Cleaning ventilation and grease ducts in professional kitchens is a critical aspect of safety and efficient operations. This process not only prevents fires and complies with legal requirements but also impacts customer satisfaction and the working conditions of the staff.
Numerous cases demonstrate that deficiencies in kitchen ventilation can lead to significant risks, including fires, water damage, and smoke problems. For example, a grease fire in Espoo's Lippulaiva shopping center resulted in an evacuation, while quick action by the staff in Ruka prevented more severe damage.
The Rescue Act (379/2011, Section 13) obligates the building owner, operator, and user to ensure that ventilation ducts and devices are maintained and cleaned to prevent fire hazards. This makes grease duct cleaning not only a safety issue but also a legal requirement.
What is the role of fat ducts?
Kitchen grease ducts and hoods are essential components of the ventilation system. They remove grease, steam, and odors generated during cooking, which would otherwise accumulate in the kitchen area. However, without regular maintenance, these systems can become a significant fire risk. Grease deposits are highly flammable, and poorly cleaned systems can allow grease fires to spread through ducts into roof structures, as happened at Restaurant Torero on Isokatu Street in Oulu.
Grease fires: How to avoid the worst-case scenarios
Grease fires are dangerous because they spread quickly and reach extremely high temperatures. If overheated grease ignites, the situation can escalate within seconds. Worse yet, using water to extinguish such fires is a mistake that can make the situation explode.
Correct actions:
Use a fire blanket or a grease fire extinguisher.
Never try to extinguish a grease fire with water.
This is not just a safety issue. It’s also crucial for the continuity of your business. A single grease fire can destroy your entire kitchen and halt operations for months.
The impact of ventilation on customer experience
Good ventilation doesn’t just prevent fires – it keeps your customers happier. Do you want your customers to leave your restaurant smelling of food and grease? Likely not. That’s why effective ventilation is also vital for your brand reputation.
Odors: Poor ventilation can cause customers to leave your restaurant with their clothes smelling of food and grease, harming your business’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
Air quality: Proper ventilation ensures fresh air and reduces kitchen odors in dining areas, enhancing the customer experience.
Returning customers: A clean and fresh atmosphere attracts customers to return and recommend your restaurant to others.
How is grease duct cleaning performed?
The grease duct cleaning offered by IVAeris Oy meets the requirements of the SFS-EN 15780 standard. The cleaning process includes the following steps:
Initial preparations:
The work area is secured, and staff ensures unobstructed access to all system components.
Grease hoods, filters, and duct surfaces are assessed based on the amount of grease deposits.
Cleaning of grease hoods and filters:
Grease hoods and filters are cleaned using degreasers and scraping tools.
Customers are reminded that regular maintenance of filters is their responsibility.
Duct cleaning:
Light grease deposits are removed with nylon-tynex brushes.
Hardened grease is tackled with grease choppers and steel brushes.
Handling the exhaust fan:
The exhaust fan blades are cleaned with alkaline detergents, and the customer ensures unobstructed access..
Documentation:
The work is documented in detail in a report provided to the customer and, if necessary, to rescue authorities.
How often should grease ducts be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning depends on the kitchen’s usage level, but we recommend:
Intensive use (grills, deep fryers): Every 6 months (e.g., McDonald’s).
Light use: Once a year (e.g., kebab pizzerias).
And remember: if you’re unsure, check the Indoor Climate and Ventilation Guide. It states that particularly stressed systems must be cleaned at least once a year.
What are the risks of neglect?
Examples from restaurants across Finland show that poorly maintained ventilation systems can lead to:
Extensive financial damage: For instance, fire-related aftermath at Pancho Villa in Tampere resulted in costs of 20,000€ – 30,000€.
Business interruptions: In several cases, restaurants had to close for weeks due to fires or water damage.
Personal injuries: Smoke exposure can cause health issues, as in a case involving a restaurant in downtown Vaasa.
Why choose IVAeris Oy?
IVAeris Oy combines expertise, reliability, and efficiency:
Professional staff: All employees are trained and comply with laws and standards.
Customer-specific solutions: Our services are tailored to the specific needs of your kitchen.
Comprehensive approach: Our cleaning not only meets legal requirements but also enhances your kitchen’s functionality and customer experience.
Regular grease duct cleaning is an investment in kitchen safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Don’t wait for problems to pile up – contact IVAeris Oy’s experts and ensure your kitchen operates safely and efficiently.
Keep your kitchen safe and efficient – we’ll take care of the rest.
WE KNOW, WE CARE & WE GET IT DONE
IVAeris Ltd.
010 206 3000