Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Regulations
In the dynamic, fast-paced environment of commercial kitchens, maintaining safety and hygiene is of utmost importance. Amidst the multitude of tasks that ensure a well-functioning kitchen, one aspect that often goes unnoticed, yet holds significant importance, is the cleaning of kitchen extraction systems.
Did you know that approximately 70% of all commercial fires in the UK are linked to extraction and ventilation systems? This statistic highlights the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen extraction systems, a task governed by stringent regulations and compulsory for every food establishment.
What are Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Regulations?
Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Regulations form a set of legal requirements that mandate the regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen extraction systems. These systems, often unseen and behind the scenes, play a vital role in maintaining a safe and healthy kitchen environment.
They extract heat, smoke, and airborne grease generated during cooking, thereby reducing the risk of fire and creating a more comfortable working environment. Here’s a closer look at the key regulations that govern extraction systems in commercial kitchens:
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Employers must provide adequate ventilation in every enclosed workplace, including kitchens, as per this regulation. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends mechanical extraction, ideally with a canopy hood installed over all cooking appliances, to achieve acceptable kitchen ventilation.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
All gas appliances in kitchen premises fall under the Gas Safety Regulations. Some appliances may require a flue, a duct that removes smoke, vapours and heat produced by fires or gas cookers. An interlocking system that connects the airflow to the gas supply is required, and employers must maintain it properly to keep employees safe at all times.
The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974
Under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, employers must provide and maintain safe working conditions that do not pose a risk to employee health. If you control the premises, you are responsible for putting reasonable measures in place to ensure the environment is safe to work in.
TR19 Guidelines
In the UK, the TR19 guidelines, introduced by the Building Engineering Services Association, set the gold standard for extraction system cleaning. These guidelines, recognised as the industry standard for ventilation cleanliness, provide a comprehensive framework for maintaining extraction systems.
The TR19 guidelines state that commercial kitchen extraction systems should undergo a thorough cleaning at least every six months to maintain FOG (fat, oil, and grease) standards. However, for kitchens with heavy usage, you may need to perform the cleaning more frequently.
Importance of Complying with Kitchen Duct Cleaning Laws
Compliance with kitchen duct cleaning laws is not just about fulfilling legal obligations but a commitment to the safety, efficiency, and overall health of your kitchen environment. These laws ensure that commercial kitchens operate under conditions that are safe for both the employees and the customers.
Safety First: Reducing Fire Risks
The build-up of grease, oil and other residues within the ductwork can create a highly flammable material that can ignite with a single spark. Fire incidents in commercial kitchens aren’t uncommon and can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of property, severe injuries, and even loss of life. Regular cleaning of the extraction system minimises this risk, ensuring a safer kitchen environment.
Enhanced Air Quality for a Healthier Kitchen
A clean extraction system also significantly improves air quality in the kitchen. It effectively removes heat, smoke, and airborne grease from the cooking area, reducing the exposure of kitchen staff to these elements. This process not only creates a more comfortable working environment but also reduces potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smoke and grease particles.
Optimal Efficiency and Reduced Costs
As time passes, the build-up of grease and other residues can impede the performance of the extraction system. This build-up forces the system to exert more effort to maintain the same level of ventilation, leading to escalated energy usage and accelerated wear and tear on the system’s components.
Regular cleaning ensures the extraction system functions optimally. A well-maintained system is less likely to experience breakdowns and necessitate frequent repairs, thereby prolonging its operational lifespan. This practice not only results in cost savings from avoided repair or replacement expenses but also minimises operational disruptions, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted workflow in your kitchen.
Avoiding Legal Consequences and Penalties
Non-compliance with kitchen duct cleaning laws can lead to severe consequences, both legally and financially. Regular inspections by Environmental Health Officers and local authorities ensure that commercial kitchens meet the required standards.
These inspections can occur without notice, and failure to comply with the regulations can result in immediate penalties ranging from hefty fines to temporary shutdowns of your kitchen. In extreme cases, non-compliance can lead to permanent closure or legal action. Beyond the immediate financial impact, these penalties can also harm your business’s reputation, affecting customer trust and future business opportunities.
Moreover, non-compliance can also impact your insurance coverage. Many insurance providers require proof of compliance with kitchen duct cleaning laws as a condition of their coverage. Failure to comply can invalidate your insurance policy, exposing your business to significant financial risk in the event of a fire or other incident.
Key Aspects of Commercial Kitchen Extraction Compliance
Ensuring compliance with kitchen duct cleaning laws involves a systematic and comprehensive approach to cleaning and maintaining all components of the extraction system. The main aspects of this process involve:
Canopy Hood Cleaning
The canopy hood, positioned directly over the cooking appliances, is the first line of defence in capturing heat, smoke, and airborne grease. Regular cleaning of the canopy hood is essential to prevent the accumulation of these residues, which can pose a fire risk and hamper the efficacy of the extraction system.
Ductwork Cleaning
The ductwork, often running through the building’s structure, is responsible for transporting the extracted air from the kitchen to the outside environment. Over time, grease and other residues can build up inside the ductwork, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the possibility of a fire. Regular cleaning of the ductwork, using professional cleaning equipment like rotary brush machines, can help minimise these risks.
Fan Maintenance
The fans in the extraction system facilitate the movement of air, playing a crucial role in the kitchen’s ventilation. Regular maintenance of the fans, including cleaning and checking for any mechanical issues, ensures they operate efficiently and quietly, contributing to a more comfortable and productive kitchen environment.
Filter Cleaning and Replacement
Filters in the extraction system play a critical role in trapping grease and other particles, preventing them from entering the ductwork. Over time, these filters can become saturated and lose their effectiveness. Regular cleaning or replacement of filters is essential to maintain the smooth running of the extraction system and reduce the risk of fire.
Best Practices for Meeting Extraction Cleaning Guidelines
Meeting extraction system cleaning guidelines is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant commercial kitchen.
Here are some best practices to consider:
Engaging Professional Cleaning Services
While in-house cleaning can help maintain cleanliness to some extent, professional extraction cleaning services are recommended for a thorough and compliant cleaning. Professional cleaners are trained and equipped to clean all components of the extraction system, including the canopy hood, ductwork, fans, and filters. They can access hard-to-reach areas, remove stubborn grease deposits, and ensure that the system is cleaned to the highest standards.
Adhering to a Regular Cleaning Schedule
The frequency of cleaning depends on the usage of the kitchen. As per TR19 guidelines, extraction systems in kitchens with heavy use should be cleaned every three months, while those with moderate usage should be cleaned every six months. For light usage, annual cleaning is sufficient.
Engaging a professional extraction cleaning service ensures that these cleaning schedules are adhered to, and the extraction system always complies with the regulations.
Maintaining Detailed Records
Record keeping is a crucial aspect of compliance. Every cleaning session should be documented, detailing the date of cleaning, the parts of the system cleaned, and any issues identified and addressed. Professional cleaning services often provide a ‘Certificate of Cleanliness’ after each cleaning session, which serves as evidence of compliance during inspections.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
In addition to regular cleaning, the extraction system should also undergo regular inspections and maintenance. This process involves checking the system for any mechanical issues, ensuring the fans are operating efficiently, and the filters are functioning effectively. Professional cleaning services often include these inspections and maintenance activities as part of their service, ensuring that your extraction system is always in optimal condition.
Conclusion
Maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant kitchen extraction system is more than a necessity—it’s a commitment to the highest standards of safety and operational excellence in any commercial kitchen. Adherence to the relevant regulations and guidelines not only safeguards your business from potential penalties and financial setbacks but also contributes to the longevity and performance of your extraction system.
By engaging professional extraction cleaning services, you ensure that every component of your extraction system is meticulously cleaned to the highest standards while regular inspections and maintenance ensure its optimal operation.
At Deduct Ltd, we go beyond providing a service—we offer a partnership. Our team of expert technicians are trained in the latest cleaning techniques and equipped with state-of-the-art tools to deliver a thorough cleaning every time. We understand the intricacies of kitchen extraction systems and the importance of maintaining them to the highest standards.
But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We believe in proactive measures and preventive maintenance to ensure your kitchen always complies with kitchen extraction cleaning regulations. We’re here to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your kitchen extraction system is in the hands of professionals who care about your business as much as you do.
Contact us today to schedule a free no-obligation consultation and discover how we can help you maintain a safe and compliant kitchen extraction system.
The build-up of grease, oil and other residues within the ductwork can create a highly flammable material that can ignite with a single spark. Fire incidents in commercial kitchens aren’t uncommon and can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of property, severe injuries, and even loss of life. Regular cleaning of the extraction system minimises this risk, ensuring a safer kitchen environment.