Technical knowledge
Standards and frequencies
A summary of the standards that govern the design, cleaning and maintenance of extraction and ventilation systems. This information is general. The binding requirement for each facility is set by its business licence, its permit, the authorities' requirements and the manufacturer's instructions.
NFPA 96: inspection frequency for kitchen exhaust systems
The American standard NFPA 96 sets how often the exhaust system must be inspected for grease build-up, according to the type of cooking. When an inspection finds build-up, the system is cleaned down to bare metal.
| Type of kitchen | Inspection frequency |
|---|---|
| Solid-fuel cooking (wood, charcoal) | Monthly |
| High volume: 24-hour operation, charbroiling, wok cooking | Quarterly |
| Moderate volume | Semi-annually |
| Low volume: seasonal operation, places of worship, day camps | Annually |
Source: NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.
In Israel: SI 1001 Part 6 and fire-authority approval
In Israel, Israeli Standard SI 1001 Part 6 covers kitchen exhaust systems, and the fire authorities rely on it in their requirements for businesses that cook. Before a business opens or renews its licence, it usually needs confirmation that the system has been cleaned, known in the field as 'Form 16'.
The binding wording, frequency and documents required for a particular business are set by its business licence and the guidelines of the local fire authority. It is worth checking them before planning the cleaning.
Combustible dust: NFPA 660
Dust from organic materials, metals and plastics can ignite and even explode when dispersed in the air. NFPA has consolidated its combustible dust standards, including NFPA 652 and NFPA 654, into a single standard: NFPA 660, first published in 2025.
The central principle is the dust hazard analysis (DHA), which identifies where dust is generated and accumulates and matches the protective measures to it. The design of a dust collector for such a plant is based on this analysis and on the plant's safety consultant.
Filter replacement
The indicator for replacing filters in a dust collector or filtration unit is the differential pressure across the filter, as defined in the manufacturer's instructions. A clogged filter reduces capture at the workstations and loads the fan, while a filter replaced too early is an unnecessary expense. More in the filter guide.
Car-park ventilation
Ventilation for an underground car park is set by the building permit and the fire-authority requirements. It usually includes carbon monoxide (CO) sensors, jet fans or a ducted system, and a smoke-extraction mode triggered by the fire detection system. More in the car-park ventilation guide.
Chemical fume hoods in laboratories
A chemical fume hood is tested periodically to confirm that air enters the hood opening at a sufficient and even velocity. The test method and frequency depend on the type of hood and the organisation's safety requirements. The company's team holds the certifications required for inspecting fume hoods and extraction systems. Certificates and approvals are available on request.
Book a site survey
On-site survey within 3 business days of your request, and a quote within 24 hours of the survey.