Compliance
Kitchen exhaust compliance, in plain English.
Commercial kitchen exhaust systems are one of the highest fire risks in any food service operation. Here's what compliance actually means, and how Servicetec delivers it.
What compliance covers
AS1851, in practical terms.
Routine servicing of commercial kitchen exhaust systems is governed by Australian Standards (AS1851 covers fire protection systems and equipment, including kitchen exhaust). In practical terms, that means:
- How often the system should be inspected
- What components must be cleaned and how
- What records must be kept
- Who is responsible for ongoing maintenance
Frequency depends on use
The right frequency depends on kitchen usage. Heavy-use commercial kitchens typically need quarterly service. Lighter-use kitchens may suit six-monthly or annual.
- Heavy use
- Quarterly
- Moderate use
- Six-monthly
- Light use
- Annual
Why it matters
Four reasons compliance isn't optional.
Insurance
Most commercial property insurers now require evidence of routine exhaust cleaning records before paying out a kitchen fire claim. No records, no claim.
Liability
In the event of a fire, building owners, operators, and even directors can be held personally liable if maintenance records weren't kept.
Council and fire safety
Many local councils and fire safety officers request formal cleaning documentation as part of routine inspections.
Operations
A neglected exhaust system isn't just a fire risk — it's a productivity drain. Reduced airflow, damaged equipment, and forced shutdowns all follow.
What Servicetec delivers
Every service, every site, the same standard.
You won't need to chase us for paperwork. It arrives with the invoice.
- Pre-clean inspection record with grease accumulation rating
- Photographic evidence of every major component, before and after
- Cleaning checklist signed off by the attending technician
- Defects log with recommended actions
- Service record archived and available whenever you need it — insurance audits, council requests, new facility manager handovers
- Compliance report emailed on completion
Frequently asked
Compliance questions, answered.
- How often does my kitchen need exhaust cleaning?
- It depends on usage. A typical busy commercial kitchen — restaurant, club, hotel — needs quarterly service. Lighter-use kitchens (corporate, education) may suit six-monthly or annual. We'll assess your kitchen during the first site audit and recommend a schedule.
- Is regular exhaust cleaning legally required?
- It's not legally mandated in every state, but it's effectively required by your insurer, your fire safety officer, and your liability cover. Treat it as mandatory.
- Do you clean access-restricted systems?
- Yes. We supply and install compliant access panels where needed so the full duct length can be properly cleaned.
- Can you work outside trading hours?
- Yes — most of our work is done outside service hours to avoid disruption. Early mornings, late nights, weekends, public holidays where required.
- What happens if you find a defect?
- We document it with photos in the service report and recommend remediation. We don't pressure-sell repairs — you decide what to do with the information.
- Do you provide certificates?
- Yes. Every service includes a compliance report and service record suitable for insurance audits and facility records. Archived for the life of the asset.
Have a compliance question we haven't answered?
Talk to us. We'll happily walk you through what's required for your specific venue.