Be Aware

Insurers are becoming increasingly diligent when dealing with kitchen fire claims, particularly with regard to the scrutinising of extract duct cleaning reports.

The majority of insurers apply a policy condition stating that kitchen extract ducting should be deep cleaned at least every 6 months by a professional contractor (the industry standard for this type of work is known as TR19).

Key items to check when engaging a contractor;

• Ensure the contractor complies with the TR19 industry standard

• Obtain evidence that the contractor has valid ‘Public Liability’ insurance in place with a minimum £5,000,000 Limit of Liability

• Ensure that the contractor provides a schematic of the duct system in their report, which should detail the complete run, including the canopy

• Ask the contractor to provide before and after measurements of grease build-up in their report

• Ask the contractor to provide before and after photos in their report

• Ask the contractor to confirm in writing in their report that 100% of the ducting has been cleaned and passed clean

• Ensure that the contractor is instructed to provide recommendations in their report