Collection: Vent Hood Cleaning & Treatment

Laws, Codes, and Required Guidelines

Vent hood cleaning is regulated to prevent fires, protect employees, and ensure compliance with fire safety and health regulations. The primary authority governing this service is NFPA 96.

📘 Primary Governing Standard: NFPA 96

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

This is the nationally adopted fire code used by:

• Fire Marshals

• Health Departments

• Insurance Companies

• Building Inspectors

Most cities and counties (including Texas jurisdictions) enforce NFPA 96 by reference.

🧯 What Must Be Cleaned (Per NFPA 96)

The following components are required to be cleaned to bare metal where grease is present:

• Exhaust hood (interior & exterior)

• Grease filters

• Ductwork (entire length)

• Exhaust fan & fan housing

• Grease containment systems

• Rooftop discharge area

⚠️ “Surface cleaning only” is NOT compliant if grease remains in ducts or fans.

⏱️ Required Cleaning Frequency (Minimums)

Cleaning frequency depends on cooking volume and type:

➡️ Fire Marshal or Insurance may require more frequent cleaning.

🧪 Vent Hood “Treatment” (Chemical Use) – Rules

• Degreasers and chemicals must be non-flammable

• Chemicals cannot damage metal, fire systems, or duct integrity

• No chemical treatment may replace physical grease removal

• Fire suppression nozzles must not be blocked or altered

• Any chemical residue must be fully removed after cleaning

❌ Chemical fogging or spray-only treatments are NOT NFPA compliant unless combined with full mechanical cleaning.

🏷️ Documentation & Certification Requirements

NFPA 96 requires:

• Service sticker/tag placed on hood after cleaning

• Sticker must include:

  • Company name

  • Date of service

  • Technician name

  • Next cleaning due date

• Written service report available on-site

• Photos often required by:

  • Insurance

  • Fire Marshal

  • Property management

🚨 Fire Marshal & Health Department Authority

• Fire Marshals may order immediate cleaning

• Non-compliance can result in:

  • Fines

  • Red tags

  • Business closure

  • Insurance denial after a fire

• Health departments may cite kitchens for:

  • Grease buildup

  • Unsanitary conditions

  • Improper ventilation

👷 Who Can Perform Vent Hood Cleaning

• Must be a trained professional

• Must follow NFPA 96 methods

• Technicians should:

  • Be trained in grease fire hazards

  • Understand kitchen fire suppression systems

  • Use proper PPE and safety procedures

Texas does not license hood cleaners statewide, but local jurisdictions enforce NFPA compliance strictly.

📌 Best Practices for Compliance

✔ Follow NFPA 96 strictly
✔ Keep service logs on-site
✔ Clean to bare metal
✔ Schedule cleaning before inspections
✔ Coordinate with fire extinguisher & suppression inspections