How important is cleaning your restaurant extraction system?
Running a restaurant or commercial kitchen involves much more than just preparing delicious meals. It requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including keeping the kitchen equipment and the premises clean and safe. One of the most crucial aspects of kitchen maintenance is ensuring that the extraction system, which includes hoods, ducts, flues, fans, and filters, is kept clean. Failure to do so can lead to severe risks, both in terms of safety and compliance with regulations.
The importance of keeping the extraction system clean cannot be overstated. The primary function of the system is to remove smoke, steam, and other byproducts of cooking from the kitchen, and to prevent the buildup of grease and other flammable materials. Over time, the buildup of grease and other debris in the extraction system can become a serious fire hazard. A grease fire in a busy kitchen can quickly get out of control, putting everyone in the building at risk.
Maintaining a clean extraction system in a commercial kitchen or restaurant is not only essential for safety but also a legal requirement. Failure to do so can result in health hazards, regulatory non-compliance, and even damage to the reputation of the establishment.
New Zealand's Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) requires all commercial kitchens to have their extraction systems inspected and cleaned at least once a year. The legislation also stipulates that cleaning must be performed more frequently if necessary. This is to ensure that the extraction system is maintained to the highest standard and compliant with safety regulations.
Can I clean the extraction system myself?
Cleaning the extraction system yourself can be challenging, particularly for a busy commercial kitchen. The system is complex and requires a thorough and methodical approach to ensure that all components are cleaned correctly. This can be time-consuming, and cleaning materials and equipment can be expensive.
What health and safety considerations should I be aware of?
Health and safety considerations must also be taken into account when cleaning the extraction system. The process often involves working at height, using chemicals and equipment, and handling heavy components. This can be dangerous for inexperienced personnel, particularly if the appropriate safety procedures are not followed.
Why choose a professional to clean my extraction system?
Using a professional cleaning service is the best solution for ensuring that the extraction system is kept clean and compliant with regulations. A professional cleaning service will have the experience and expertise to clean the system efficiently and safely, minimizing the risk of health hazards and regulatory action. Professional cleaning services also have access to specialized equipment and cleaning materials, which can provide a more thorough and effective clean than is possible with DIY cleaning methods.
In conclusion, keeping the extraction system clean in a commercial kitchen or restaurant is essential for safety, regulatory compliance, and maintaining a good reputation. Although cleaning the system yourself is possible, it can be challenging and dangerous. Using a professional cleaning service is the best solution, ensuring that the extraction system is kept clean and safe while freeing up time for other essential kitchen operations.
Talk to National Hood and Duct Cleaning today for a free, no obligation quote.
info@nationalhood.co.nz
0800 682 225