What Is AS 1851 for Kitchen Exhaust Maintenance?
AS 1851 is often mentioned when commercial kitchen operators discuss exhaust maintenance with a building manager or insurer. Understanding its scope makes those conversations more useful.
The standard’s scope
AS 1851 is the Australian Standard for routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. The relevant kitchen exhaust provisions address maintenance of grease-extract systems. It is not a general HVAC cleaning standard or proof that the business holds an accreditation.
What your service plan should consider
AS 1851 provides the relevant routine-service framework for kitchen exhaust maintenance. The applicable requirements, inspection findings, cooking load and any insurer or building-specific conditions should inform the service plan. Do not assume one annual booking is suitable for every kitchen.
Ask what is actually included
A clean canopy does not prove that hidden ductwork has been cleaned. Review the plenum behind the filters, duct runs, bends, fan and discharge point within the agreed scope. Inaccessible sections should be identified, not silently omitted. Clean Air Filtration can supply and install duct access hatches where required, with placement and suitability assessed for the system.
Why insurers may ask for records
An insurer may require maintenance evidence under a particular policy. Ask about your policy’s conditions directly; a service report does not guarantee cover, claim acceptance or an inspection outcome.
Keep useful evidence
Keep the agreed scope, service date, before-and-after photographs, PDF report, inaccessible sections and recommended follow-up together. A service report documents the work completed; the insurer, auditor or relevant authority determines whether it meets their requirements.
Coordinate filter and full-system services
Grease filter exchange and full-system exhaust cleaning have different scopes. Keep both in the maintenance register and record any electrostatic unit separately where installed.
Arrange a commercial service
Clean Air Filtration provides commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning in Melbourne and Victoria. Tell us your site location, system details, access restrictions and operating hours so we can discuss the cleaning scope. Call (03) 9303 9661 or email sales@cleanair.com.au.
Every client receives a client portal, including one-off services. Completed-service PDF reports and job photos are available there. See our service records guide for what to keep with your maintenance history.
Cover image: AI-generated editorial illustration of representative equipment or premises, not a client-site photograph.