For exhaust fans, are service hold-open restrainers required for listed applications?

Service hold-open restrainers are indeed required for listed applications involving exhaust fans according to the NFPA 96 standard. These devices are critical because they ensure that exhaust fan dampers are held open during service and maintenance operations, preventing inadvertent closure that could lead to hazardous conditions or limit the effectiveness of the ventilation system.

In commercial cooking operations, exhaust systems remove smoke, heat, and cooking vapors, and the proper functioning of these systems is vital to maintaining safety and air quality in the kitchen environment. The use of service hold-open restrainers provides an additional layer of safety, ensuring that exhaust systems operate as intended, particularly while personnel are working on or around these systems.

Though the presence or absence of local codes can sometimes affect the enforcement of specific requirements, the established standards set forth by NFPA 96 take precedence for listed applications, reinforcing the need for the use of these restrainers in order to promote uniform safety practices across various jurisdictions.