How Often Should Kitchen Ventilation Be Cleaned?
Clean ventilation systems are essential for maintaining a safe and efficient environment, particularly in commercial kitchens where grease, smoke, and heat can quickly accumulate. Regular cleaning not only ensures good air quality and fire safety but also maintains compliance with UK regulations, helping to avoid legal and insurance issues. Let’s take a closer look at kitchen extract cleaning and how often it should be carried out.
Regulations for kitchen ventilation cleaning
In the UK, commercial kitchen ventilation systems must comply with fire safety and hygiene standards set out by regulations like the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and food safety laws. These regulations highlight the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning of kitchen extraction and ventilation systems to minimise fire risks and health hazards.
The TR19 Grease specification, created by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), is particularly important for ensuring compliance in commercial kitchens. This specification sets the industry standard for the cleaning and maintenance of kitchen extraction and ventilation systems. It specifies how and when systems should be cleaned, with a focus on reducing fire risks and maintaining a safe, hygienic environment.
Recommended cleaning frequencies for kitchen ventilation systems
How often commercial kitchen ventilation systems should be cleaned depends largely on how frequently the kitchen operates and the level of grease, smoke, and heat generated during cooking. The TR19 Grease specification sets the standard for how regularly these systems should be cleaned to minimise fire risks and ensure hygiene. According to these guidelines:
- Heavy use (12-16 hours per day). For kitchens that operate for over 12 hours per day, such as large restaurants or hotels, ventilation systems should be cleaned every 3 months. This ensures that grease build-up, which increases the fire risk, is kept under control.
- Moderate use (6-12 hours per day). Kitchens operating between six and 12 hours per day, such as those in pubs and smaller restaurants should aim to clean their systems every 6 months. This helps to maintain air quality and reduce the risk of fires caused by grease build-up.
- Light use (2-6 hours per day). Smaller businesses like cafés and takeaways should have their ventilation systems cleaned at least once a year. Even though usage may be lower, grease can still accumulate over time, posing potential hazards if not addressed regularly.
Following these recommended cleaning frequencies not only helps to ensure a safe and efficient working environment but also maintains compliance with fire safety regulations. Adhering to these schedules reduces the risk of fires and promotes better air quality, creating a healthier space for both staff and customers. Regular cleaning also prevents breakdowns in ventilation systems, improving overall performance and extending the lifespan of the equipment.
If you require kitchen ventilation duct cleaning services, get in touch with Swiftclean. Thorough cleaning by our experienced team ensures that your systems are up to standard and meet the necessary legal requirements.
