In the world of commercial kitchen ventilation accessibility is key. Without proper access panels, essential areas of an extraction system can remain untouched for years – leading to hygiene risks, reduced performance and fire hazards.
Installing access panels allows for regular cleaning, routine inspections and long-term maintenance, ultimately protecting both property and public safety. This case study demonstrates how Rope Access 24 Seven tackled a complex access issue in a busy central London restaurant.
The Situation
A well-known commercial restaurant located in the heart of London was operating with a serious oversight: its kitchen extraction riser lacked sufficient access points for cleaning. The ductwork extended several storeys through the building without any fitted access doors, making it impossible to maintain or inspect the system effectively.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was accessing the high-level riser of the kitchen extraction system. Traditional access methods such as scaffolding or dismantling walls were not viable due to space constraints, time sensitivity and potential disruption to surrounding residential dwellings. A specialist solution was required to safely install access doors in these difficult-to-reach vertical duct runs.
Our Approach
Our goal was clear: to install the necessary access panels to enable future cleaning and maintenance while causing minimal disruption to the restaurant’s operations or the surrounding building. This required a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach involving both our Rope Access 24 Seven team and our dedicated hygiene division, Cater Clean 24 Seven.
The Process
Initial Assessment:
Our rope access specialists attended the site to evaluate how best to access the vertical riser. We determined the type, size and number of access doors required, ensuring compliance with industry guidelines.
Specialist Cleaning:
Following the panel installation, our Cater Clean 24 Seven team carried out a full internal clean of the duct system – something that had previously not been possible due to lack of access.
Peace of Mind:
All work was completed by IRATA-trained Rope Access Technicians, with our Ventilation Hygiene Technicians either fully qualified or actively working towards certification. This integrated approach reflects our ongoing commitment to high standards, safety and continual training across all company divisions.
Final Outcome:
Upon completion, the kitchen extraction system had full, safe access for future cleaning and maintenance. The system was now compliant, functional and hygienically maintained – with no disturbance to business operations.
The Outcome
Thanks to our specialist rope access building maintenance team, the restaurant now benefits from a fully accessible and clean extraction system. The added access points not only facilitate immediate hygiene but also ensure the system can be maintained properly in future – safeguarding the property, the staff and nearby residents.
Conclusion
This case highlights a growing issue across the UK – ventilation risers, particularly in mixed-use or high-rise buildings, are often neglected due to inaccessibility. With many properties housing residential units above commercial kitchens, these systems have gone uninspected for years. Rope Access 24 Seven now provides a viable, non-disruptive solution, allowing building owners and operators to meet regulatory obligations and improve system safety through innovative rope access building maintenance.
We offer a full range of specialist rope access services – for more information, or to discuss your project, call us on 0203 640 8247 or email info@24sevengroup.co.uk