In order to run a safe and efficient kitchen it is imperative you keep any equipment clean and in good working order.

That’s why items such as an extraction canopy need to be regularly serviced and cleaned by professionals who know exactly what to look out for and how to keep them in top condition.

Over time ventilation systems pull in all kinds of contaminants which can cause blockages in coils and filters and pose a threat to the safe working of an extraction canopy.

At the very least this may lead to poor performance levels and stagnant smells caused by bacteria and decomposing materials lodged in the ductwork.

But in some cases it can also pose a real risk of fire as the extraction canopy becomes coated in grease and other contaminants.

Greasy residues can and will build up on an extraction canopy as well as on the duct and fan surfaces if they are not removed regularly, making a kitchen vulnerable to fire or dust explosion.

By working with a professional cleaning company you can implement a cleaning programme designed to keep your extraction canopy and your kitchen extraction system in the very best health, thus reducing the risk of fire or breakdown.

After carrying out a deep clean of the extraction canopy and the complete extraction system you should receive a certificate of cleanliness and report detailing the work carried out. This provides evidence that any fire risk has been identified and dealt with in line with health and safety regulations.

The report can then be passed onto your insurance company as proof that terms of your fire insurance policy are being met.

Remember, the majority of kitchen fires often begin with cooking equipment that flares into the kitchen extraction system and extraction canopy.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the extraction system forms one of the first lines of defence against this potential problem.