Grease Extraction Clean
Employers are legally required to maintain a safe and hazard-free workplace for their employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974. This obligation includes providing well-ventilated spaces.
A ventilation system plays a crucial role in creating a safe environment in a catering facility. It works by drawing contaminated air away from the facility and creating sufficient air changes within the building to ensure that the atmosphere is free from irritants and potentially carcinogenic contaminants that are by-products of the cooking process.
The primary component of a ventilation system is usually a canopy, located within the kitchen, that houses visible grease filters. The filters are the first line of defense, trapping the carbon deposits created by the cooking process, and should be cleaned thoroughly and frequently.
The ventilation system is made up of sealed metal units that are usually riveted or welded together and contain many component parts, such as turning vanes, attenuators, fan units, and dampers. The fan unit draws air towards itself throughout the building and releases it into the atmosphere at an external point, which is typically on the roof or side of the building, pointing upwards.
As the fan draws contaminated air away from the catering facilities, grease deposits build up on the internal surfaces of the ventilation system, creating a fire risk. To reduce this risk, the grease extract system must undergo a regular cleaning regime.
The most effective way to clean the system is by hand, with access panels cut into the system as required to provide accessibility for removing grease deposits and reducing the possibility of the system carrying or feeding a fire throughout the building.
The frequency of cleaning will depend on several factors, including the type of cooking and operational time. The building’s insurers will stipulate the frequency for the grease extract (commonly annually), canopy, and grease filters (ranging from weekly to monthly). Planned preventative maintenance will also be based on these factors.
We provide a full post-service ventilation report, complete with wet film thickness readings, schematics, and pre- and post-service photographs, accepted by building insurers and fire safety officers alike. All our services are BESA TR19 GREASE compliant.
