Kitchen Extract Cleaning

Grease contaminated kitchen extraction systems are hazardous and unhygienic providing an ideal route for bacterial growth in addition to a highly dangerous source of fire.

Flames and heat within the extract system can ignite surrounding materials at various points along the ductwork path and transfer fire in ways that are difficult to predict and control.

Regular cleaning of commercial kitchen ventilation systems is not only sensible it is also an obligation.

Kitchen extract cleaning is now very necessary to comply with the current legislation such as Fire Risk Assessment and Insurance needs.

The introduction of the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) in late 2006, places new duties on building owners and operators. All commercial kitchens have to comply and failure could result in closure by an Environmental Health Officer or insurers not paying claims caused by kitchen extract fires.

The HVCA TR/19 requires regular specialist cleaning of Extract Systems based on usage. Removing grease build up will minimise the fire risk and enhance the cleanliness of kitchen extract systems, with a regular cleaning program to HVCA TR19 standards. Regular extract cleaning will also benefit the efficiency of the systems by increasing the air flow and can prolong the life of extract fans.

The need for specialist cleaning of kitchen extract systems will vary depending on the level of usage of the cooking equipment, types and quantity of cooking and other risk factors. Typical cleaning intervals recommendations are shown below:

HVCA TR/19 Guide to Good Practice Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems

HVCA TR/19 Guide to Good Practice Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems - Requires regular specialist cleaning of Kitchen Extract Systems based on usage. Section 7.35 shows the minimum recommended interval between specialist cleans as follows:

• Heavy Use 12-16 hours per day - 3 monthly
• Medium Use 6-12 hours per day - 6 monthly
• Light Use 2 - 6 hours per day - Annually

The Association of British Insurers recommends that, depending on the usage a Kitchen Extract system in a commercial kitchen should be cleaned and certified anything from annually to monthly.

We often find that ventilation systems have insufficient access points to enable cleaning. If this is the case our highly specialist engineers are able to supply and install quick release access panels in strategic places in the ductwork systems.

Access Panels should be installed at regular intervals and before and after obstacles such as Volume Control Dampers (VCD's), Turning Vanes and Fire Dampers. This gives easy access for cleaning, inspection and disinfection to be properly undertaken. The access panels and locations are tailored to your requirements.

On completion we provide reports, recommendations, certification and photographs as required to enable you to demonstrate to your insurers that you are taking the necessary preventative measures.