Page 42 - CIJ Feb 2025 - Digital Edition

FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Implementing Air Quality Systems in

Large Kitchens

Serving over a million meals each month demands the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and
efficiency. Managing large-scale or industrial kitchens in manufacturing, healthcare, or educational
facilities directly impacts food safety, staff well-being and operational efficiency, emphasises
Prasad Sakharkar, Brand Manager & Marketing Strategist, FFServices Pvt. Ltd

or us, good air quality With constant steaming, managed proactively to prevent
is not a luxury — it is a boiling, and washing, kitchens infestation,” says Prasad.
necessity. From smoke to also experience elevated humidity
airborne contaminants, levels. Excessive moisture not Maintenance
“Fwhat lingers in the air can only creates an uncomfortable Challenges in
affect not just the food we prepare workspace but also promotes mould
but also the health of our team.” growth, which deteriorates air Large Kitchens
Large-scale kitchens are hotbeds quality and poses significant health Here are the most common
of activity, and their unique risks. Ingredients like flour, spices, challenges and solutions:
environment makes them vulnerable and powdered additives generate
to poor air quality. Continuous high- fine dust that not only affects air 1. Grease Build-Up
volume cooking processes, such as quality but also clogs ventilation • Challenge: cooking grease
boiling, frying, and other routine systems, compounding the problem. accumulates in exhaust systems,
food preparation tasks, release Another major concern is pest filters, and ducts, reducing
significant amounts of particulate infestation — poor air quality efficiency and increasing fire
matter, grease particles, and volatile and accumulated grease attract hazards
organic compounds (VOCs) into the insects and rodents, increasing • Solution: we conduct regular
air. Without proper ventilation, these contamination risks. “Pest control
pollutants linger, posing health risks is an ongoing battle. Every air deep cleaning of exhaust
and contributing to foul odours. duct, every storage area has to be systems, ensuring grease
buildup is minimized and the
system runs optimally

2. Blocked Vents
• Challenge: dust and debris
block air vents, hindering
airflow and compromising
ventilation
• Solution: periodic inspections
and cleaning of vents ensure a
clear passage for air circulation

3. Overworked HVAC Systems
• Challenge: continuous
operation of ventilation and air
conditioning systems can lead
to breakdowns
• Solution: preventive
maintenance schedules and
investing in energy-efficient
equipment keep systems
functioning effectively while
reducing energy costs
42 FEBRUARY 2025•Clean India Journal•www.cleanindiajournal.com