NFPA 96-1999 is a model code. that means it is not law or code until adopted by whoever makes the rules for fire protection/suppression in your jurisdiction. In Oregon, the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) may be the State Fire Marshal, Or-OSHA, Fed-OSHA, the local fire department, the building inspector, the insurance company, the building owner, or the person doing the work (that is us). Your local area may have different rules. I find that most of the time, no one knows the code, and know one cares until there is a fire and a claim. Then the person who takes the fall is the person who last did anything to the system in question.
I quickly scanned the new NFPA 96-1999, which I received in the mail yesterday. I subscribe to the CD version, which is updated periodically. The only difference I noted was that fans need to have the ability to be tipped for cleaning. Everything else appeared to be the same as NFPA 96-1998.
I suggest those of us who clean exhaust system get a copy of the current NFPA 96-1999, be familiar with the information, and keep a copy in the service vehicles. When you go to court, the opposing attorny will refer to 96, wheather it is adopted in your jurisdiction or not.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc