Challenges of Commercial Kitchen Ventilation

Grease and Smoke Build-Up

Grease build-up in kitchen extract systems can be a problem for several reasons:

• Fire hazard
  Grease build-up in kitchen extract ducts and hoods can present a significant fire hazard. Grease is highly flammable, and if it comes into contact with a heat source, it can ignite and spread rapidly. Therefore, it is important to keep kitchen extract systems clean and free of grease build-up.
• Reduced efficiency
  Grease build-up can negatively impact the efficiency of kitchen extract systems resulting in a less effective system. This can lead to issues such as poor airflow, reduced pressure, and increased energy consumption.
• Odours and smoke
  Grease build-up in the exhaust hood, ducts and filters can also lead to unpleasant odours and smoke in the kitchen and in the surrounding area, which can be unpleasant for staff, customers and neighbouring businesses or residents.
• Higher maintenance costs
  Kitchen extract systems with a heavy grease build-up require frequent cleaning and maintenance, leading to high costs for the operator.

Proper maintenance, cleaning and use of filters can help prevent grease build-up and ensure that kitchen extract systems continue to function properly.

Heat and Humidity Management

Heat and humidity management is a problem in kitchen extract systems because commercial kitchens generate large amounts of heat and humidity. Some common sources of heat and humidity in commercial kitchens include:

• Cooking equipment
• Steam from cooking and dishwashing
• Human activity; the presence of busy people in a confined space

High heat and humidity can create an unpleasant environment for staff and customers as well as contribute to ideal conditions for bacteria and mould. Condensation can also lead to equipment failure and water damage.

A well-designed ventilation system that has been correctly sized, combined with regular maintenance are both important factors in avoiding these issues.

Approaches to Kitchen Ventilation

Designing the Ventilation System

When designing a commercial kitchen ventilation system, there are several important factors to consider:

• Kitchen layout and equipment
  The layout of the kitchen, as well as the types and sizes of equipment being used, will affect the design of the ventilation system. It's important to consider the location and size of hoods, ducts, and exhaust fans in relation to cooking equipment, to ensure that the system can effectively remove smoke, steam, and heat.
• Air flow and ventilation rate
  Specifying the right duty point (air pressure & flow) is crucial for removing smoke, steam, and heat.
• Regulations
  These vary between countries and regions. It's important to ensure that your system meets all relevant regulations appropriate to you. These regulations often cover factors such as fire safety, noise, hygiene and efficiency.
• Air filtration
  Filters are critical for removing particles and irritants from the air. This protects occupants and the system itself to ensure optimal performance.
• Makeup air
  Fresh air which is brought into the kitchen to replace the air that has been exhausted. Without a proper makeup air system, a kitchen can face negative pressure and draw in exhaust fumes, creating a poor indoor air quality and making it difficult to ventilate.
• Maintenance and cleaning
  The extract system should be designed with accessibility for maintenance and cleaning in mind, to make it easy to keep the system in good working order.

Best Practices for Kitchen Ventilation

Complying with Local and National Codes and Regulations

It's important for kitchen operators to keep abreast of the current regulations and guidelines, and to work with experienced contractors, designers and engineers to ensure that their commercial kitchen ventilation systems are designed and maintained to meet all relevant codes and regulations. This will help to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and customers, while also helping to maintain good indoor air quality and food safety.

Regularly Inspecting and Maintaining the Ventilation System

Proper maintenance of a commercial kitchen extract system is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the system, as well as maintaining good indoor air quality. Some key maintenance tasks that should be carried out on a regular basis include:

• Cleaning hoods and filters
  These should be cleaned regularly to remove the build-up of grease and contaminants.
• Inspecting ductwork
  Ductwork should be routinely inspected. This will help you to identify and correct issues before they become a bigger problem. Common issues are damage, corrosion, and leaks.
• Cleaning ductwork
  The ductwork should be cleaned regularly to remove grease and other contaminants that can accumulate. This work is usually contracted out to professional cleaners.
• Checking and replacing filters
  High-quality filters should be used to remove particles and irritants from the air. These filters should be inspected and cleaned or replaced regularly, to ensure that they are functioning properly.
• Regular maintenance checks
  Routine checks ensure the system is working as designed. This normally includes checking the electrical and mechanical components, the fan and the exhaust and make-up air systems.
• Keeping records
  Proper records of cleaning, maintenance, and inspection should be kept, to ensure that the system is being properly maintained and to demonstrate compliance with local and national codes and regulations.

By carrying out these regular maintenance tasks, a commercial kitchen extract system can be kept in good working order, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and customers, while also helping to maintain good indoor air quality and food safety.

Performing Regular Air Quality Testing

Testing air quality regularly is important in a commercial kitchen environment because it helps to ensure that the ventilation system is functioning properly and that the indoor air is safe and healthy for staff and customers. Some reasons why testing air quality regularly is important include:

• Identifying problems
  Regular air quality testing can help identify problems with the ventilation system, such as poor air flow, blockages, or issues with filters. This can help to prevent indoor air pollution and potential health risks for employees and customers.
• Complying with regulations
  Regular air quality testing can help to ensure that the ventilation system is meeting local and national codes and regulations for indoor air quality, and that the kitchen is in compliance with all relevant health and safety guidelines.
• Identifying a drop in indoor air quality
  Regular air quality testing can help to identify areas where improvements can be made, such as increasing ventilation or installing additional air filters.
• Improving satisfaction
  Good indoor air quality can lead to improved employee and customer satisfaction, as it helps to create a comfortable and healthy environment for everyone.

Regular air quality testing is a crucial part of maintaining good indoor air quality and the safety of everyone in the commercial kitchen environment. It should be conducted by professional or certified personnel and based on regulations and guidelines, to be able to properly measure and evaluate the air quality and make sure to take necessary steps to improve it.

Woods Air Movement offers a range of solutions for kitchen ventilation projects from concept and design through to servicing and maintenance. To find out more get in touch today.