According to the National Association of Air Duct Cleaners UK (NAADUK), thousands of catering businesses in the UK are at risk from catastrophic fires and huge fines because they are failing to comply with regulations governing the cleaning of kitchen extract ductwork systems.

According to the National Association of Air Duct Cleaners UK (NAADUK), thousands of catering businesses in the UK are at risk from catastrophic fires and huge fines because they are failing to comply with regulations governing the cleaning of kitchen extract ductwork systems.

Every year, prohibition notices are given out to sites violating regulations that could put their businesses at risk. Of the 24,000 accidental fires per year in commercial properties, around 6,000 are attributed to cooking and extraction systems and more than 80% of kitchen extract ducts in the UK are never cleaned. NAADUK has published a technical guidance document outlining how business must comply with the regulations. A link to the full guidance note can be found at the bottom of this article.

By following the advice in the NAADUK’s technical guidance note, businesses involved in food production can avoid the costly retro-fit of panels/ post-build work to provide access; reduce the number of inaccessible sections of ductwork; avoid the replacement of inaccessible ductwork; reduce the need for more expensive cleaning methods and specialist access equipment; avoid unsafe cleaning methods and work practices; and reduce the likelihood of fires and fines.

The guidance note includes a three-point test allowing organisations to consider if ductwork is accessible for cleaning and maintenance:

1. Can an operative remove all access panels without being obstructed?

2. Can an operative access all panels; standing on the floor, via a stepladder or tower?

3. Can fabrications, fans and inline components be accessed without being moved?

To download the full guidance notes visit: https://www.naaduk.co.uk/pdf/EnforcementregEC852-2004%2023.11.15.pdf