Many commercial kitchen fires in extracts start in hard-to-reach areas which often call for the necessity of hiring mobile work platforms or scaffold to gain access for maintenance. Rope Access 24 Seven can offer a cost-effective, flexible alternative to access these areas. Fires in kitchen extract systems can be devastating for all concerned – don’t take the risk by overlooking the parts of the kitchen extract which require specialist working at height solutions; Rope Access 24 Seven can provide a bespoke quotation to meet your rope access ductwork requirements.
Read on as in this article we address the reasons why you should choose Rope Access 24 Seven services to provide peace of mind that your kitchen extract systems remain safe and complaint.
In the UK, commercial kitchen fires pose a serious risk to businesses, staff and customers. One of the leading causes of these fires is the build-up of grease and flammable residues in kitchen extract systems. Without regular maintenance, extract ductwork can become a hidden fire hazard, leading to devastating consequences for restaurants, hotels, catering facilities and food production sites.
Implementing regular kitchen extract cleaning, particularly through methods like rope access ductwork cleaning, ensures that ventilation systems remain safe, compliant and efficient.
UK Statistics on Commercial Kitchen Fires
- Commercial Kitchen Fires: The Home Office reported an estimated 889 fires in commercial kitchens across the UK in the 2021/22 period. These incidents are often linked to poorly maintained kitchen extract systems, where grease accumulation fuels fire spread.
- Catering Industry Fire Risks: Data shows that 70% of fires in commercial kitchens originate from cooking appliances and extract ventilation systems, primarily due to grease buildup and lack of cleaning.
- Insurance Compliance: Many UK insurance providers require businesses to conduct regular kitchen extract cleaning to reduce fire risk. Failure to do so can invalidate insurance claims in the event of a fire.
Why Kitchen Extract Systems Must Be Regularly Cleaned
Kitchen extract systems play a vital role in removing heat, smoke, and grease-laden vapours from cooking areas. However, without regular maintenance, these systems become a fire hazard as grease accumulates within ductwork.
Benefits of Regular Kitchen Extract Cleaning
- Fire Hazard Reduction
🔥 Grease is highly flammable. Over time, it builds up in kitchen ducts, increasing the risk of flash fires. Routine cleaning removes this fire hazard, protecting businesses, employees and customers.
- Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations
📌 In the UK, commercial kitchens must comply with:
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – Businesses must take measures to prevent fire hazards, including kitchen extract cleaning.
- BS EN 15780:2011 & NAAD21 Regulation – These industry standards outline ventilation system cleanliness requirements.
- Insurance Policy Terms – Many insurers require regular duct cleaning as a condition for coverage.
The NAAD21 Regulation is the UK’s latest best practice guide for cleaning ventilation systems. It establishes minimum hygiene standards, inspection protocols and reporting requirements, ensuring that all kitchen extract cleaning services meet industry-approved safety measures.
- Improved Ventilation & Air Quality
💨 A clean kitchen extract system enhances airflow efficiency, ensuring that heat, smoke, and fumes are safely removed. Poor ventilation can lead to:
- Increased health risks for staff (respiratory issues, headaches).
- Unpleasant odours that affect customer experience.
- Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
⚡ A grease-free system operates more efficiently, reducing strain on ventilation fans and cutting energy consumption. Regular cleaning also extends the lifespan of HVAC equipment, minimising costly repairs.
Rope Access Ductwork Cleaning: A Safer & More Effective Solution
Rope access ductwork cleaning is an innovative method that allows technicians to access hard-to-reach duct systems in commercial kitchens without the need for scaffolding or MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms).
Advantages of Rope Access Cleaning
✅ Enhanced Safety – Rope access technicians follow strict IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) standards, reducing fall risks.
✅ Comprehensive Access – Technicians can clean all areas of vertical and horizontal ductwork, ensuring a thorough grease removal process.
✅ Minimal Business Disruption – Unlike scaffolding, rope access ductwork cleaning allows technicians to work efficiently without obstructing kitchen operations.
✅ Cost-Effective & Environmentally Friendly – Eliminates the need for heavy equipment, reducing fuel consumption, carbon footprint, and overall costs.
How Often Should You Clean Commercial Kitchen Extract Systems?
Cleaning frequency depends on usage levels:
| Kitchen Usage | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
| Heavy use (12+ hrs/day) | Every 3 months |
| Moderate use (6-12 hrs/day) | Every 6 months |
| Light use (2-6 hrs/day) | Every 12 months |
📌 Failure to meet these cleaning schedules can pose serious risks resulting in fines, business closures or invalidated insurance claims.
Conclusion: Why Rope Access Ductwork Cleaning is the Best Choice for UK Businesses
Commercial kitchen fires are a serious risk, with 889 incidents reported in 2021/22 alone. The main cause? Grease buildup in extract ductwork. Regular cleaning is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement.
🔹 Rope access ductwork cleaning provides a safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for keeping kitchen extract systems clean and compliant.
🔹 Regular maintenance reduces fire risk, improves ventilation and ensures compliance with UK safety regulations, including NAAD21.
🔹 Businesses that prioritise professional extract cleaning protect their employees, customers, and financial investments.
📢 Don’t wait until a fire occurs – contact Rope Access 24 Seven to arrange a professional rope access ductwork cleaning service today.
Did you know we provide Rope Access Ductwork, Rope Access Building Maintenance, Rope Access Pest Control and Industrial Rope Access Services. Call us today to discuss your requirements or email info@24sevengroup.co.uk to arrange a free quotation.