The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regularly updates its codes to reflect new safety research and technologies. The 2025 edition of NFPA 96 introduces several changes that directly affect how often and how you must clean your commercial kitchen exhaust system.
Key Changes You Need to Know
Monthly cleaning for high-volume & 24/7 kitchens – If your kitchen operates around the clock or uses solid fuel (charcoal, wood), you now require monthly exhaust system cleanings.
Digital documentation mandatory – Paper logs are no longer sufficient. You must maintain digital records with time-stamped before/after photos.
Access panel requirements expanded – Horizontal ducts longer than 20 feet must have access panels at every change of direction.
Only certified professionals may clean – In-house staff cleaning no longer satisfies compliance. Only IKECA-certified technicians are allowed.
How to Stay Compliant
Review your current cleaning schedule against the new frequency table.
Work with a hood cleaning company that provides digital reports and cloud-stored documentation.
Ensure your exhaust system has all required access panels – we can install them on-site.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
Fire marshals and insurance auditors will begin enforcing these 2025 updates immediately. Protect your business, your staff, and your customers by scheduling a compliant cleaning today.Request your free quote – we’re fully trained on NFPA 96 2025.