DW/172 Kitchen Ventilation Design & Compliance Consultancy

Because we are independent consultants rather than installing contractors, our advice is completely objective. We specify the exact requirements for your project to ensure compliance, protect your client's budget, and eliminate the risk of contractors upselling unnecessary equipment.

Meeting BESA DW/172 Specifications

BESA DW/172 is the definitive standard for kitchen ventilation systems in the UK. Failing to meet this specification can lead to building control rejection, invalidated insurance policies, and severe operational issues for the end user. Our consultancy provides the technical assurance that every aspect of your ventilation strategy is designed strictly to code.

Our independent design process includes:

• Precise Airflow Calculations: We calculate exact capture velocities and extraction volumes based on the specific thermal loads and fuel types of the proposed catering equipment.
• Make-Up Air Balancing: We engineer the corresponding supply air requirements to ensure the kitchen remains balanced, comfortable, and free from negative pressure draughts.
• Gas Interlock Integration: We detail the necessary BS 6173 and IGEM/UP/19 compliance requirements to ensure the specification mandates automatic gas shut-off systems.

Canopy Sizing & Equipment Layouts

We remove the guesswork from spatial planning. Before contractors are even invited to quote, we provide the precise dimensions and technical requirements for your extraction systems.

• Canopy Specification: We specify the exact overhangs, dimensions, and filter types required for wall-mounted or island canopies, ensuring they adequately cover the cooking line.
• Ductwork Routing & Sizing: We calculate the required duct sizes and pressure drops to ensure the system operates efficiently and quietly. This provides your design team with accurate spatial requirements for ceiling voids and service risers.
• Fire Safety Compliance: We map out ductwork routes in accordance with TR19® Grease guidelines, specifying exactly where contractors must install fire dampers and cleaning access doors.

Coordinated Integration for Architects

Kitchen ventilation systems demand significant space and can heavily impact the architectural vision of a building. We work closely with your design team from the earliest feasibility stages to prevent spatial conflicts and integrate the mechanical services smoothly.

Whether you need advice on routing ductwork through a listed building or specifying low-profile canopies for venues with restricted ceiling heights, our team provides practical and design-led engineering solutions.

Navigating Local Authority Planning

Securing planning permission for commercial kitchens frequently stalls over noise and odour concerns. We produce the robust technical documentation required to satisfy planning officers and Environmental Health departments.

• EMAQ+ Odour Control: We design and specify the correct level of filtration to meet EMAQ+ guidelines. This includes specifying carbon filtration, UV-C systems, or Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) based on the specific menu and proximity to residential properties.
• Acoustic Attenuation: We provide detailed acoustic specifications, including inline silencers and anti-vibration mounts. This ensures the plant equipment does not exceed strict local authority background noise limits (LA90).
• Discharge Guidance: We advise on the necessary flue routing and high-level discharge points required to satisfy local planning policies.