Kitchen Ventilation

Issue	Hazard	Possible solutions	Check it
Food odours	Unpleasant odours invading adjacent work areas.	Install extractor fan which sucks cooking smells to the outside air and prevents these being drawn into the office air-conditioning system.
Heat from cooking	Food preparation involving use of cook tops and ovens generates additional heat in the area and may affect the air-conditioning.	Ensure that heat from cooking operations in the kitchen does not affect the nearest temperature control point for air-conditioning. Install a separate air-conditioner in the kitchen.
Steam	Excessive condensation from steam generated from boiling water.	Install a range hood with fan above cooktop to disperse steam from cooking pans. Ensure that any kettles or jugs used for boiling water have cut-out switches fitted. Install a plumbed-in boiling water tap for instant delivery of hot water at drinking temperature.
Smoke	Smoke from burning food, cooking oil.	Locate electric toasters away from smoke alarms so these do not activate prematurely. Install a ceiling or window-mounted extractor fan or a range hood above stove to disperse smoke. Instruct users to switch on extractor fan and/or range hood before starting to prepare food which may burn or smoke.

Further Information

Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 Part 4: Plant

Approved Codes of Practice
Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008

Comcare Guidance Material
OHS Book 1 - Officewise

Fact Sheet 40 - Legionnaires' Disease

Further Information Other Guidance Material
ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes

Building Code of Australia

SHARE IT!
We want to make the 'Virtual Office' serve your needs even better by making it interactive!
We welcome your participation by drawing on your experience to add to the contents of this page.

Virtual Office is managed by the Comcare Compliance Assistance Section.

Page last updated:August 28, 2008