The restaurant industry thrives on excellence, with many establishments earning Michelin stars and welcoming thousands of guests daily. However, behind the scenes, these businesses must uphold stringent fire safety and compliance standards to operate safely. A crucial component of this safety system is the vertical extraction system, particularly the riser ductwork, which facilitates the removal of smoke, grease, and airborne contaminants from the kitchen. While modern safety and cleanliness standards continue to evolve, many older restaurants still rely on brick riser ductwork in their kitchen extract systems.
Unfortunately, these structures pose serious fire hazards and cleaning challenges. In this case study, we detail how Rope Access 24 Seven, in collaboration with our affiliated company Cater Clean 24 Seven, resolved these issues using rope access ductwork cleaning and fire-rated solutions to bring the system into full compliance.
The Challenge: Fire Risks with Brick Riser Ducts
Brick risers are common in older buildings, but they present a significant fire hazard due to grease accumulation. Without fire-rated ductwork, they fail to meet modern fire safety regulations. Additionally, their porous nature makes chemical cleaning ineffective, allowing grease and debris to accumulate over time.
In this particular case, the restaurant’s brick riser had reached a critical state where standard cleaning methods were insufficient, causing non-compliance with fire safety regulations and increasing fire risks.
The Solution: Rope Access Ductwork Installation & Deep Cleaning
Upon taking over the contract, Cater Clean 24 Seven recommended a comprehensive solution to address the non-compliant brick riser ductwork:
- Installation of fire-rated ductwork: Using rope access ductwork specialists, our Rope Access 24 Seven team installed a fire-rated duct lining within the existing brick riser. This upgrade ensured compliance with NAAD21 regulations and fire safety standards.
- Comprehensive deep clean: Our team performed a full kitchen extract system cleaning, eliminating all grease build-up.
- Issuance of a compliance reporting and certificate: Once the work was complete, we provided official documentation confirming the system met fire safety and compliance standards.
The Impact: Temporary Closure for Safety and Compliance
To complete the installation and cleaning process, the restaurant had to undergo a brief temporary closure. However, this short-term inconvenience resulted in long-term safety improvements:
- Enhanced fire safety: The installation of fire-rated ductwork eliminated the risks associated with grease accumulation in porous brick structures.
- Compliance with NAAD21 regulations: The restaurant met all necessary kitchen extraction compliance standards.
- Easier maintenance and cleaning: The new ductwork allowed for efficient and regular rope access ductwork cleaning, preventing future build-up and hazards.
Key Takeaways: Fire Safety and Compliance in Kitchen Extraction Systems
- Fire-rated ductwork is essential for restaurants operating with older brick risers to meet modern safety standards.
- Regular ductwork cleaning is mandatory, ensuring a safe and compliant kitchen extract system.
- Compliance is non-negotiable: Restaurants must adhere to NAAD21 regulations and maintain fire safety standards to prevent operational risks.
Our expertise in kitchen extract system maintenance and rope access ductwork cleaning ensures that restaurants can operate safely while adhering to fire safety regulations.
For expert advice on how to ensure compliance contact us today:
📞 0203 6408 247
✉ info@24sevengroup.co.uk
Did you know we also provide Rope Access Building Maintenance, Rope Access Pest Control, Doff Cleaning and Industrial Rope Access Services. Visit our website pages to find out more.