Kitchen extract fire regulations, and what your insurer expects

Kitchen extract fire regulations start with the Fire Safety Order 2005. If you run a commercial kitchen, it makes you assess and reduce fire risks, and your extract system must be part of your fire risk assessment. Insurers expect regular cleaning too. If it lapses, your fire cover could be invalid.

Why grease in the extract is a fire risk

Grease from cooking builds up inside the canopy, ducts and fan. If it catches fire, the fire can travel along the duct. Kent Fire and Rescue says fires within ductwork are very difficult to stop, and can break out into other buildings. (Kent Fire and Rescue)

What the law says

The fire authority checks fire safety in business premises. TR19 Grease, from BESA, is the trade standard for keeping grease in the extract under control. See the TR19 grease guide.

What your insurer expects

• Proof of cleaning. BESA says many insurers now require proof that kitchen extract ductwork is cleaned and inspected regularly. (BESA)
• Cover at risk. Kent Fire and Rescue says poor cleaning could invalidate your fire insurance. (Kent Fire and Rescue) AXA says that if cleaning lapses, your buildings cover may be invalidated. (AXA)
• The right firm. AXA suggests using a BESA member on the BESCA Vent Hygiene Register. (AXA)

Read your own policy. It may set its own cleaning dates, which can be stricter than TR19.

What to keep on file

1. Your fire risk assessment, with the extract system in it.
2. Every post-clean report and certificate. See the TR19 certificate guide.
3. The date the next clean is due.

This page explains the rules. It isn't legal advice. Facts are quoted from the sources linked.