The kitchen extract ductwork in commercial premises is used to reduce heat, remove steam and alleviate grease deposits from the cooking equipment within the canopy. However, if the ducting is not regularly cleaned it can cause fire risks which could result in loss of life and damage to property. Grease is a very combustible substance and therefore the ducting needs to be regularly cleaned by professional companies to prevent any potential problems.

In the case of any catering kitchen, it is recommended that a thorough inspection and cleaning programme is implemented and carried out at least once per year. This ensures that the ducting remains clean which helps to reduce the fire risks and improve hygiene by removing potential odours and breeding grounds for bacteria.

Understanding Kitchen Extract Ductwork: Importance and Maintenance Tips

Darren Ling, director of System Hygienics, says that “Kitchen extract ductwork is a serious fire risk if not regularly maintained and cleaned. In a worst-case scenario, a fire in this type of ductwork can cause significant damage to the entire building and put lives at risk and may invalidate insurance policies.”

Those responsible for a building’s fire risk assessment must know and understand what is expected. This includes the location of any fire dampers, regular servicing and maintenance of any installed fire suppression systems, as well as evidence that all kitchen extraction ductwork is cleaned to TR19 risk based standards. Failure to comply with these regulations could have costly consequences for a business and potentially lead to prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007.