In a fast-paced commercial kitchen, every minute counts. Downtime due to maintenance or cleaning can disrupt operations and impact revenue. That’s why at SAIS Hygiene, we’ve designed our kitchen exhaust cleaning services to be as efficient and non-disruptive as possible. Here’s how we ensure your business keeps running smoothly while maintaining the highest cleaning standards.
1. After-Hours and Overnight Cleaning
We understand that shutting down operations during peak hours isn’t an option for many businesses. That’s why we offer after-hours and overnight cleaning services. Most often this is completed after closing to ensure there is no impact to your operations. Our team works around your schedule to ensure your kitchen is back in action by the time your staff arrives.
For 24 hour operations this is more complicated but disruption can still be minimised by timing service during lower volume days and times overnight. Whilst it is preferred to have the operation closed to ensure the safest and most efficient completion of service, it is often possible to continue partial cooking during the service. This requires both the kitchen teams and cleaning teams to communicate so one system (i.e. fryers or grills) are shut down and serviced at a time so the other can remain in operation.
2. Advanced Cleaning Techniques for Faster Turnaround
Exhaust cleaning methods can be time-consuming, but SAIS Hygiene uses leading techniques to be as efficient as possible. Our team utilizes:
High-powered chemical degreasers for efficient grease removal.
A variety of tools (extension brushes, scrapers, power washers) to efficiently remove debris from hard to reach areas no matter what the system layout.
Quick-drying solutions that allow your kitchen to be operational immediately after cleaning.
3. Experienced and Trained Technicians
A well-trained team gets the job done efficiently and effectively. SAIS Hygiene’s technicians have years of experience, allowing them to work efficiently without compromising quality. Our team assesses your kitchen’s exhaust system in advance, so we arrive prepared with the right equipment and cleaning solutions.
4. Detailed Pre-Planning and Risk Assessment
Before each job, we conduct a site inspection to understand your kitchen layout, ventilation system, and potential challenges. This allows us to create a tailored cleaning strategy that minimizes disruptions and maximizes efficiency.
5. Compliance Without the Hassle
SAIS ensures that your kitchen exhaust system meets Australian Standard AS 1851-2012. Our service includes post-cleaning documentation, reports, and compliance certificates, so you’re always audit-ready without additional work on your end.
Keep Your Kitchen Running with SAIS Hygiene
With our efficient, after-hours service and expert cleaning techniques, SAIS Hygiene keeps your kitchen safe, compliant, and operational with minimal downtime. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning service.
Maintaining a clean and well-functioning exhaust system is critical for any commercial kitchen. It plays a vital role in fire prevention, air quality control, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Without proper maintenance, grease and debris can accumulate in the system, increasing fire risks and reducing efficiency.
But how often should you clean your commercial kitchen exhaust system? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of cooking, volume of food preparation, and regulatory requirements.
This guide will break down recommended cleaning schedules, key compliance rules, and why professional cleaning is essential to keep your kitchen safe and operational.
Why Regular Exhaust System Cleaning is Crucial
Neglecting your kitchen exhaust system can have serious consequences. Here’s why regular cleaning is essential:
1. Fire Prevention
Grease is highly flammable. If left to build up in the exhaust system, it can ignite, leading to dangerous and costly kitchen fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that over 60% of restaurant fires are caused by cooking equipment, often due to grease accumulation in exhaust ducts.
2. Health & Air Quality
A clogged exhaust system reduces airflow, allowing smoke, grease vapors, and contaminants to linger in the kitchen. This can cause respiratory issues for staff and leave food exposed to airborne grease and bacteria. Regular cleaning keeps air quality safe for both employees and customers.
3. Equipment Efficiency & Longevity
When exhaust fans are clogged with grease and debris, they work harder, leading to higher energy consumption and increased wear and tear. Regular cleaning improves efficiency and extends the life of ventilation equipment, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
4. Regulatory Compliance
Commercial kitchens are required to follow local fire codes, health department regulations, and insurance requirements for exhaust system maintenance. Failing to comply can result in fines, legal action, or business closure.
To avoid these risks, you need to establish a consistent and professional cleaning schedule.
How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Exhaust System?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 96) and 1850 compliance regulations provide recommended guidelines for commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning. The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of food preparation, grease production, and cooking volume.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency Based on Cooking Type
These guidelines ensure kitchen safety and efficiency, but additional factors may require more frequent cleaning.
Additional Factors That Impact Cleaning Frequency
Cooking Methods:
Heavy grease-producing equipment (grills, fryers, woks) leads to faster buildup.
Steam-based or baking operations produce less grease and may not need as frequent cleaning.
Kitchen Hours of Operation:
A 24-hour kitchen accumulates more grease than a part-time facility and will require more frequent cleaning.
Type of Food Being Cooked:
Bacon, burgers, fried chicken, and stir-fried dishes generate more grease than boiled or baked foods.
Exhaust System Design:
Systems with longer duct runs and multiple bends trap more grease and debris, requiring more frequent maintenance.
If you’re unsure about your kitchen’s cleaning schedule, consult with a certified exhaust system cleaning professional to assess your specific needs.
Signs Your Exhaust System Needs Immediate Cleaning
Even if your kitchen follows a regular cleaning schedule, certain signs indicate it may need an urgent deep clean:
Visible grease buildup on hoods, ducts, or fans.
Increased smoke and heat in the kitchen.
Strong grease odors lingering in the air.
Dripping grease from the exhaust hood.
Exhaust fan running loudly or inefficiently.
Ignoring these warning signs increases the risk of fire hazards, regulatory penalties, and costly repairs.
Compliance with 1850 Regulations & Insurance Requirements
To legally operate a commercial kitchen, businesses must comply with 1850 regulations and NFPA 96 standards. These regulations require:
Regular Cleaning & Inspection:
Cleaning frequency must be documented and meet industry standards.
Kitchens must pass health and fire inspections to maintain operation.
Proper Documentation & Proof of Cleaning:
Cleaning records should be kept for insurance and regulatory audits.
A certificate of cleaning should be displayed as proof of compliance.
The “Competent Person” Requirement:
1850 compliance requires a qualified professional to clean the exhaust system.
A competent person has training, certification, and experience in exhaust system maintenance.
Failing to follow these regulations can void insurance policies, result in fines, or even lead to kitchen shutdowns.
Professional Cleaning vs. DIY Cleaning
Some kitchen operators may consider DIY cleaning to cut costs, but this comes with major risks and limitations:
Aspect
DIY Cleaning
Professional Cleaning
Equipment & Tools
Limited
Industrial-grade degreasers, steam cleaners, and pressure washers
Grease Removal
Surface-level cleaning
Deep cleaning of ducts, hoods, and fans
Compliance with 1850 & NFPA 96
Not guaranteed
Fully compliant
Risk of Fire Hazards
High
Minimised
Time & Efficiency
Labour-intensive
Fast and thorough
Why Hire a Professional?
Ensures full compliance with safety regulations.
Reduces fire hazards and improves air quality.
Saves time and money on potential fines and repairs.
Provides documented proof of cleaning for inspections and insurance purposes.
Professional exhaust system cleaning is a necessary investment for any commercial kitchen.
Keep Your Kitchen Safe & Compliant
Regular kitchen exhaust system cleaning is essential for fire prevention, air quality, and compliance with safety regulations. Cleaning frequency varies based on cooking methods, volume, and regulatory guidelines, but all kitchens must adhere to 1850 compliance and NFPA 96 standards.
Neglecting proper cleaning can lead to fires, health hazards, regulatory penalties, and equipment damage.
Why Choose SAIS Hygiene?
At SAIS Hygiene, we specialise in professional kitchen exhaust system cleaning that meets 1850 compliance requirements. Our certified technicians ensure your system is thoroughly cleaned, keeping your kitchen safe, compliant, and fire-risk-free.
Don’t risk DIY cleaning—trust the experts at SAIS Hygiene.
Contact us today for a free consultation and ensure your kitchen meets the highest safety and hygiene standards. Contact SAIS Hygiene now!
In February 2025, important changes to fire safety rules in New South Wales will come into effect. These reforms aim to make buildings safer and reduce the risk of fires, with specific requirements for maintaining kitchen exhaust systems in commercial kitchens.
If you own or manage a business with a commercial kitchen, these changes could impact you. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Kitchen exhaust systems, like the ones in commercial kitchens, can quickly become a fire hazard if they’re not properly cleaned and maintained. The new rules focus on making sure kitchen exhausts are regularly cleaned and inspected to keep them safe and reduce fire risks.
The NSW government is putting a stronger emphasis on following the Australian Standard AS 1851-2012, which is a guide for how often and how thoroughly fire safety systems, like kitchen exhausts, need to be maintained.
What Does This Mean for You?
From February 2025, businesses will need to make sure:
Kitchen Exhausts Are Properly Cleaned: Keeping your kitchen exhaust system clean isn’t just about hygiene – it’s also about safety. Regular cleaning can prevent grease build-up, which is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires. SAIS Hygiene offers professional cleaning services that help keep your system in top condition and ensure compliance with these new rules.
Only Accredited Professionals Are Used for Fire Safety Certification: If you’re setting up a new commercial kitchen, it will need to be inspected and certified by an accredited fire professional before opening. This ensures the system is safe and meets fire safety requirements. Note: There has been some confusion regarding what tasks require fire safety accreditation. While your kitchen exhaust cleaner must meet the ‘competent’ person test to complete ongoing maintenance, they do not need to be fire safety accredited to complete this task.
How to Prepare for the New Rules
To get ready for these changes, here’s what you should do:
Get Your Kitchen Exhaust System Checked: Schedule regular cleanings and maintenance with a trusted provider like SAIS Hygiene. We specialise in keeping commercial kitchen exhausts clean, compliant to correct standards and fire-safe.
Keep Records of Maintenance: Make sure you have proof that your kitchen exhaust system is regularly cleaned and inspected. This could be important if you’re ever asked to show compliance with the new rules.
Work With Accredited Professionals: If you’re planning a new kitchen installation or upgrade, choose professionals who are qualified to certify fire safety systems.
Why Choose SAIS Hygiene?
At SAIS Hygiene, we understand how important it is to keep your kitchen safe and running smoothly. Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of cleaning kitchen exhaust systems, helping you meet safety standards and avoid any risks.
Let us help you stay ahead of the new regulations. Learn more about our services here.
By staying on top of these changes, you can protect your business, your staff, and your customers while complying with the new fire safety rules.
If you run a commercial kitchen, keeping your exhaust system clean isn’t just about hygiene—it’s a crucial safety measure. A poorly maintained exhaust system can become a major fire hazard and lead to compliance issues that could shut down your business or possibly void insurance if not being maintained to the applicable standard AS 1851-2012. As part of the standard there is a requirement to ensure the owner has the service completed by a ‘competent person’. But how do you ensure you’re hiring the right professionals for the job?
Before choosing a kitchen exhaust cleaning service, here are five essential questions to ask:
1. Are You Certified and Compliant with Industry Standards?
Proper kitchen exhaust cleaning requires more than just wiping away grease; it must meet strict industry regulations. Ensure the provider follows Australian Standard AS 1851-2012, which outlines maintenance requirements for fire protection systems and equipment, including kitchen exhausts.
You want to ensure the business you are enquiring with has experience, competence as well as insurance that complies with these standards, this will help give you peace of mind that your kitchen is safe and up to code.
2. What Experience Do You Have in Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning?
Not all cleaning companies have the expertise to handle high-volume commercial kitchens. Ask about their experience in your industry, whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, hospital, or food production facility. Becoming competent in this service requires extensive experience. Understanding whether this is a core service of the business or something that they do on the side may be an indicator of how professional they are.
One of the key risks in the industry is providers cleaning immediately visible sections of the exhaust (canopies and fans) while neglecting more difficult to access (and less visible) ceiling ducting sections. Ask your provider how they will maintain your ceiling ducting and what they will do if there are sections not accessible. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to ensure all sections are accessible for cleaning, therefore it is vital that your provider provides feedback and recommendations for any sections that are not accessible.
3. Can You Provide Before-and-After Photos or Reports?
A reliable service provider should offer proof of their work. Before-and-after photos, along with detailed reports, help ensure transparency and compliance.
For example at SAIS we provide all our clients with reports after every cleaning session, including photographic evidence, service details, and recommendations to maintain optimal maintenance and safety. This ensures that when you schedule your next clean the notes from the previous work is all there in front of you.
4. How Do You Ensure Minimal Disruption to My Business?
Kitchen downtime can lead to revenue loss, so it’s important to know how a cleaning service schedules and conducts its work. This is particularly important for 24 hour operations sites.
While some jobs may require interruption of work, most kitchen exhaust cleaning should work around your business hours, offering after-hours services to minimise disruption. Likewise for 24 hour operations there are options to minimise impacts by completing during off peak days and times and to complete once system at a time so cooking can be at least partially maintained.
At SAIS, our trained professionals use efficient cleaning methods to get your kitchen back up and running as soon as possible.
5. Do You Offer a Maintenance Plan?
One-off cleanings aren’t enough to keep your kitchen safe. A reputable provider should offer scheduled maintenance plans to prevent excessive grease buildup and fire risks. Service schedules should be reviewed regularly to ensure build up is minimise and compliance is maintained.
Why Choose SAIS Hygiene?
With certified technicians, industry-leading compliance, and a commitment to efficiency, SAIS Hygiene is the trusted choice for kitchen exhaust cleaning. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your kitchen safe and operational.
