Before & After Documentation
Certified
Emergency Service Available
Certified
Commercial Appliance Cleaning Services
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Full hood, plenum and interior cleaned to bare metal.
Before & After
Cleaned to Bare Metal. Documented.
Hood Interior
NFPA 96 ✓
APPLIANCE CLEANING
NFPA 96 ✓
ROOFTOP FAN
Stay NFPA 96 Compliant & Pass Inspection
NFPA 96 Compliance Statement: HydroForce Power Washing LLC performs commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning to NFPA 96 standards, providing full documentation, before/after photos, and compliance certificates for Maryland Fire Marshal inspections.
Contact
- (240) 555‑0199
- service@hydroforce.com
- Serving All of Maryland
Business Hours
- Mon–Fri · 8am – 6pm Sat · 9am – 2pm 24/7 Emergency
- NFPA 96 Certified · Maryland