The buildup of dirt and grease in kitchen extraction systems is one of the leading causes of fires in buildings, but extraction duct cleaning is a maintenance task that is often overlooked. What we can’t see can’t harm us, right? Wrong! Although the exterior of your kitchen extraction system may look clean, what lies inside is probably the ideal kindling for a fire waiting to happen. As a building owner or somebody who’s responsible for a commercial building, it’s vital that you stay on top of your kitchen extraction system cleaning responsibilities.
Reduce Fire Risks and Improve Hygiene
It is a statutory requirement by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that all commercial premises should follow fire safety standards and the ‘responsible person’ should carry out certain fire safety duties to ensure satisfactory fire precautions.
Hygiene is also vital in commercial buildings and all parts of the building should adhere to strict health and safety standards, particularly in the kitchen area where food is handled. To reduce the health risks to the people who work in your building and avoid any legal penalties, you must reduce all possible fire risks.
As kitchen extraction systems are one of the leading causes of fires, they should be near the top of your fire safety checklist. Fire can begin in ductwork due to grease buildup and can easily spread throughout the ventilation system which causes fires in other parts of the building. These grease deposits need to be regularly removed to minimise fire risk. The frequency that kitchen extraction systems need to be cleaned is covered in TR19 which at a minimum states that a system should be cleaned annually and if the kitchen is in use for over 16 hours a day with high levels of grease then the systems should be cleaned every two months.
The buildup of grease can also cause blockages in the extractor system which means it cannot serve its main function of removing heat, smoke, and cooking odours from the kitchen environment.
Apart from providing a more comfortable environment, kitchen extractors have a vital role in removing deadly fumes such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can cause severe poisoning and death if exposed to high levels. Blocked kitchen extractors increase the risk of being exposed to carbon monoxide as the extractor cannot remove this poisonous gas sufficiently.
Ensure Your Building is Law Abiding
Not only does an unclean kitchen extraction system pose health and safety risks to you, your staff, and customers, it can also be costly to your business as you can face penalties for not maintaining your kitchen extractor system. It is against the law to neglect the maintenance of your kitchen extractor system and fail to follow health and safety standards in your commercial property. The consequences of not abiding by these laws can be prosecution or closure of your business, so ensure that you’re regularly having your kitchen extractors cleaned and have the relevant certification as proof.
Kitchen Extraction System Cleaning by VSS
Accessing kitchen extractors can be difficult which is why you need professional and expert help for the safe removal of grease buildup. Here at VSS we offer a kitchen extraction system cleaning service that is compliant with industry standards. All of our staff are BESA trained in the removal of grease from kitchen extractors including canopies, ductwork and fan units and we use the latest technology to thoroughly remove grease from hard to reach areas.
VSS are industry leaders, completing kitchen extraction cleaning jobs in over 1500 commercial properties each year. We also provide reporting and certification as proof of the work that you have received. Kitchen extraction cleaning should be a priority when it comes to maintaining your building and exercising health and safety procedures so get in touch with the engineers here at VSS today on 0818 919 345.
