Recent statistics released by the London Fire Brigade reveal that one fire starts everyday in kitchen extraction systems or ductwork of businesses like pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels. The main cause for many of these fires is poor maintenance of ventilation systems, highlighting the importance of regular cleaning and proactive maintenance.

While it is important to regularly change grease filters, it is worth noting that filters do not remove all traces of grease and dirt from the air. Over time a layer of grease and dirt builds up on the surface of ducts, canopies and extraction fans. It is this layer of flammable grease that becomes a major hazard.

Recovering From a Kitchen Fire

Fires within ductwork and ventilation systems are extremely difficult to extinguish, due to the flammable nature of accumulated grease and the often inaccessible positioning of the ductwork. Damage is often very serious, it regularly takes six months to recover from a fire and in extreme cases businesses may never reopen.

Preventing Kitchen Fires

It is important that your kitchen implements a regular cleaning and maintenance regime. We recommend consulting your building insurance company to ensure that your regime is compliant with specific requirements imposed for ventilation systems. Regular cleaning should involve daily degreasing of extract hoods and filters in accordance with manufactures recommendations.

Professional cleaning your cleaning your ductwork should be planned around the level of use.

Failure to maintain your ventilation system could breach a number of regulations and invalidate your fire insurance policy.

Here at Canopy Fan Cleaning we provide a 24/7 nationwide professional service compliant with HVAC regulations and  are Fire Protection Association (FPA) members. Contact us today to discuss our services and your requirements. Call us directly on  +44 (0)20 8681 1694 or +44 (0)77 8214 5198.