Mechanical Extraction
We maintain the mechanical extraction systems across several airport retail units for World Duty Free and other airport retailers. These systems are maintained through a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedule which includes both minor and major service visits throughout the year. A major visit may involve a full fan belt inspection or ductwork check to ensure optimal airflow and hygiene.
Visits can be scheduled monthly, bi-monthly, or eight times per year, depending on the site requirements and agreement with the client.
Our engineers, either directly employed or trusted sub-contractors, attend site at the agreed frequency. Most visits are scheduled overnight to avoid disruption during trading hours, as requested by our clients who operate within secure and high-footfall retail spaces.
What does the engineer do when on site?
The engineer will typically access ceiling voids or roof spaces using ladders or small platforms. They will inspect the extraction fans, clean or replace the mesh or pleated filters, and vacuum away any build-up of dust or debris. Belt-driven units will have their belts tensioned or replaced as needed. The engineer will check the motor, bearings, and any relevant sensors or airflow regulators. Airflow speeds and pressure readings are recorded, especially in ducted systems serving food preparation or high-use areas, and logged onto their PPM sheet to ensure all systems meet current HSE and manufacturer standards.
The aim of each visit is to keep the mechanical extraction system running efficiently, ensuring good air quality and ventilation for both staff and customers in the busy airport environment.
Reactive Calls
These occur when there is a failure or concern with an extraction unit, such as no airflow, excess noise, or failure of a motor. The customer informs us of the fault and advises on their preferred response time or SLA (service level agreement).
This can range from:
- 2 hours
- 24 hours
- 10 days
We log the callout on our system and mirror it on the World Duty Free system, Concept. An engineer is dispatched to investigate and attempt a first-time fix. If the issue requires parts or additional work, we prepare a quotation for the client’s approval before any further work proceeds.
Quoted Works
When remedial work is required, Chilled Solutions issues a formal quotation outlining the issue, proposed solution, materials needed, and total costs. This includes estimates for labour time and any additional charges such as airport permit costs or specialist access equipment.
Once the client approves the quotation and provides a PO (purchase order), this acts as formal instruction to proceed. We then schedule the works, coordinate parts/materials procurement, and liaise with airport operations and the retailer to agree a start date. These works, like maintenance visits, are usually performed during out-of-hours periods to comply with airport restrictions on daytime work unless otherwise agreed in an emergency.