NFPA 96 Inspection & Compliance Services in San Diego
Certified Inspections That Keep Your Kitchen Compliant, Safe & Inspection-Ready
Is your commercial kitchen exhaust system NFPA 96 compliant? Core Services provides comprehensive NFPA 96 inspections for San Diego restaurants, schools, and commercial facilities. Our certified inspectors identify compliance issues before health departments and fire marshals do—protecting your business from violations, fines, and closures.
✅ NFPA 96 Certified Inspectors
📋 Detailed Compliance Reports
🛡️ Pass Inspections Confidently
⚡ Same-Day Service Available
What is NFPA 96 and Why Does It Matter?
Understanding NFPA 96
NFPA 96 is the Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This nationally recognized standard establishes requirements for:
✓ Design and installation of commercial kitchen exhaust systems ✓ Operation and maintenance requirements
✓ Cleaning frequencies and methods
✓ Inspection and documentation procedures
✓ Fire suppression system requirements
✓ Grease containment and removal
NFPA 96 is the legal standard adopted by San Diego County and California for commercial kitchen fire safety. Health departments, fire marshals, and insurance companies all reference NFPA 96 when evaluating your kitchen.
Who Must Comply with NFPA 96?
Any commercial operation that produces grease-laden vapors:
- Restaurants (all types)
- School cafeterias - Hospital kitchens
- Hotel food service
- Nursing home kitchens
- Food trucks and commissaries
- Corporate cafeterias
- Catering operations
- Any commercial cooking facility
Why NFPA 96 Compliance Matters
Fire Prevention
Commercial kitchen fires cause over $165 million in property damage annually in the U.S. The majority start in exhaust systems. NFPA 96 compliance dramatically reduces fire risk.
Health Department Requirements
San Diego County Department of Environmental Health requires NFPA 96 compliance. Violations can result in:
- Point deductions
- Mandatory re-inspections
- Temporary closure orders
- Business license issues
Fire Marshal Enforcement
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department enforces NFPA 96 during inspections. Non-compliance can result in:
- Citations and fines
- Operating restrictions
- Certificate of occupancy issues
Insurance Requirements Most commercial insurance policies require NFPA 96 compliance. Non-compliance can result in:
- Denied fire damage claims
- Policy cancellation
- Increased premiums
Legal Liability If a fire occurs and you're not NFPA 96 compliant:
- Personal liability exposure
- Corporate liability
- Negligence claims
- Potential criminal charges in severe cases
Our NFPA 96 Inspection Services
📋 Comprehensive Compliance Inspection
Our most thorough inspection service examines every component of your exhaust system against NFPA 96 requirements.
What's Inspected:
- Hood and plenum condition
- Ductwork integrity and cleanliness
- Exhaust fan operation
- Grease filter condition
- Grease containment systems
- Fire suppression system integration
- Access panel functionality
- Cleaning frequency compliance
- Documentation review
Deliverables:
- Detailed written report
- Compliance checklist
- Photographic documentation
- Recommendations for corrections
- Timeline for required actions
Best For: Annual compliance verification, pre-purchase inspections, insurance audits
🔥 Pre-Inspection Preparation
Expecting a health department or fire marshal inspection? We'll inspect first and identify any issues so you can correct them BEFORE the official inspection.
What We Do:
- Full system inspection
- Identify potential violations
- Prioritize critical issues
- Provide correction timeline
- Schedule cleaning if needed
- Re-inspect after corrections
Deliverables:
- Violation risk assessment
- Priority action list
- Cleaning recommendations
- Documentation review
- Confidence going into inspection
Best For: Upcoming health inspections, fire marshal visits, license renewals
📊 Post-Cleaning Verification Inspection
After hood cleaning service, we provide formal inspection and documentation proving NFPA 96 compliance.
What's Included:
- Visual inspection of all cleaned areas
- Grease accumulation measurement
- Before/after comparison
- System operation verification
- Fire suppression clearance check
Deliverables:
- NFPA 96 compliance certificate
- Before/after photographs
- Cleaning verification report
- Next service recommendation
- Inspector-ready documentation
Best For: Regular maintenance documentation, health department compliance, insurance requirements
Complete NFPA 96 Inspection Checklist
Our certified inspectors examine every component of your commercial kitchen exhaust system:
Hood System
✓ Hood interior condition
✓ Hood exterior condition
✓ Plenum chamber cleanliness
✓ Clearances from cooking equipment
✓ Hood lighting functionality
Ductwork
✓ Accessible duct sections
✓ Grease accumulation levels
✓ Access panel functionality
✓ Proper slope for drainage
✓ Fire damper operation (if applicable)
Exhaust Fans
✓ Fan blade condition
✓ Motor operation
✓ Belt tension and condition
✓ Bearing condition
✓ Vibration assessment
✓ Grease buildup on fan
✓ Proper airflow verification
Grease Management
✓ Filter condition and fit
✓ Filter type appropriateness
✓ Grease containment systems
✓ Rooftop grease containers
✓ Grease runoff prevention
✓ Drip tray functionality
NFPA 96 Cleaning Frequency Requirements
MONTHLY CLEANING REQUIRED
- Systems serving solid fuel cooking operations
- Systems using wood and/or charcoal
QUARTERLY CLEANING REQUIRED
- Systems serving high-volume cooking operations
- 24 hour cooking, charbroiling, and wok cooking
SEMI-ANNUAL CLEANING REQUIRED
- Systems serving moderate
-volume cooking operations
ANNUAL CLEANING REQUIRED
- Systems serving low-volume cooking operations
- Churches, day camps, or seasonal businesses
⚠️ Important: These are MINIMUM frequencies. If your system shows visible grease accumulation before your scheduled cleaning, you should clean more frequently.
NFPA 96 states: "The entire exhaust system shall be inspected at intervals determined by the authority having jurisdiction."
Not Sure What Frequency Applies to Your Kitchen?
Our inspection will determine the correct cleaning frequency for your specific operation based on:
- Type of cooking (grilling, frying, baking, etc.)
- Hours of operation
- Volume of food prepared
- Type of oils and grease used
- Exhaust system design
Inspection Process
STEP 1: Schedule Your Inspection
Call (858) 361-2570 or request online.
We'll:
- Understand your inspection needs
- Schedule at your convenience
- Explain what to expect
- Provide pricing
Timeline: Same-day or next-day appointments typically available
STEP 2: Pre-Inspection Review
Before arriving, we review:
- Your kitchen type and cooking operations
- Previous cleaning and inspection records
- Any specific concerns you have
- Upcoming official inspections
Preparation: Have previous documentation available if possible
STEP 3: Comprehensive On-Site Inspection
Our certified inspector examines:
- All hood and exhaust system components
- Ductwork accessibility and condition
- Rooftop fans and grease containment
- Filter condition and appropriateness
- Documentation and record-keeping
Duration: 15-30 minutes depending on system size
STEP 4: Findings Review & Recommendations
After inspection, we:
- Review all findings with you on-site
- Explain any compliance issues
- Prioritize corrections needed
- Provide timeline recommendations
- Answer all questions
No Surprises: You'll understand exactly what's needed
STEP 5: Detailed Documentation
You receive comprehensive documentation:
- Written inspection report
- Compliance status summary
- Photographic evidence
- Correction recommendations
- Suggested action timeline
- NFPA 96 compliance certificate (if compliant)
Documentation: Inspector-ready, insurance-ready, audit-ready
Common NFPA 96 Violations We Find (And Help You Fix)
Our inspectors frequently identify these compliance issues. How many apply to your kitchen?
❌ Inadequate Cleaning Frequency
The most common violation. Many kitchens aren't cleaned as often as NFPA 96 requires for their operation type.
Signs: Visible grease buildup, no cleaning records, unsure of last cleaning date
Fix: Establish proper cleaning schedule, maintain documentation ---
❌ Missing or Inadequate Documentation
NFPA 96 requires documentation of all cleaning and maintenance. Many kitchens have none.
Signs: No cleaning certificates, no service records, can't prove compliance
Fix: Professional cleaning with proper documentation, establish record-keeping
❌ Grease Filter Issues
Damaged, improperly fitted, or heavily soiled filters are frequently cited.
Signs: Bent filters, gaps in filter coverage, visible grease saturation
Fix: Filter replacement, proper fit verification, filter exchange program
❌ Excessive Grease Accumulation
Visible grease buildup anywhere in the system indicates inadequate cleaning.
Signs: Grease visible on hood surfaces, sticky residue, dripping grease
Fix: Thorough professional cleaning, increased cleaning frequency
❌ Fan and Motor Issues
Exhaust fans not operating properly or covered in grease.
Signs: Loud operation, vibration, reduced airflow, visible grease on fan
Fix: Fan cleaning and maintenance, motor service, belt replacement
❌ Access Panel Problems
Access panels missing, sealed shut, or inoperable.
Signs: Panels screwed shut, sealed with caulk, missing panels
Fix: Panel repair/replacement, proper access verification
❌ Grease Containment Failures
Rooftop grease containers missing, overflowing, or improperly maintained.
Signs: Grease on roof, overflowing containers, no containment system
Fix: Proper containment installation, regular maintenance schedule
❌ Fire Suppression Clearance Issues
Hood not properly cleaned around fire suppression nozzles.
Signs: Grease on nozzles, obstructed spray patterns
Fix: Careful cleaning around suppression system, nozzle clearance
❌ Improper Cleaning Methods
Previous cleaning didn't meet NFPA 96 standards or wasn't performed by qualified personnel.
Signs: Uneven cleaning, areas missed, no documentation
Fix: Professional NFPA 96-compliant cleaning, certified contractors only
❌ Structural/Installation Issues
Ductwork damage, improper installation, missing components.
Signs: Gaps, holes, improper connections, sagging ducts
Fix: Repairs by qualified technicians, possible system modifications
How Many Apply to Your Kitchen?
If you're unsure about your compliance status, schedule an inspection. We'll identify any issues and help you correct them BEFORE official inspectors find them.
Who Needs NFPA 96 Inspections?
🍔 Restaurant Owners
Regular inspections ensure ongoing compliance and identify issues before they become violations.
Recommended Frequency:
- Annual comprehensive inspection
- Post-cleaning verification
- Pre-health inspection review
🏢 Property Managers
Verify tenant compliance, protect property value, satisfy insurance requirements.
Common Needs:
- Lease compliance verification
- Annual property inspections
- Tenant turnover inspections
💼 Business Buyers
Before purchasing a restaurant, know exactly what you're getting into.
Pre-Purchase Inspection:
- Compliance status assessment - Deferred maintenance identification
- Estimated correction costs
- Risk assessment
📋 Insurance Audits
Provide documentation your insurance company requires for policy compliance.
Insurance Documentation:
- Compliance certificates
- Cleaning verification
- Inspection reports
- Photographic evidence
🏫 Schools & Institutions
Educational and institutional facilities require strict compliance and documentation.
Special Considerations:
- District compliance requirements
- Budget planning for corrections - Summer maintenance scheduling
🏥 Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and nursing homes face strict regulatory oversight requiring verified compliance.
Healthcare Requirements:
- Joint Commission compliance
- State licensing requirements
- Detailed documentation
🏨 Hotels & Hospitality
Protect your brand, guests, and property with verified NFPA 96 compliance.
Hospitality Needs:
- Multi-outlet inspections
- Brand standard compliance
- Guest safety assurance
⚠️ Anyone Facing Inspection
Health department or fire marshal inspection coming? Get inspected first.
Pre-Inspection Benefits:
- Identify issues proactively
- Time to correct problems
- Confidence going in
- Avoid violations
FAQs
NFPA 96 Inspection - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an NFPA 96 inspection?
A: An NFPA 96 inspection is a comprehensive examination of your commercial kitchen exhaust system to verify compliance with the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 96. We inspect hood condition, ductwork, fans, filters, grease containment, and documentation to ensure your system meets fire safety requirements.
Q: How often should I get an NFPA 96 inspection?
A: We recommend annual comprehensive inspections for most operations, plus verification inspections after each cleaning. If you're facing an official inspection, schedule a pre-inspection assessment beforehand.
Q: Is NFPA 96 inspection different from hood cleaning?
A: Yes. Inspection is an examination and documentation of your system's condition. Cleaning is the physical removal of grease and contaminants. Many customers combine both services for efficiency.
Q: Will your inspection satisfy health department requirements?
A: Our inspection and documentation meet San Diego County health department standards. We provide certificates and reports that inspectors accept as proof of compliance.
Q: What if you find violations during inspection?
A: We'll explain each issue, prioritize corrections, and provide a timeline. Many issues can be resolved with professional cleaning. We'll quote any needed services so you can make informed decisions.
Q: How long does an inspection take?
A: Most inspections take 30-60 minutes depending on system size and complexity. Multi-hood systems or extensive ductwork may take longer.
Q: Can you help if we're about to fail an inspection?
A: Absolutely. We offer emergency inspection and cleaning services. Call (858) 361-2570 immediately if you have an urgent compliance situation.
Q: What documentation do I need for inspections?
A: You should maintain records of all hood cleanings, fire suppression inspections, and any repairs or modifications. We'll help you establish proper documentation practices.
Q: Are your inspectors certified?
A: Yes. All Core Services inspectors are NFPA 96 certified and trained specifically in commercial kitchen exhaust system compliance.
Schedule Your NFPA 96 Inspection Today
Don't wait for health inspectors or fire marshals to find violations. Get inspected now and fix issues on YOUR timeline.
Why Inspect Now?
✓ Identify Issues Before Officials Do ✓ Time to Correct Problems
✓ Pass Inspections Confidently
✓ Complete Documentation Provided
✓ NFPA 96 Certified Inspectors
Core Services Hood Cleaning
5284 Eastgate Mall San Diego, CA 92121
Serving All of San Diego County
Same-Day Inspections Available