The insurance industry has recorded losses related to dirty kitchen extraction fires rising from 65 million in 1998 to 107 million in 2004. The insurance industry also recommends that an risk assessment be carried out on larger premises to determine if the frequency should be under a year. Failure to comply with the terms of an insurance policy will mean invalidation of your policy. Recognising these losses as a problem, the insurance industry has decided to make it part of any policy that extraction systems have an annual commercial clean by specialists.
Even the best extraction system filter will never eliminate all vaporized grease that, together with debris, condenses onto the cover plenum, duct and fan surfaces. This is a can lead to a potentially dangerous situation where a spark or flame is not necessary to start a fire, once the build-up reaches a certain level, then there is every chance that spontaneous combustion can occur. The build-up of grease in the duct can act as a fuse, taking the fire throughout the ducts and the building.
These are examples of clauses from major insurers in the UK, along with the warranties asked for. Sterling: All extraction hoods, canopies, fat/grease collectors and filters are to be cleaned each seven days. All extraction ducts are to be cleaned at least once every year by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. St Pauls: Extraction ducts and flues to be cleaned monthly by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. If this condition is not complied with, this insurance company will not cover any fire or explosion caused at the business premises.
These are examples of clauses from major insurers in the UK, along with the warranties asked for. Axa: Grease traps, filters and removal devices cleaned every week. Grease extract ducting cleaned every six months. All extraction hood canopies, filters and grease traps are cleaned at least once every seven days. All extraction ducts are to be cleaned by a commercial kitchen cleaning company at least once every year.
Sterling: All extraction hoods, canopies, fat/grease collectors and filters are to be cleaned each seven days. All extraction ducts are to be cleaned at least once every year by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. NIG: All extraction ducts are to be cleaned every six months by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. St Pauls: Extraction ducts and flues to be cleaned monthly by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. If this condition is not complied with, this insurance company will not cover any fire or explosion caused at the business premises.
Even the majority of effective extraction filters cannot remove all traces of grease and dirt from the air, over a period of time a layer of grease and dirt will be deposited on the surfaces of the ventilation duct, canopies and extraction fans. Over time this will cause your extraction system to slow time and cause undue noise or vibration. The grease and dirt accumulation will form a carbon deposit which can form overheating and unbalancing of fans, which in turn causes low airflow pressure. Additionally, the excessive grease is an environmental health hazard, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and foul odours.
It is therefore essential carry out regular cleaning of your kitchen extraction system. This should be carried out by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. A good commercial cleaning contractor will supply before and after photos and a certificate of cleaning. Do not use a specialist contractor that does not offer these as this will invalidate your Insurance policy and you will be in breech of the Environmental Health Laws.
Make sure the cleaning company has a proven track record and has fully trained and certificated employees. There are a number of specialist commercial cleaning companies that will clean and maintain your extraction canopy and associated ducting. These companies should offer an out-of-hours service and the contract should include cleaning of all accessible duct work, fans, filters and canopies.
Even the best extraction system filter will never eliminate all vaporized grease that, together with debris, condenses onto the cover plenum, duct and fan surfaces. This is a can lead to a potentially dangerous situation where a spark or flame is not necessary to start a fire, once the build-up reaches a certain level, then there is every chance that spontaneous combustion can occur. The build-up of grease in the duct can act as a fuse, taking the fire throughout the ducts and the building.
These are examples of clauses from major insurers in the UK, along with the warranties asked for. Sterling: All extraction hoods, canopies, fat/grease collectors and filters are to be cleaned each seven days. All extraction ducts are to be cleaned at least once every year by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. St Pauls: Extraction ducts and flues to be cleaned monthly by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. If this condition is not complied with, this insurance company will not cover any fire or explosion caused at the business premises.
These are examples of clauses from major insurers in the UK, along with the warranties asked for. Axa: Grease traps, filters and removal devices cleaned every week. Grease extract ducting cleaned every six months. All extraction hood canopies, filters and grease traps are cleaned at least once every seven days. All extraction ducts are to be cleaned by a commercial kitchen cleaning company at least once every year.
Sterling: All extraction hoods, canopies, fat/grease collectors and filters are to be cleaned each seven days. All extraction ducts are to be cleaned at least once every year by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. NIG: All extraction ducts are to be cleaned every six months by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. St Pauls: Extraction ducts and flues to be cleaned monthly by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. If this condition is not complied with, this insurance company will not cover any fire or explosion caused at the business premises.
Even the majority of effective extraction filters cannot remove all traces of grease and dirt from the air, over a period of time a layer of grease and dirt will be deposited on the surfaces of the ventilation duct, canopies and extraction fans. Over time this will cause your extraction system to slow time and cause undue noise or vibration. The grease and dirt accumulation will form a carbon deposit which can form overheating and unbalancing of fans, which in turn causes low airflow pressure. Additionally, the excessive grease is an environmental health hazard, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and foul odours.
It is therefore essential carry out regular cleaning of your kitchen extraction system. This should be carried out by a specialist commercial cleaning contractor. A good commercial cleaning contractor will supply before and after photos and a certificate of cleaning. Do not use a specialist contractor that does not offer these as this will invalidate your Insurance policy and you will be in breech of the Environmental Health Laws.
Make sure the cleaning company has a proven track record and has fully trained and certificated employees. There are a number of specialist commercial cleaning companies that will clean and maintain your extraction canopy and associated ducting. These companies should offer an out-of-hours service and the contract should include cleaning of all accessible duct work, fans, filters and canopies.
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Want to find out more about canopy cleaning, then visit Andrew Sutton's site on how to choose the best commercial kitchen cleaning for your needs.
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