The Importance of Ventilation & Extraction Systems in Commercial Kitchens
Having an effective ventilation & extraction system is crucial to create and maintain a safe kitchen and working environment. As can be expected in a busy commercial kitchen, a large amount of gases, vapours, and fumes accumulate in the air. When the ventilation system operates correctly, it efficiently extracts all the dirt and replaces it with fresh, clean air.
Benefits of Ventilation & Extraction Systems
- A fully functioning kitchen extraction system significantly reduces the likelihood of your kitchen staff experiencing irritation to the eyes or skin.
- It also decreases the risk of respiratory problems among your staff.
- Proper ventilation keeps your team working at a comfortable temperature, thereby reducing stress and discomfort. Working in a difficult environment can cause stress and, consequently, may result in staff turnover.
- As mentioned before, it prevents a build-up of fumes. To ensure maximum efficiency, you need to clean and maintain your ventilation & extraction systems regularly.
- High air quality benefits not only your kitchen staff but also customers in the dining area by preventing excess kitchen air from reaching them.
- Moreover, it helps prevent oil and food grease from accumulating on walls and ceilings.
Maintaining Your Commercial Kitchen Ventilation & Extraction Systems
To ensure your ventilation system performs its roles correctly, you need to understand its maintenance requirements. Therefore, regular planned preventative maintenance is essential. Catering companies like NWCE Foodservice Equipment offer bespoke maintenance and service plans. Their foodservice engineers will visit your kitchen at a convenient time, avoiding unnecessary downtime.
Their engineers will check all your commercial catering equipment, including the kitchen extraction systems. They will remove any build-up of fat and grease that could block inlets or outlets. If not removed regularly, this build-up can decrease the system’s efficiency and increase the risk of fire.
In addition to professional help, it’s also crucial that your kitchen team feels comfortable performing day-to-day maintenance and cleaning. Daily cleaning ensures the ventilation system runs smoothly.
Understanding Commercial Kitchen Extraction Regulations
When it comes to rules and regulations, each local council has slightly different requirements, so it’s important to verify with them. Your council may send representatives to inspect your kitchen to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. They will also check the external aspects of your premises, ensuring the ventilation system does not produce dangerous gases, excessive noise, or disrupt nearby homes or businesses.
Key Regulatory Acts
You must consider three specific regulations regarding your commercial ventilation systems: The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require enclosed work areas to have a ventilation system. Ideally, all cooking appliances should have a canopy hood to remove steam, grease, and vapour effectively.
- The Gas Safety Regulations apply to all gas equipment in the kitchen, requiring appliances to connect to a flue network. Compliance involves ensuring the flue network is safely installed and well-maintained for team safety.
- The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 mandates employers to provide and maintain safe working conditions that do not risk employee health.
Choosing Commercial Ventilation & Extraction System Installers
If you struggle with any aspect of commercial kitchen ventilation, consider contacting NWCE Foodservice Equipment. They provide advice, maintenance and service plans, breakdown cover, and commercial foodservice installation services. So, if you think your current ventilation system isn’t up to standard, getting in touch with their team for assistance is a wise move.
