The Fire Risk in Your Kitchen Hood
Commercial kitchen fires cause millions of dollars in damage annually, and the leading cause is grease accumulation in exhaust systems.When cooking vapours rise, they deposit a layer of grease on hoods, filters, ducts, and fans.Over time, this buildup becomes a fire hazard—all it takes is a flame from the cooktop or a hot ember to ignite the grease.
Australian Standards for Kitchen Exhaust
AS 1851(Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment) specifies that commercial kitchen exhaust systems must be cleaned at regular intervals based on use:
- Heavy use(24 - hour, chargrilling): Monthly cleaning
- Moderate use(standard restaurant): Quarterly cleaning
- Light use(cafeteria, aged care): Six-monthly cleaning
🔥 Insurance Reality
If your kitchen exhaust system isn't cleaned to the required schedule and a fire occurs, your insurance claim may be denied. Insurers routinely request cleaning records after kitchen fire claims.
What Gets Cleaned
A comprehensive kitchen exhaust clean covers:
- Canopy Hood: The visible stainless steel structure above your cooking equipment
- Grease Filters: The removable mesh or baffle filters (daily cleaning by staff, deep clean by professionals)
- Plenum: The cavity behind the filters where grease accumulates
- Ductwork: The extraction ductwork running to the roof (where major buildup occurs)
- Exhaust Fan: The motor and fan blades on the roof (grease attracts dust and debris)
The Cleaning Process
Professional kitchen exhaust cleaning involves:
- Isolation: Power off, floor protection, equipment covered
- Chemical application: Alkaline degreaser applied to break down grease
- Scraping and scrubbing: Mechanical removal of heavy buildup
- Hot water pressure wash: High-pressure cleaning of all surfaces
- Fan and motor cleaning: Access to roof-mounted equipment
- Inspection and certification: Visual before/after photos, compliance certificate
Signs Your Exhaust Needs Attention
- Visible grease dripping from the canopy or filters
- Sticky residue on hood surfaces
- Reduced extraction(smoke lingering in kitchen)
- Unpleasant odours from the system
- No cleaning records for 3 + months
ProSan Australia's Kitchen Exhaust Service
We service restaurants, hotels, clubs, and commercial kitchens across Brisbane and South East Queensland:
- After - hours cleaning to avoid disruption
- Before / after photographic documentation
- Compliance certificates for your records
- Scheduled maintenance programs
Protect your kitchen, your staff, and your business. Contact ProSan Australia for kitchen exhaust cleaning.