In busy urban environments such as London, commercial kitchen ventilation systems are often installed in difficult-to-access areas of buildings. Maintaining these systems is essential for fire safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance, yet access challenges can make routine maintenance difficult.
Rope Access 24 Seven was recently called upon by a long-standing client to assist with a kitchen extraction riser cleaning project at their new site in London. Having built a strong working relationship over time, the client trusted our team once again to deliver a specialist solution for a ventilation system that presented significant access challenges.
Due to the positioning and height of the riser within the building, rope access techniques were the only viable method to safely reach and clean the system while ensuring compliance with ventilation hygiene standards.
The Situation
Commercial kitchen extraction systems play a critical role in removing heat, smoke, grease and cooking fumes from kitchen environments. Over time, grease deposits can accumulate within the ductwork, particularly within vertical risers, increasing the risk of fire and reducing ventilation efficiency.
At the client’s new premises, the kitchen extraction riser was positioned in a location that made traditional access methods extremely difficult. Despite the challenges, the system still required routine cleaning to meet safety and compliance standards.
Recognising the complexity of the project, the client contacted Rope Access 24 Seven to provide a safe and effective solution.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was the location of the extraction riser within the building structure.
Key factors included:
- The riser was located at significant height
- Internal access was extremely restricted
- Traditional access methods such as scaffolding or mechanical lifts were not practical
- Safe access was required to complete a full and compliant clean
To successfully complete the project, a specialist access method was required that would allow technicians to reach the system safely without disrupting the building’s operations.
Our Approach
Our objective was to provide a safe, efficient and fully compliant cleaning solution for the kitchen extraction riser.
After conducting an initial assessment of the site, our team determined that rope access was the most effective and safest method for accessing the system.
Using IRATA-certified rope access technicians, we were able to safely reach the riser system from the building exterior and carry out the required cleaning works.
The Process
Initial Assessment
Our rope access operations team attended site to inspect the ventilation system and assess the access requirements.
This stage included:
- Detailed inspection of the kitchen extraction riser
- Risk assessments and method planning
- Identification of suitable anchor points for rope access operations
- Development of a rope rescue plan
This preparation ensured the project could be completed safely and efficiently.
Specialist Cleaning
Once access was established, the team carried out a full clean of the kitchen extraction riser.
Using specialist ventilation hygiene cleaning equipment and techniques, grease deposits and contaminants were removed from the internal surfaces of the duct system to restore airflow efficiency and improve fire safety.
Qualified Technicians
All works were carried out by IRATA-certified Rope Access Technicians working alongside trained ventilation hygiene specialists.
Our team’s experience in both rope access and ductwork cleaning allowed the work to be completed safely while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Clean & Compliant Outcome
Upon completion, the kitchen extraction riser was left clean and compliant with ventilation hygiene requirements, ensuring the client’s system was operating safely and efficiently.
The Outcome
The project was completed successfully using rope access techniques, allowing the team to safely reach an area that would otherwise have been extremely difficult to access.
Key benefits included:
- Safe access to a high-level kitchen extraction riser
- Full cleaning of the ventilation system
- Improved fire safety and ventilation efficiency
- Minimal disruption to building operations
- Continued support for a valued long-term client
Conclusion
This project highlights how rope access solutions provide an effective method for maintaining ventilation systems in buildings where traditional access methods are impractical.
By using rope access techniques, Rope Access 24 Seven can safely reach difficult areas of buildings and carry out specialist maintenance works that ensure systems remain safe, compliant and fully operational.
We continue to support facilities managers, building owners and commercial kitchen operators across London providing rope access solutions for ventilation maintenance, riser cleaning and difficult-access inspection services.
Contact Rope Access 24 Seven
If you require rope access ductwork cleaning, riser cleaning or specialist ventilation hygiene services, our experienced teams are ready to help.
📞 Call our Operations Team: 0203 640 8247 to find out more.
📧 Email: info@24sevengroup.co.uk
For information about our full range of services use these helpful website links Rope Access Ductwork, Industrial Rope Access Services, Rope Access Building Maintenance, Doff Cleaning and Pest Control.