In large commercial buildings, kitchen extraction systems are often installed in complex layouts that can make routine inspection and maintenance challenging. When these systems include external risers positioned high on building façades, accessing them safely becomes even more difficult.
Rope Access 24 Seven was recently approached by a new client in Liverpool to inspect and clean a kitchen extract system that included an external riser running up the side of a high-rise building. The system had limited access points and its external position made traditional access methods impractical.
To overcome these challenges, our team used specialist rope access techniques to inspect the system, install access where required and carry out a full clean of the kitchen extraction ductwork. This allowed the work to be completed safely and efficiently while ensuring the system met ventilation hygiene and fire safety requirements.
The Situation
Kitchen extraction systems in commercial buildings play a vital role in removing grease, smoke and cooking fumes from kitchens. Over time, grease deposits build up inside the ductwork, particularly in vertical risers, which can significantly increase fire risk if not regularly cleaned.
At this Liverpool site, the kitchen extraction system included a high-level external riser attached to the building façade, making routine inspection and maintenance difficult. The system also lacked adequate access points in several sections of the ductwork.
To ensure the system could be properly maintained, the client required a solution that would allow inspection, installation of access panels and a full clean of the duct system.
The Challenge
The project presented several logistical and safety challenges.
Key issues included:
- A high-rise external kitchen extract riser positioned on the building façade
- Limited existing access to sections of the ductwork
- A busy public environment below the building
- The need to minimise disruption to surrounding areas
Using traditional access methods such as scaffolding would have been time-consuming, costly and disruptive, particularly in a public space beneath the building.
A specialist access solution was required to safely reach the system and carry out the required works.
Our Approach
Our objective was to provide a safe, efficient and fully compliant solution for inspecting, accessing and cleaning the kitchen extraction system.
After assessing the building layout and riser position, our team determined that rope access techniques provided the safest and most practical method of reaching the riser part of the system.
Using IRATA-certified rope access technicians, we were able to access the external riser directly from the building structure without the need for scaffolding or large access equipment.
The Process
Initial Assessment
Our rope access operations team carried out a detailed inspection of the kitchen extract system and the external riser.
This stage included:
- Inspection of the ductwork system
- Identification of areas lacking suitable access points
- Risk assessments and rope access planning
- Development of a rope rescue plan
This planning ensured the works could be completed safely in a high-rise environment.
Access Panel Installation
Where access was limited, our technicians installed specialist access panels within the ductwork system. These access points allow proper inspection and cleaning of internal duct surfaces and ensure the system can be maintained in the future.
Specialist Kitchen Extract Cleaning
Once safe access had been established, our team carried out a full clean of the kitchen extract system, including the external riser.
Using professional ventilation hygiene cleaning techniques, grease deposits and contaminants were removed from the ductwork, restoring system efficiency and reducing fire risk.
Qualified Technicians
All works were carried out by IRATA-certified Rope Access Technicians working alongside trained ventilation hygiene specialists.
Their expertise in both rope access and ductwork cleaning ensured the project was completed safely while maintaining the highest industry standards.
Clean & Compliant Outcome
Following completion of the works, the kitchen extraction system and external riser were left clean, accessible and compliant with ventilation hygiene requirements.
The newly installed access panels will also allow easier inspection and maintenance in the future.
The Outcome
Using rope access techniques allowed the project to be completed efficiently without disrupting the surrounding public environment.
Key benefits included:
- Safe access to a high-rise external kitchen extract riser
- Installation of access panels for future maintenance
- Full cleaning of the kitchen extraction system
- Reduced fire risk and improved ventilation performance
- No scaffolding required in a busy public area
- Faster and more cost-effective project completion
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how rope access solutions provide an effective method for maintaining ventilation systems in high-rise buildings with restricted access.
By eliminating the need for scaffolding, rope access allows maintenance works to be carried out safely, quickly and with minimal disruption to surrounding environments.
Rope Access 24 Seven regularly supports facilities managers, building owners and commercial kitchen operators with rope access ventilation maintenance, riser cleaning and difficult-access inspection services across the UK.
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.
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