Kitchen Extract
Cleaning & Compliance
Grease-laden ductwork is one of the leading causes of commercial kitchen fires in the UK. TR19 Grease compliance isn't just a legal standard — it's what stands between your business and a catastrophic fire, a voided insurance policy, and a failed inspection.
What Happens Without TR19 Compliance?
Every commercial kitchen operator in the UK has a legal duty to maintain their extract system in a clean, fire-safe condition. Failure to do so carries serious consequences.
If your extract system is not TR19 compliant:
- Your fire insurance may be invalidated — meaning you receive nothing after a fire
- You face potential prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Environmental Health Officers can issue improvement or closure notices
- Your Food Hygiene Rating can be downgraded or revoked
- Your employer's liability insurance may also be affected
- In the event of a fire, you could face personal liability as a business owner
Fire Risk
Grease accumulation in ductwork is highly flammable. A kitchen fire that enters an unclean duct system can spread rapidly through an entire building, bypassing fire compartmentation.
LEADING CAUSE OF COMMERCIAL FIRESInsurance Risk
Most commercial kitchen insurance policies contain a clause requiring TR19-compliant cleaning at specified intervals. Without documented proof, your claim can be rejected outright.
POLICY INVALIDATIONLegal Risk
The Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order 2005 must ensure extract systems are maintained. Failure is a criminal offence — not just a civil matter.
CRIMINAL LIABILITYWhat is TR19 Grease?
TR19 Grease is the industry standard published by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association) for the cleaning of kitchen extract ventilation systems. It replaced the older TR19 document specifically to address grease contamination in commercial kitchens.
Grease Deposit Benchmarks
TR19 Grease sets specific acceptable grease deposit levels — measured in microns — for different parts of the extract system. Your cleaning contractor must test and record these levels before and after cleaning.
Photographic Evidence Required
The standard requires photographic documentation of all accessible areas, including before and after images. Without this, your cleaning certificate has no evidential value.
Frequency Based on Usage
Cleaning frequency is determined by the type and volume of cooking. Heavy use kitchens (e.g. fast food, pub kitchens) require quarterly cleaning. Lower usage may permit annual cleaning.
PWVR Certificate
Every clean must be accompanied by a Post-Work Verification Report (PWVR) confirming grease levels are within the standard. This is your legal proof of compliance.
What We Do on Every Visit
Every Yorkshire PureAir Compliance kitchen extract clean follows the full TR19 Grease protocol — no shortcuts, no cut corners.
Pre-Clean Survey
Full inspection of canopy, ductwork, fan and filter. Grease deposit levels measured and photographed before work begins.
Canopy & Filter Clean
Full degreasing of canopy interior, baffles, grease traps and filters to remove accumulated grease deposits.
Ductwork Clean
All accessible ductwork sections cleaned using appropriate tools and chemicals. Access panels opened, inspected, and properly resealed.
Fan & Discharge Clean
Extract fan, motor housing and discharge point cleaned. Performance checked and recorded as part of the compliance report.
Kitchen Extract FAQ
How often does my kitchen extract need cleaning?
TR19 Grease sets frequency based on cooking type and volume. As a guide: heavy use (fast food, pub kitchens) = quarterly; moderate use (restaurants, hotels) = every 6 months; light use (offices, schools) = annually. We'll assess your kitchen and recommend the correct frequency.
Do I need to shut down the kitchen during cleaning?
Yes — extract cleaning must be carried out when the kitchen is not operating. We can work early mornings, late evenings or overnight to minimise disruption to your business.
What documentation do I receive after cleaning?
You receive a full Post-Work Verification Report (PWVR) with before and after photographs, grease deposit readings, areas cleaned, and a compliance certificate. This is what your insurer requires.
What areas of Yorkshire do you cover?
We cover the whole of Yorkshire including Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Harrogate, York, Wakefield, Huddersfield and surrounding areas. Contact us to confirm coverage for your site.
What if my ductwork has no access panels?
We will advise on the installation of access panels in the correct locations as per TR19 Grease requirements. Proper access is a compliance requirement and we can arrange this as part of the service.
Related guides
How often kitchen extracts should be cleaned · What is TR19? A guide for building managers
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