BS 6173 provides installers with design information on this subject. The objective of all ventilation systems is to ensure safe working conditions in the kitchen. The cooking process will generate products of combustion, heat etc, all of which are required to be kept within safe environmental limits by operation of the ventilation system. If a mechanical system fails or is not working correctly, the environment may become unsafe or unfit for work.

It is important to make sure all natural and mechanical ventilation systems are working effectively. The installer should have fitted an appropriate gas interlocking system between any mechanical ventilation system and the operation of gas appliances so that failure of the system causes the gas supply to them to be shut off. Installation of manual bypasses to such interlock systems is not permitted.

Effective preventative maintenance and cleaning will help to prevent appliances from regularly being shut down due to the ventilation system failing.