Kitchen Extract Cleaning
Introduction
Kitchen Extract Ventilation systems are ductwork systems that service industrial and business kitchens. The system comprises of grease traps and grease filters and, in particularly large establishments, can form an extensive network of ductwork leading through and out of a building.
Why Clean the System?
Whilst the external hood above a cooker or fryer may appear clean, grease can accumulate inside the ductwork. This grease can create odour, attract vermin, reduce system efficiency, and most importantly pose a dangerous fire risk.
The risk of fire is a serious issue, with the ductwork providing a means for the fire to spread quickly throughout an entire building. Should a fire occur, you may find yourself in breach of your insurance agreement if you have not implemented regular cleaning of the Kitchen Extract Ventilation system. It has been estimated that 80% of Kitchen Extract Ventilation systems are never cleaned and are therefore in a hazardous condition.
Our Service
The Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association’s (HVCA) Guide to Good Practice, TR/19, states that Kitchen Extract Ventilation systems should be cleaned at the following intervals based on their level of use:
|
Use |
Cleaning Intervals |
|
Heavy (12 – 16 hours per day) |
3 monthly |
|
Medium (6 – 12 hours per day) |
6 monthly |
|
Low (2 – 6 hours per day) |
Annually |
It is important to employ a specialist contractor to complete this task, with ductwork systems often posing access difficulties. H2O Chemicals has the skills and capabilities to complete a full ductwork clean, utilising vital health and safety training to enable confined space and work at height.
H2O Chemicals understands that ductwork cleaning can be disruptive to business, with the whole system needing to be shut down. We will therefore attend your site at a time most convenient to you to ensure the work is completed with minimal disturbance.
Following an assessment of the ductwork we will identify the best cleaning method based on the nature of the system. Cleaning methods include both wet (steam cleaning / wet vacuum / hand wash / chemical clean / pressure wash) and dry (hand brushing / hand vacuum / mechanical brushing) techniques. We will access the length of the ductwork through access doors, and have the facilities to create access doors for future use if they are not already in place.
