Kitchen Extract Cleaning

These systems extract air from cooker hoods, fryers, servery and washing areas. Deposition of fats, grease and oils occur on the internal surfaces of the ductwork. Accumulation of deposits may present a significant fire hazard as well as odour, hygiene and vermin problems.

In line with Loss Prevention Council (16A & 16B) 'Advice on Fish and Chip Frying Range and Cooking Equipment'. It is recommended that kitchen exhaust ductwork should be cleaned annually as a minimum.

The HVCA TR/17 Guide to Good Practice Ð Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems and DW/171 Standard for Kitchen Ventilation Systems, recommends the following cleaning frequencies for kitchen extracts and other applications where ducts may contain grease, fat and oil deposits.

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HEAVY USE | 12-16 Hours Per Day | 9 Monthly
MODERATE USE | 6-12 Hours Per Day | 6 Monthly
LIGHT USE | 2-6 Hours Per Day | Annually
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Kitchen Extract System Risks

Fire Hazard - These systems extract air from cooker hoods, fryers, servery and washing areas. The combination of accumulated fats, greases, oils and fibrous particles is highly combustible. The deposition of these materials on the internal surfaces of kitchen extract ductwork may present a significant fire hazard, as well as creating odour, hygiene and vermin problems. Cooking appliances are a potential source of ignition.

Fire officials cite neglected grease extract systems as the major cause of spreading fire in catering establishments

NHS Estates Ð Fire Practice Note 4 states:
'Fire involving a deep fat-fryer and its extraction system may develop very rapidly and reach a stage of such violence that it cannot be contained within the main kitchen and perhaps not even within the catering department

A fire hazard can be created in ventilated ceilings by the accumulation of greasy dirt, aggravated by the intrusion of other building services, involving pipework for example, and where cassettes are not cleaned regularly.

A high standard of maintenance of extract systems, in particular those serving deep fat-fryers, is essential in order to prevent fires starting, and to restrict their effects should they occur. Grease extraction filters can become progressively greater fire hazards with use, and must receive regular inspection and cleaning. Internal cleaning of ductwork must be undertaken as part of the planned maintenance system.

Provisions to avoid the occurrence of fire in ventilated ceilings and to contain them are as follows: All cassettes must be easily removable for frequent cleaning and it should be possible to gain access to each void for the purposes of inspection and cleaning'.

Health hazards - A neglected system is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria; should deposits leak out into preparation areas then food may become contaminated. Cockroaches have been found and can thrive in dirty extract systems.

Reduced efficiency - The air flow efficiency can be seriously impaired by deposits on surfaces, and the accumulation of deposits on the fan blades can cause it to run out of balance, resulting in increased power consumption and wear.

For further information on the services we provide,
give us a call on 01268 287477 or email info@gwtltd.com