After the long autumn term, pupils and teachers alike are ready for the festive break. With schools empty, it’s an ideal time for senior leadership teams to do some thinking about maintenance and cleaning. For many schools, one area that is always an outstanding issue is their kitchen and cooking facilities. In this blog, we’re going to take a closer look at school kitchen cleaning and air hygiene – and how React can perform the tasks that will keep kitchens safe.
Kitchen facilities in schools under pressure
Department for Education statistics suggest that 99% of secondary and 73% of primary schools have their own kitchens. However, there are no regulations regarding the optimal size of kitchen facilities, as they aren’t classed as part of ‘net building area’. For facilities such as classrooms and dining rooms, the regulations for school space requirements are strict. In contrast, there is no mandated minimum size of kitchens necessary to feed a certain number of pupils.
With the take-up of school meals having increased in recent years, schools are having to work hard to produce school meals in limited facilities. For some schools, these are full-service kitchens (cooking from scratch on-site), and in other’s there will be cook-chill facilities (heating up pre-prepared meals or ingredients). Regardless of the type of facility, schools need to think carefully about various elements of hygiene in kitchens, including air hygiene and extraction. And of course, for secondary schools with practical food technology classrooms, there are also similar issues with maintaining hygiene in ducting and extraction systems. (For the latter, the Department for Education publishes specific guidance).
School air hygiene, in general, requires careful consideration
Whether they’re full-service or cook-chill kitchens, React’s specialist air hygiene team is on hand to inspect, clean and safety test all kitchen and classroom ducting and extraction. Our team is highly experienced and skilled in cleaning all ductwork systems, Fire Damper testing and indoor air quality surveying. With coverage across the United Kingdom, we complete all work in accordance with TR19 or BS9999:2017 to ensure client compliance.
School kitchen cleaning for grease extractors and beyond
One particular area of concern for school kitchens and food tech classrooms is grease extractors. Failure to inspect and clean extract systems regularly can result in them becoming a fire risk. It is not uncommon for systems laden with grease to ignite. Your buildings insurance may be invalidated if you fail to carry out regular inspections and cleaning of grease extract systems.
Our team successfully inspect and clean all types of kitchen extract and ducting systems, helping clients remain compliant with HVCA TR19, Fire Officers and Insurers. We will happily work with you to agree regular inspection and cleaning programmes, reducing your Health and Safety risk.
Schools can give themselves a Christmas present by sorting out their kitchen and classroom air hygiene over the holidays. Think of React Specialist Cleaning as your school air hygiene Santa Claus.
To find out more about our school air hygiene and school kitchen cleaning services, contact one of the team today.
Telephone: 01283 550 503
Email: info@reactplc.co.uk
Website: www.reactsc.co.uk
Post by Shaun D. Doak
Shaun is the Managing Director of React Specialist Cleaning. He is deeply committed to making sure that every one of our company’s clients receives the highest possible level of service. An expert in HVAC and commercial and industrial cleaning methodologies, Shaun has extensive experience in the facilities management and renewable services sectors.