Extract Cleaning

What is Extract Canopy and Ductwork Cleaning?

In industrial kitchens and ventilation systems, ductwork refers to the specialized piping systems designed to capture, transport, and expel airborne contaminants, smoke, grease, and other pollutants generated during cooking processes. Kitchen extracts, also known as kitchen extraction or kitchen ventilation, refers specifically to the process of removing airborne contaminants, heat, grease, and odours from commercial kitchen environments. This is achieved through the use of specialised equipment such as canopy hoods, extraction fans, and ductwork systems.

Kitchen Extract Systems play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy indoor environment by preventing the build-up of harmful pollutants and ensuring adequate airflow within the kitchen space. As a result these units can build-up unsafe levels of grease and contaminants within their systems. Regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen extract systems are essential to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety regulations as per BESAs TR19® guidelines.

Covering all areas including:

Fans

Risers

Filters

Duct Pipework

Canopies

high risk:

Full Kitchen Extract Systems – These systems are exposed to grease and food particles, making them highly prone to fire hazards. Regular cleaning and maintenance are critical to prevent blockages and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

Low risk:

Dishwasher Extract Systems – These systems generally have a lower risk as they don’t accumulate grease to the same extent. However, they still require regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dirt, moisture, and contaminants, ensuring proper ventilation and hygiene.

How do we carry out our Extract and Ductwork Cleans?

Before cleaning, we record accumulations of grease to ensure the correct cleaning program set out in the in BESCA TR19® Grease regulations – keeping your staff and customers safe.

We clean all areas, including those hard-to-reach spots within risers and extract fans.

While your staff may perform regular cleaning of your main canopies and baffle filters, our engineers have the specialized tools and products necessary to thoroughly eliminate tough grease build-ups, ensuring a deeper and more effective clean.

Cleaning internal turning valves is critical to ensure the efficiency and safety of kitchen exhaust systems. Over time, these valves accumulate grease and debris putting them above the BESCA TR19® limits. This can pose a significant fire hazard and reduce overall system performance.

Why hire an extract cleaning service?

Our thorough cleaning process is crucial for preventing foul odours, dampness, and unsanitary conditions that can affect both your customers and your business. Non-compliance could lead to penalties and legal challenges:

Health and Safety Regulations: Commercial kitchens must maintain clean environments, including regular cleaning of kitchen extract systems to prevent grease build-up, contaminants, and fire hazards.
Fire Safety Regulations: Many areas require routine cleaning of kitchen extract systems to reduce fire risks, especially as grease build-up in these systems can be a significant fire hazard.
Building Regulations: Building regulations often mandate the cleaning and maintenance of ventilation systems to ensure proper function and hygiene. For example, airports require kitchen extract and ductwork inspections every 3 months.
Industry Standards: We follow guidelines from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), which sets out best practices for cleaning and maintaining extract systems.
Insurance Requirements: Insurance companies may require evidence of regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen extract systems to ensure coverage. Non-compliance may impact claims.

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines, legal liabilities, or even the closure of the establishment in severe cases.