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Do You Know How to Properly Clean Your Grease Ducts? Posted by Best Access Doors - Canada on 31st May 2023

Grease ducts are an essential part of any commercial kitchen ventilation system. They collect grease, oil, and other flammable materials that can accumulate while cooking. If not properly cleaned and maintained, grease ducts can become a severe fire hazard. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of properly cleaning your grease ducts, the Canadian regulations regarding their maintenance, and how to ensure that your kitchen is safe and in compliance with these regulations.

The Importance of Proper Grease Duct Cleaning

Proper grease duct cleaning is essential to maintain the safety of your kitchen. Your ducts may disastrously catch fire if grease and other combustible substances build up. When grease ducts are not clean enough, fat can accumulate on the walls of the vents, making them a fire hazard. Grease duct fires can quickly spread and cause extensive damage to your building, endangering the lives of your employees and customers.

Why Do Grease Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

The main reason that grease ducts need to clean is to reduce the fire risk. Grease is highly flammable, and if it builds up inside your ducts, it can easily ignite and cause a fire. One of the most typical reasons why restaurants catch fire is because of an accident involving grease. A fire can do a lot of damage to your property, and it can also put your employees and customers in danger.

In addition to the fire risk, dirty grease ducts can also reduce the efficiency of your ventilation system. When grease builds up inside the ducts, it can restrict the flow of air, which can cause your ventilation system to work harder o get rid of smoke and other things that make the air dirty. It can lead to higher energy costs and reduced air quality in your kitchen.

How Often Should Grease Ducts Be Cleaned?

The frequency with which grease ducts should clean depends on many things, such as the cooking equipment used, the cooking volume, and the food preparation. Generally, grease ducts should clean at once every six months at least.

However, if you have high-volume cooking equipment or are cooking foods that produce many greases, you may need to clean your ducts more frequently. Additionally, local fire codes and insurance regulations may require more frequent cleaning.

Working with a professional cleaning service that can assess your specific needs and recommend a cleaning schedule that meets your needs and complies with local regulations is essential.

Canadian Regulations Regarding Grease Duct Cleaning

Canada has regulations to ensure that commercial kitchens maintain safe working conditions. These regulations require that grease ducts regularly clean to reduce the risk of fires. The National Fire Code of Canada (NFCC)outlines the requirements for designing, installing, and maintaining commercial kitchen exhaust systems.

The code states that grease ducts must clean at least twice a year or more frequently if needed based on the cooking load of the kitchen. If you don't follow these rules, you could have fines, legal action, and endangering the lives of your employees and customers.

Proper Cleaning Techniques

Several proper cleaning techniques can use to ensure that your grease ducts clean thoroughly and safely. One of the best methods to do it is to use a high-pressure water jet. This method uses hot water and high pressure to break down and remove grease buildup in the ducts. This technique is highly effective and efficient, and it can reduce the need for harsh chemicals. A professional cleaning service can also use specialized equipment, including scrapers and brushes, to remove any remaining buildup.

How Are Grease Ducts Cleaned?

Cleaning grease ducts is a complex and labour-intensive process that trained professionals should only perform. The following are the general steps involved in cleaning grease ducts:

  • Preparation: The cleaning team will prepare the area by covering nearby equipment and surfaces with plastic sheeting or other protective materials.
  • Disconnect electrical and gas connections: The team will turn off any electrical or gas connections to the equipment and ductwork to ensure safety.
  • Access the ducts: The team will gain access by removing access panels or cutting holes in the ductwork.
  • Scrub the ducts: The team will use specialized tools and equipment to scrub the inside and remove grease and other debris.
  • Clean the fans and hoods: The team will also clean the fans and hoods as part of the overall cleaning process.
  • Inspect the ducts: After cleaning, the team will inspect them to ensure they are clean and debris-free.
  • Document the cleaning: The team will provide a detailed report documenting the cleaning process and the condition of the ducts.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures your kitchen is safe and complies with Canadian regulations. It would be best to work with a professional cleaning service to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance of your kitchen exhaust system. In addition to regular cleaning, it is essential to monitor the condition of your ducts to identify any signs of wear or damage. Contact a professional immediately if you notice any issues, such as cracks or holes in your chimneys.

Tips for Maintaining Clean Grease Ducts and a Safe Kitchen

While it is essential to work with a professional cleaning service to clean your grease ducts properly, there are steps you can take to maintain clean ducts and a safe kitchen between cleanings. The following are some tips for keeping clean grease ducts:

  • Implement a regular cleaning schedule: Grease ducts should clean at least once every six months. However, if you have high-volume cooking equipment or are cooking foods that produce many greases, you may need to clean your ducts more frequently. Work with a professional cleaning service to determine the appropriate cleaning schedule for your kitchen.
  • Train your staff on proper cleaning procedures: Train your kitchen staff to clean cooking equipment properly and surfaces to reduce the grease and debris entering your ventilation system. Ensure they know not to pour oil down drains or dispose of it inappropriately.
  • Install grease filters: Install grease filters in your kitchen to capture grease and other debris before it enters your ventilation system. Clean the filters often to make sure they are working right.
  • Monitor your ventilation system: Monitor your plan regularly to ensure it functions correctly. Look for signs of grease buildup, such as discoloration or a sticky residue on the ductwork. If you see any problems, you should call a professional cleaning service to fix them.
  • Follow fire safety protocols: Follow fire safety protocols in your kitchen, such as adequately storing flammable materials and ensuring that fire extinguishers are readily available. Have an emergency plan in place in case of a fire.

Following these tips and working with a professional cleaning service, you can maintain clean grease ducts and a safe kitchen.

Proper Disposal of Grease

Proper grease disposal is also essential to maintaining a safe and compliant kitchen. Grease should never pour down drains or dispose of them in the garbage. Instead, it should be collected in a designated container and disposed of properly. Many municipalities have programs in place for the collection and disposal of grease.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning and maintaining your grease ducts is essential to maintaining a safe and compliant commercial kitchen. You can ensure that your kitchen is safe and complies with Canadian regulations by using proper cleaning techniques, scheduling regular maintenance, and properly disposing of grease. Contact a professional cleaning service today to schedule your next cleaning and ensure the safety of your kitchen.

Get Superior Quality Products with Best Access Doors Canada

At Best Access Doors Canada, we understand the importance of maintaining clean grease ducts and are committed to helping you achieve this goal. We offer a variety of high-quality access doors that you can use to access and clean your ducts quickly and efficiently. Our team of experts can also help you by requesting a quote for our energy-efficient access doors and panels that help reduce energy consumption and contribute to a cleaner environment.

To help support this cause, we invite you to take action today Contact us at (800) 679-3405 today to learn more about our sustainable access solutions and how we can help support your efforts toward sustainability. 

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