Unit Q, Dodd Lane, Dodd Lane Industrial Estate, Chorley Rd, Westhoughton, BL5 3NA 
Project Type: Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) – specifically Deep Extraction Cleaning
Environment: High-output commercial kitchen
Duration: Single-day site visit
Client Sector: Fast casual dining
The Brief
Our client operates a fast-paced restaurant where the kitchen runs full throttle from open to close, seven days a week. The site has a large extraction system consisting of 19 canopy filters, six catch pots, and a ductwork network running through the ceiling voids to an external fan and outlet.
The goal for this scheduled Planned Preventative Maintenance visit was simple: to thoroughly clean and decontaminate the extraction system, reduce fire risk, and thus ensure the system remained compliant with TR19® grease standards — all while avoiding disruption to operations.
Kitchen Extraction Initial Observations
| Location | Pre-Clean |
|---|---|
| 3m from canopy | 2500μm |
| Midway between canopy & fan | 2500μm |
| Downstream of fan | 1500μm |
| Outlet | 3000μm |
During our site walkaround with the General Manager, we found the extraction system had been working effectively.
But as expected, there were notable grease build-ups throughout the ducting system, particularly in hard-to-access areas.
We used digital grease thickness measuring tools to take pre-clean readings, with the following results:
Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Process
For reference, anything above 200μm is considered a serious fire risk under TR19® guidelines. In fact, this system had multiple areas measuring over 10 times the acceptable limit.
So, our engineers from the Blue Team used a combination of hot pressure washers, degreasers, manual scraping tools, and specialist access equipment to deep-clean the entire system.
Steps Taken:
- Removed and cleaned all 19 canopy filters
- Inspected and cleared 6 catch pots
- Cleaned the canopy plenum and extract housing
- Gained access to ductwork running above the ceiling using adjustable podium steps
- Cleaned duct sections 1m, 3m, and mid-run from canopy, upstream and downstream of the fan
- Fully cleaned fan casing and external outlet
All work was completed safely and in line with health and safety guidance. Risk assessments were carried out prior to entry, identifying only low-risk hazards which were controlled with PPE and appropriate access platforms.
Post-Deep Extraction Cleaning Results
Location | Post-Clean |
3m from canopy | 25μm |
Midway between canopy & fan | 25μm |
Downstream of fan | 25μm |
Outlet | 0μm |
After cleaning, all internal duct readings were reduced to within safe parameters.
We also conducted full system reassembly, tested the isolator switch, verified the fan operation, and carried out a 3-minute gas safety check.
All access panels were properly resealed, so the kitchen was signed off as operational.
Visual Impact
The transformation was clearly visible — thick grease deposits and residue removed to reveal clean, operational ducting and canopy components. Side-by-side before and after images showcased the extent of the build-up, in addition to the quality of the clean.
Key areas photographed:
- Canopy / Extract Plenum
- Ductwork 3m from canopy
- Midway duct section
- Fan outlet
These images specifically demonstrate cleanliness and provide peace of mind and compliance proof for future inspections or insurance requirements.
Why does Deep Extraction Cleaning Matter?
Regular extraction cleans are not just a matter of hygiene — they are also critical for:
- Fire prevention: Grease is highly flammable, and ducts can become hidden ignition risks.
- Compliance: Required for TR19® and many insurance policies.
- Kitchen performance: A clean system improves airflow, temperature control, and odour management.
- Cost avoidance: Reduces long-term maintenance, repair bills, and downtime from breakdowns or closures.
Therefore, this job was a perfect example of why scheduled PPMs are essential — especially in high-throughput kitchens where systems work under constant pressure.
Need Something Similar?
If your kitchen extraction system hasn’t been checked recently — or if your last clean didn’t include detailed reports and measurable data — it’s time to get proactive. We provide full-service extraction cleans with photographic evidence, TR19®-aligned reports, and real-time micrometer readings before and after.
Get in touch to schedule your PPM visit