DID YOU KNOW 💡 A dirty or improperly maintained kitchen exhaust hood can potentially void your insurance policy, especially for commercial kitchens. This is because dirty exhaust hoods can be a significant fire hazard due to grease build-up. Failure to maintain the hood as required by insurance companies or relevant standards (like AS 1851-2012) can lead to claims being denied if a fire is caused by the neglected hood.
 

Here's why:

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FIRE HAZARD:

Grease and oil build-up on exhaust hoods and ductwork is highly flammable. If not cleaned regularly, it can ignite and cause a fire.

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INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Insurance companies often require regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen exhaust systems to reduce fire risks. They may have specific requirements for how often the hood should be cleaned and who should do it.

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LEGAL & SAFETY OBLIGATIONS:

Commercial kitchens are also subject to Work Health and Safety (WHS) and food safety standards, which include requirements for kitchen exhaust maintenance.

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NEGLIGENCE:

If a fire is caused by a neglected exhaust hood, insurance companies may argue that you were negligent in your duty to maintain it, potentially leading to a denial of the claim.

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What you should Do:

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1. CHECK YOUR INSURANCE POLICY:

Review your policy to understand its specific requirements for exhaust hood maintenance.

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ADHERE TO AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS:

Follow the Australian Standard AS 1851-2012 for kitchen exhaust cleaning and maintenance. This standard includes requirements for monthly checks, quarterly cleans, and annual cleans.

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CONSIDER THE FREQUENCY OF CLEANING:

The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of cooking, the volume of cooking, and the type of fuel used. High volume greasy or char cooking will require most frequent cleans than low volume kitchen. Speak to our technician for guidance on how often your exhaust system required cleaning.

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HIRE A PROFESSIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM CLEANER:

Have your exhaust hood professionally cleaned by a qualified technician, especially in commercial kitchens.

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KEEP RECORDS:

Maintain records of all cleaning and maintenance activities, including dates, who performed the work, and any issues identified.

By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of a fire caused by a neglected exhaust hood and ensure that your insurance claim will be covered in case of an incident.