Date: 16/06/2009
Owners of food businesses have been warned that the state of their kitchen extractor systems will be put under the microscope when environmental health officials next call.
Notice was given this week by High Peak Borough Council, which has joined forces with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the importance of keeping extract ventilation systems clean and in good working order.
The move follows a blaze that resulted in a London restaurant being told to pay nearly £17,000 in fines and costs after it pleaded guilty to serious breaches of fire safety laws in a prosecution brought by London Fire Brigade.
The fire caused severe damage to Solly's Restaurant and resulted in it running at a significant loss in 2008. The fire started in the extract ventilation system, and it is estimated that more than 80 per cent of commercial kitchen extract ducts in the UK are never cleaned and are in a hazardous state.
Kitchen extract systems draw grease-laden air from the areas directly above cookers, grills and fryers. These grease deposits can be ignited by even a small flash fire on or in the fryer, hob or grill. The flames and heat can then spread quickly, causing damage and endangering lives.
Said Cllr John Haken, executive councillor for the environment: "In these difficult times, businesses may be tempted to take a chance and cut back on essential maintenance. However, the example of the London restaurant has highlighted that, in the long term, the consequences of not maintaining work equipment can be more severe - with extensive losses".
Maintenance of ventilation systems is required by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Fire Safety Group Manager Steve Wells added: "Not having a clear plan when a fire breaks out can put people's lives at risk. All premises owners and operators must make themselves aware of the regulations, to undertake a fire safety risk assessment, which is now mandatory, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) introduced in late 2006. They must act upon its findings and put in place an emergency plan."
For further information on carrying out a health and safety risk assessment and meeting legal obligations for emergency planning, visit www.hse.gov.uk/businesses.htm and www.derbyshire-fire-service.co.uk/safety_info.ihtml?catid=253