A clean and well-maintained kitchen exhaust system is essential for any commercial kitchen. It helps maintain air quality, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and prevents fire hazards caused by grease buildup. While some kitchen operators may consider handling the cleaning themselves to save costs, DIY cleaning comes with significant risks, legal implications, and compliance challenges.
In this article, we explore the potential dangers of cleaning your kitchen exhaust system yourself, what often gets missed in DIY cleaning, and the 1850 compliance requirements, including the necessity of a competent person handling the job.
The Risks of DIY Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning
Attempting to clean your commercial kitchen exhaust system yourself may seem like a cost-effective option, but it comes with considerable risks that could end up costing you more in the long run.
1. Fire Hazards
One of the biggest risks of an improperly cleaned exhaust system is fire. Grease buildup in the exhaust system is highly flammable. In a busy commercial kitchen, where cooking with high heat and open flames is common, a spot fire or spark can spread quickly if it ignites grease deposits in the ductwork or exhaust hood. According to fire safety reports, grease-related fires are among the most common causes of kitchen fires in commercial establishments. Professional cleaners use degreasers and a variety of tools (scapers, pressure washers, etc) to ensure that buildups of grease in the exhaust system are removed, significantly reducing fire risks and opportunities for fires to spread.
2. Health & Safety Issues
Beyond fire hazards, an unclean kitchen exhaust system can lead to severe health concerns. Over time, grease, food particles, and moisture create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and even pests. Poor ventilation can result in the accumulation of smoke, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants, causing respiratory issues for kitchen staff.
Perhaps more importantly properly cleaning a full kitchen exhaust system comes with specific occupational health and safety risks for any staff completing the cleaning. Specific hazards include ladder use, heights, hot oil, equipment isolation, hazardous chemicals. Professionals are specifically trained with processes and protective equipment to ensure the risks are mitigated. Having untrained staff completing this work can expose your own staff to safety risks and potential liabilities.
3. Legal & Insurance Implications
Most commercial kitchens are required to follow strict fire and safety codes. The code states services must be completed by a competent person. While this may be subject to interpretation it may be difficult to demonstrate how a staff member who does not perform this regularly would meet the competent persons test in the event of a fire. Many insurance providers mandate professional exhaust system cleaning at regular intervals. If a fire occurs and it is discovered that the system was not cleaned by a qualified or competent professional, your insurance claim may be denied.
Additionally, failing to meet local fire and health regulations can result in fines, legal action, or even business closure. Professional cleaning services provide documentation and certification that verify compliance, protecting your business from legal trouble.
Related reading: How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems?
4. Lack of Proper Equipment & Expertise
Cleaning a commercial kitchen exhaust system requires specialised tools and techniques. Industrial degreasers, pressure washers, extension rods, foaming applicators and specialised scrapers are essential for removing grease and debris effectively. Most kitchen staff lack access to these tools, making it difficult to clean the system thoroughly. Moreover, trained professionals understand the structure of exhaust systems, allowing them to identify and address hidden problem areas that may go unnoticed in DIY cleaning.
What Gets Missed in DIY Cleaning?
Even with the best intentions, DIY cleaning often leaves critical areas untouched. Some of the most commonly missed areas include:
1. Hidden Ductwork & Fans
Most kitchen operators focus only on the visible parts of the exhaust system, such as the hood and filters. However, grease and debris accumulate inside the ductwork and exhaust fans, which are difficult to reach without professional equipment. It is these hidden buildups within ceiling ducting and on the roof that can cause fires to rapidly spread and cause significant damage.
2. Hard-to-Reach Areas
Many exhaust systems have complex designs with bends and turns that are challenging to access. DIY cleaning often overlooks these areas, leaving grease deposits that can lead to blockages or ventilation inefficiencies. Professional cleaners use specialised tools to access and clean every part of the system, ensuring no buildup is left behind.
3. Post-Cleaning Inspections
A crucial part of professional cleaning is the post-cleaning inspection to ensure that all grease and buildup have been removed. Many professional services provide photographic evidence and detailed reports to verify that the cleaning meets safety standards. DIY cleaning often lacks this step, meaning potential hazards may go unnoticed.
Understanding AS 1850 Compliance & the ‘Competent Person’ Requirement
To operate a commercial kitchen legally and safely, you must comply with AS 1850 – 2012 regulations for kitchen exhaust system maintenance. These regulations ensure that exhaust systems are cleaned to a standard that minimizes fire risks and maintains hygiene.
What is the AS 1850 Compliance Requirement?
- AS 1850 compliance mandates that commercial kitchen exhaust systems be cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent fire hazards.
- It specifies the frequency of cleaning based on the type and volume of cooking operations.
- Compliance also requires proper documentation of cleaning procedures for audits and inspections.
Who is a ‘Competent Person’?
According to AS 1850 regulations, a competent person is required to carry out the cleaning. A competent person is someone with sufficient training, knowledge, or experience to clean the system effectively and safely. This may include:
- Certified professionals with expertise in kitchen exhaust system cleaning.
- Technicians trained in identifying potential hazards and ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.
- Individuals equipped with the right tools and techniques to perform a deep clean without causing damage or contamination.
Hiring a certified kitchen exhaust cleaning service ensures that your business meets the “competent person” requirement and remains fully compliant.
When Should You Hire a Professional?
While regular surface cleaning can be done in-house, full exhaust cleaning should always be handled by professionals. Here are some key situations when hiring a professional is essential:
1. Compliance & Insurance Requirements
If your insurance policy or local fire code mandates professional cleaning, it is crucial to hire certified experts to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
2. Excessive Grease Buildup
If you notice grease dripping from the exhaust hood or excessive smoke buildup in the kitchen, it is time for a deep clean. Professionals can remove stubborn grease deposits that DIY methods cannot.
3. Preparation for Health & Safety Inspections
Regulatory bodies conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance. Professional cleaning services provide certificates and reports that demonstrate your adherence to safety standards.
4. Time & Efficiency
Professional cleaning teams work quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime for your kitchen. Attempting DIY cleaning can be time-consuming and disruptive to your operations.
Protect Your Kitchen with Professional Cleaning
While it may be tempting to clean your commercial kitchen exhaust system yourself, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Fire hazards, health risks, compliance issues, and lack of proper equipment make DIY cleaning an unreliable option. The AS 1850 regulations require a competent person to handle the cleaning, ensuring that all safety and hygiene standards are met.
Why Choose SAIS Hygiene?
At SAIS Hygiene, we specialise in professional kitchen exhaust system cleaning that meets AS 1850 – 2012 compliance requirements. Our certified technicians ensure your system is cleaned thoroughly, keeping your kitchen safe, compliant, and fire-risk-free.
Don’t take chances with DIY cleaning—trust the experts at SAIS Hygiene.
Get in touch with SAIS Hygiene today for a free consultation and ensure your kitchen meets the highest safety and hygiene standards. Contact us now!