Why Commercial Kitchen Extraction Must Be Fire Safe

The build-up of grease within kitchen extraction ductwork creates one of the most common causes of serious fires within kitchens. Ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to manage such a risk is part of the legal duties of those responsible for kitchen fire safety.

Grease Accumulation Is the Core Risk

Grease solidifies into a thick black layer that ignites easily and burns hot when a source of ignition is present. The source of ignition can be caused by a faulty extraction system or by not cleaning the extraction system regularly enough.

Duct Construction Standards Matter

Ducts should be constructed from welded steel to prevent the grease solidifying in the joints. Although riveted or push-fit ducts may appear to be alright, in reality, they are prone to leaking and can be a cause of many problems within kitchen extraction systems. Grease-tight joints throughout the ductwork and adequate access for cleaning are crucial to effective extraction systems.

Fire Dampers and Suppression Systems

Fire dampers are fitted to ductwork to prevent the spread of fire and close automatically should a fire occur. Many commercial kitchens are also protected by a suppression system above the cooking line. Such systems discharge extinguishants above the cooking appliances when a fire occurs. Commercial Kitchen Extraction is covered in more detail at https://www.targetcatering.co.uk/kitchen-extraction/commercial-kitchen-extraction.

Cleaning Frequency Is a Legal Duty

Know Your Legal Responsibilities

The Responsible Person for a commercial property is the operator. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the extraction system forms part of the fire safety risk assessment for the property. Guidance on a fire safety risk assessment for catering premises outlines the issues that need to be covered in the assessment.

Keeping on top of extraction maintenance can protect your staff, your premises and your business’s licence to trade.