FAQs

Why does my extraction system need to be cleaned?

Cleaning of extraction systems is essential on both hygiene and fire safety grounds. Twenty people are killed or injured every day in the UK by kitchen fires.

One in three restaurant fires is caused a build-up of grease. The principal fire risk in kitchen extract ventilation is created by the excessive build-up of cooking oil deposits. Flash fires can start when grease deposits in ductwork ignites. Fires in grease-lined extract ducts can spread very rapidly and pose a serious risk.

In the last decade, fires in grease extract ducts have caused considerable damage at Witney town centre and South Mimms motorway services. The fire at Heathrow Terminal 1 in December 1997 is probably the best remembered example because the whole terminal was out of action during the incident.

As well as a fire hazard bacteria developing in the grease deposit can create a health risk.

How often should my extraction system be cleaned?

The Loss Prevention council recommends that kitchen extraction systems should be cleaned at least once per year. However, if there is a high level of frying within the kitchen the essential cleaning may be as frequent as weekly. The frequency depends on the type of cooker and level of frying within the kitchen.
Below are some basic guidelines: