NFPA 96: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2021 Edition

The NFPA 96: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2021 Edition is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and serves as a key reference for professionals preparing through 1 Exam Prep for contractor and fire protection licensing exams. This standard outlines the minimum fire safety requirements for design, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of commercial kitchen ventilation systems. It addresses exhaust systems, grease removal devices, ducts, fans, and fire suppression systems, ensuring compliance with building and fire codes recognized by state licensing boards and local authorities. Frequently required for mechanical, fire protection, and HVAC contractor exams, this manual aligns with credentialing standards such as those established by the CILB and supports preparation for Florida and national contractor licensing exams.

NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, provides broad-based preventive and operative fire safety requirements for the design, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of commercial cooking equipment.

The standard covers requirements for all types of cooking equipment in public and private kitchens, including fans, stove exhaust hoods, grease removal devices, cooking exhaust systems, fire-suppression systems, and clearance to combustibles. 

The 2021 edition offers the latest information and criteria for commercial kitchen safety and compliance. Important updates include:

• A new chapter on mobile and temporary cooking operations (this content, formerly located in Annex B, has been moved into the body of the standard to provide the minimum fire safety requirements for mobile and temporary cooking operations)
• Removal of duplicate requirements related to mobile and temporary cooking operations and modified language throughout the standard to clarify the provisions for buildings as well as mobile and temporary cooking operations
• Addition of the equivalent UL standards to be used in Canada
• Replacement of the term activate with the proper term actuate throughout the standard