Approximately 80% of kitchen extract systems in the UK have never been cleaned, and therefore pose a very serious fire hazard.
The associated fire risks develop as grease-laden air is directly drawn from those areas above ovens, fryers and grills where the cooking process is taking place, via an extract canopy, ductwork system and discharged to the atmosphere.
As a result, the build-up of grease within the kitchen extract ventilation system is highly combustible and acts as a potential ignition source. All it takes is a small fire from a pan or cooker to be drawn into the system where flames and heat can very quickly spread through a building.
Listed below are recommended cleaning guidelines from BESA TR19 Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems, the frequencies relate to kitchen usage/grease loading on extract systems.
| Heavy Use | 12 – 16 Hrs per Day | 3 Monthly |
| Moderate Use | 6 – 12 Hrs per Day | 6 Monthly |
| Light Use | 2 – 6 Hrs per Day | Annual |
Regular kitchen extract cleaning will ensure your compliance with the Health & Safety Executive and Regulations, Workplace Directive, Fire Safety Order and buildings insurance provider. As a specialist service contractor, we can provide regular testing and cleaning of your kitchen extract ductwork, extract fan units & grease filtration. Our kitchen extract cleaning solution complies with stringent regulatory requirements.
All of our work is carried out in accordance with BESA TR19 Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems Guide to Good Practice Section 7 Specific Considerations for Kitchen Extract Systems.
We ensure you remain compliant with the Health & Safety Executive, Workplace Directive, Fire Safety Order and your Buildings Insurance Provider.
TR19 Section 7 is the industry recognised guidance for the cleanliness of kitchen extract ventilation systems and is designed to be used in conjunction with the regulations and legislations that set out a building owner’s responsibilities in maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen extract system.
It is clear that the government has put ample thought into the issue of Kitchen Extract Systems and the potential health and safety issues involved. Even that, however, is not always enough to spur some who run a commercial kitchen to have their ventilation systems cleaned and serviced. For those hardcore sceptics then, here are a few real-world reasons for hiring a kitchen extract cleaning service.
Don’t think regular cleaning of the extractor is important? Think again.
On December 13, 1997, a fire broke out in the early morning hours in an extractor at the Burger King at London Heathrow. The fire spread quickly and within minutes smoke was billowing out of the roof of Terminal 1, which was quickly shut down. Terminals 2 and 3 were also shut down in order to keep traffic lanes free for the fire and emergency services.
It took 60 firefighters almost 5 hours to put the fire out. By the time they did more than 300 flights had been cancelled or diverted and more than 50,000 passengers were left stranded. 5 per cent of the multi-million-pound Terminal 1 sustained damage from the fire and repairs took months to complete. All due to a build-up of grease in an extractor.
So, the next time you are tempted to delay kitchen extract cleaning, ask yourself if you want your business to suffer the same fate as Heathrow Terminal 1. And then give CleanAir UK extraction cleaning services a call on 01303 249667.
Have used Cleanair before to do our kitchen deep clean and were very impressed with their work so asked them to replace our duct for the kitchen extraction. Arrived on time, done the work quickly and efficiently which allowed our kitchen team to carry on with their prep work. I highly recommend them.
We got VIP treatment as a local business – all queries were answered professionally and the work itself was fast and clean – no mess left on site. A refreshing attitude! Thanks to the team!
A huge thank you to the staff at CleanAir UK who have done the most fantastic job cleaning our kitchen this year. They were prompt, polite, helpful, friendly and amazingly efficient. The kitchen is sparkling and we are thrilled with the results. We will definitely be asking them back next year…
Looking for companies for the cleaning and servicing of my kitchen canopy and ducts I found, via Google, overpriced local traders. I am so glad I looked on the BESA website and came across Clean Air Ltd. The lads you sent round were polite and did a good job. I was so confident in your pricing and work I recommended Clean Air to my church for their kitchen work. God Bless you all.
