School kitchen extraction system can be a hive of activity – students, pupils, and staff can create a lot of heat, fumes and grease. A good ventilation system removes these and introduces cool air, keeping the environment comfortable for everyone to work in.

Kitchen extract systems require careful design to ensure they are effective and comply with regulations, particularly fire risk assessment guidelines. The main component of a kitchen ventilation system is the extraction hood. Positioned over gas cooking equipment, it fulfils several roles – removing heat and smoke, filtering out odors, capturing and collecting grease droplets and ensuring that hot surfaces are not exposed to the surrounding room.

Keeping Schools Safe: Importance of Proper Kitchen Extraction Systems

Extraction canopies or hoods are made from non-combustible materials such as stainless steel. They are fitted with filters that are easy to remove and clean, to prevent grease build-up. Using ozone and fluoride-based technologies, the filters can be treated with chemicals that react with the grease and odor particles to break them down into water vapor and carbon dioxide. This reduces the amount of grease that accumulates in the ducting and lowers maintenance costs.

Ductwork is the network of tubing that connects the extraction canopies to the extractor fans and channels the unwanted air to the outside – taking the shortest route possible. Ideally, the ducting should be lined with a non-combustible material such as metal or tin. A fire in the ductwork could cause significant damage to the building and also pose a serious health and safety risk for people inside the premises.