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Kitchen grease extract ductwork cleaning

What is a kitchen grease extract ductwork system ?

The HVCA in TR/19 Guidance to good practice define kitchen extract ventilation as "the extract systems intended to collect and remove contaminants, heat and moisture from cooking appliances". A grease extract duct system is made up of the following components:-

• Canopy hood - types are box / ridge.
• Filters - mesh, baffle or cartridge type are most common. 
• Extract plenum - void area immediately behind the filters. 
• Grease extract ductwork - duct controls the flow of air. 
• Fan and fan housing. 
• Access panels - method of obtaining entry to the ductwork interior. 
• Exhaust grill.

Purpose of a kitchen grease extract ductwork system

• Remove heat, smells / odours and steam from the kitchen. 
• Removes greasy vapours from the kitchen which is an ignition source. 
• Produces a safe working environment.

During the cooking process flammable vapours are given off from cooking oils at temperatures between 200 to 300'C. "Spontaneous ignition occurs at 310-360'C" (Source : RC44 - Recommendations for fire risk assessment of catering extract ventilation BSRIA). Grease extract ductwork cleansing helps reduce the flammable materials that build up within the system. There are various legislation and guideline principles with a brief explanation of relevancy are outlined below: -

1. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) : duty of care to the owners, users and visitors of a premises.
2. Occupiers Liability Act (1984) again prescribes that the occupier of a premises has a "duty of care" so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent risks of injury including any disease and impairment of physical or metal condition.
3. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) (1992) states that where ventilation is provided by mechanical means the regulations stipulate that such systems are to be maintained (including appropriate cleaning) in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
4. BS5588 Fire Precautions in the Design and Construction of Buildings P.9 (1989)
5. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 which came into force in April 2006 puts a requirement on a company identifying a "responsible person" to look at fire risk assessment and address any risks identified. It's aim is the prevention of fire occurring in the first place. Enforcement powers rest with the fire brigades and departments.

It should be noted that insurance companies now stipulate as part of a building's insurance terms the requirement for grease extract ductwork to be cleansed on a stated frequency (normally once or twice per annum). They remain the driving force in ensuring that cleaning is carried out.

LATEST: Rob Dakin from Axa told us that as well as specifying TR19 in their terms and conditions, Axa also stipulate that HVCA members must be used in order for insurance to be valid.

Loss Prevention Council's "Recommendations for Cooking Equipment" These recommendations for Cooking Equipment were made in 1996 available via the insurance industry reference RC16,B. The key points are as follows:-

"Bends or dips which might collect residues are to be avoided and the whole of the ducting should be accessible for cleaning. At each change in direction of the duct an opening with grease-tight cover should be provided for the purpose of inspection and cleaning. A residue traps and fire dampers should be installed at the base of any vertical riser

. …

Frequent cleaning of filters or other grease removal devices is particularly important. Cleaning intervals depend on the type of equipment and the extent of its use but should not exceed seven days. … Cleaning should take place at intervals not exceeding 12 months, preferably by specialist contractor. This may require cutting of openings in the ductwork if none have been provided." - Loss Prevention Council's "Recommendations for Cooking Equipment"

An article on kitchen duct cleaning was published in the insurance journal "post" on the 26th of August 2010. A copy in .PDF format can be downloaded by following the link:-

http://www.shs-limited.com/Grease article.pdf

The service

Our kitchen ductwork duct cleaning service looks at the grease extract duct system from the point of entry via the canopy, filters through the ductwork run to air. Before and after duct cleaning photographs are taken of the system ductwork. As one of the leading experts in grease extract ductwork cleaning this service is designed to significantly reduce the grease and carbonisation associated with extract ducting from the point of entry to atmosphere. Each kitchen ductwork cleaning treatment will reduce the hazards of flash fire and enhance the extract flow of air.

         We provide a full schematic drawing of the kitchen grease extract ductwork system. This is produced with a comprehensive written survey and risk assessment, FREE of CHARGE, together with our quotation. All grease extract duct cleaning carried out follows the latest guidance to good practice TR-19 section 7 by the HVCA.

The diagram below shows the stages of the kitchen grease ductwork service.

Upon completion of a kitchen grease extract ductwork cleaning service we provide a certificate of completion together with before and after duct cleaning photographs.

 Email: serviceshs@aol.com or jbrennanshs@aol.com