What Happens During an NFPA 96 Kitchen Exhaust Inspection?
The hood and exhaust system in a commercial kitchen needs regular attention. Every facility manager knows this, but what brings challenges for them is the NFPA 96 kitchen exhaust inspection.
The inspector will not look simply at the hood from the kitchen floor. They will inspect several components that are hidden from view. It’s their job to identify compliance issues in the ductwork, around the exhaust fan, and in other areas that kitchen staff cannot see during everyday operations.
If the inspection process overwhelms you then keep on reading. Today we discuss what to expect, what problems may be found, and what you need to do after an inspection.
What does an NFPA 96 Inspection look for?
An NFPA 96 inspection looks at the condition of the commercial cooking exhaust system and checks for issues that could pose a fire hazard or affect the system's operation.
If you want to understand the specific NFPA 96 requirements in more detail, check out our guides on common NFPA 96 violations and how IKECA-certified hood cleaning services help you stay compliant.
The inspection may look at components such as:
- Hood and plenum
- Grease filters
- Exhaust ductwork
- Access panels
- Exhaust fan
- Fan housing and surrounding areas
- Grease collection areas
- Clearances around the exhaust system
- Other accessible components
What Parts of the Kitchen Exhaust System Need to Be Checked?
Inspectors search for problems in different components of a commercial kitchen exhaust system during an inspection. For instance:
- 1. The hood that captures grease-laden vapors produced during cooking.
- 2. The filters that capture grease before it travels farther into the system can affect airflow.
- 3. The ductwork that carries the exhaust away from the cooking area
- 4. The exhaust fan that moves that air out of the building.
Can a Hood Look Clean and Still Fail an Inspection?
Yes.
A spotless stainless-steel hood with grease inside the ductwork or around the exhaust fan is clearly not compliant with NFPA 96.
Facility managers should not judge the condition of an exhaust system based only on how clean the kitchen looks. The parts that matter most from a fire-safety perspective are not always the parts you can see.
What Problems Can an NFPA 96 Inspection Find?
An inspection can identify a range of conditions that need attention.
Some common findings can include:
- Excessive grease accumulation
- Dirty or damaged filters
- Grease buildup inside accessible ductwork
- Problems around the exhaust fan
- Missing or damaged access panels
- Damaged components
- Issues that make cleaning or inspection difficult
- Other conditions affecting the exhaust system
Some of these issues are not an immediate emergency. However, some issues only require thorough cleaning or routine maintenance, while others may require repair or further evaluation.
The important thing is to hire professionals who have experience in finding compliance issues and can tell you the clear course of action regarding cleaning, repairs and replacements.
What Happens When Grease Is Found Inside the Ductwork?
If an inspector finds significant grease buildup inside the ductwork or around the exhaust fan, they will document it and ask the facility to have the system professionally cleaned.
Fines or other penalties may also apply based on the violation and local requirements.
Facility managers should deal with it quickly. Schedule the cleaning, fix any other issues the inspector found, and keep the service documentation for your records.
HADPRO can take care of the cleaning for you and provide documentation once the job is complete. Get a free quote right now.
What Happens If an Inspection Finds a Repair That Is Needed?
Not every problem found during an inspection can be solved with cleaning.
A technician may find a damaged part or an area that is hard to reach. The facility manager then needs to decide who should handle the repair.
A hood cleaning company cleans the exhaust systems and notifies you to replace electrical, structural, mechanical, or fire-suppression systems.
If HADPRO finds an issue outside the scope of cleaning, the team can explain what was observed so the facility manager knows what needs to be addressed.
How Should You Prepare for an NFPA 96 Inspection?
Clear access: Confirm clear access to the hood, duct access panels, exhaust fan, and roof access if the fan is on the roof.
Previous maintenance records: Provide all the useful documents and details about recurring problems with the hood, fan, filters, or airflow.
How Often Does a Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Need to Be Inspected?
NFPA 96 requirements are categorized for various types and volumes of cooking.
Kitchens with heavier grease-producing cooking operations require more frequent inspection and cleaning than operations with lower levels of grease production.
The inspection and cleaning schedules can range from monthly to quarterly, semiannual, or annual intervals. For more details consult our experts or refer to the NFPA 96 cleaning frequency guide we shared in this post.
What to ask your Hood Cleaning Company before an Inspection?
If you are scheduling hood cleaning service before a qualified NFPA inspector arrives at your facility, then do not be afraid to ask questions to your cleaning company.
What areas of the exhaust system did you inspect?
The entire hood system including accessible ductwork, the exhaust fan, and other components should be cleaned. So confirm it before paying for the service.
Was significant grease buildup found?
If so, ask where it was found and whether cleaning is recommended.
Were any damaged or inaccessible areas identified?
This can help you plan repairs or address access problems before the next service.
Does the system need cleaning now?
This way, you schedule the work before grease buildup becomes a bigger concern during the official inspections.
What documentation will I receive?
You will need the facility's maintenance and compliance documentation during the official inspection so make sure you have everything ready.
How Can HADPRO Help With NFPA 96 Kitchen Exhaust Maintenance?
Keeping up with commercial kitchen exhaust maintenance can become one more thing on an already long list for a facility manager.
HADPRO has been cleaning commercial kitchen exhaust systems since 2008 and serves Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. As an IKECA-certified company, HADPRO brings specialized knowledge to commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.
If an inspection identifies grease buildup or a cleaning need, we can help you figure out the next step yourself.
Need help staying on top of your commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning schedule? Contact HADPRO to discuss your hood cleaning and maintenance needs.