TR19® Grease Services

Commercial kitchens present some of the highest fire risks within a building. During normal cooking operations, grease-laden vapours are extracted through canopies, ductwork and ventilation systems, gradually leaving combustible deposits throughout the extract system. If left unmanaged, these deposits can provide a pathway for fire to spread rapidly beyond the kitchen, increasing the risk to occupants, property and business operations.

Ventro delivers specialist TR19® Grease compliance services designed to minimise the risk of fire associated with commercial kitchen extraction systems. Working in accordance with guidance published by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association), our experienced engineers inspect, clean and maintain kitchen extract systems to help organisations manage grease accumulation, satisfy insurer requirements and support their wider fire safety responsibilities.

Whether supporting a hospital, care home, school, university, hotel, restaurant or commercial catering facility, we provide nationwide inspection, cleaning and reporting services that help create safer kitchen environments and reduce the likelihood of costly fire-related incidents.

What is TR19® Grease?

TR19® Grease is the industry-recognised guidance published by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for the inspection, cleaning and maintenance of commercial kitchen extract systems.

Developed specifically to address the fire risks associated with grease accumulation, TR19® Grease provides a framework for assessing contamination levels within kitchen extraction systems and establishes recommended cleaning frequencies based on kitchen usage.

The guidance is widely recognised by fire risk assessors, insurers, facilities managers and building owners as the benchmark for managing grease-related fire risk within commercial kitchens. While not legislation itself, TR19® Grease supports organisations in meeting their wider fire safety obligations and demonstrating that appropriate preventative measures are in place.

Why Kitchen Extract Cleaning Matters

Commercial kitchens generate significant amounts of grease-laden vapour during day-to-day cooking operations. As this vapour passes through the extraction system, grease begins to accumulate on internal surfaces throughout the canopy, ductwork and extraction equipment.

Over time, these deposits can become highly combustible. In the event of a kitchen fire, grease contamination within the extraction system can allow flames and heat to spread rapidly through the building, increasing both the severity of the incident and the potential for property damage.

Beyond fire safety, excessive grease build-up can negatively impact airflow, place additional strain on extraction equipment and reduce the effectiveness of ventilation systems. This can lead to increased energy consumption, more frequent maintenance issues and reduced comfort for kitchen staff.

Regular inspection and cleaning help mitigate these risks while supporting the long-term performance and reliability of the extraction system.

Under TR19® Grease guidance:

Less than 200 microns is considered an acceptable level of grease accumulation. Systems within this range are generally regarded as being maintained to an appropriate standard and present a lower fire risk.

Between 200 and 999 microns indicates that cleaning is required. At these levels, grease deposits have begun to accumulate beyond the recommended benchmark and should be addressed to prevent the risk of further contamination and fire spread.

1,000 microns or greater represents a significant build-up of combustible grease and is considered a high fire risk. Immediate cleaning is recommended to reduce the potential for fire ignition and rapid fire spread through the extraction system.

By regularly monitoring grease levels and maintaining systems within the acceptable benchmark range, organisations can demonstrate a proactive approach to fire safety, support compliance with insurer requirements and reduce the likelihood of fire-related disruption.

How Often Should Kitchen Extract Systems Be Cleaned?

TR19® Grease recommends cleaning frequencies based on the intensity of kitchen use. High-volume operations that cook continuously throughout the day typically require cleaning every three months, while moderately used kitchens may require cleaning every six months. Facilities with lighter usage patterns can often operate on annual cleaning schedules.

However, every kitchen environment is different. Factors such as cooking methods, menu types, operating hours and equipment configuration can all influence grease production. For this reason, Ventro works closely with clients to establish appropriate inspection and maintenance schedules that reflect the specific demands of their operation.

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Our TR19® Grease Services

Ventro delivers a complete kitchen extract hygiene solution, beginning with a detailed assessment of the extraction system. Our engineers inspect the canopy, filters, ductwork, access points, extraction fans and discharge arrangements to determine the extent of grease accumulation and identify any areas requiring attention.

Once the condition of the system has been established, specialist cleaning techniques are used to remove grease deposits throughout the extraction system. This process restores system performance, reduces fire risk and helps ensure compliance with recognised industry standards. Where necessary, additional access panels can be installed to enable future inspection and maintenance activities.

Upon completion, clients receive a comprehensive compliance report containing details of the work undertaken, photographic evidence of system condition and any recommendations for future maintenance or improvements. This documentation provides a valuable audit trail and can support discussions with insurers, auditors and fire risk assessors.

Why Choose Ventro?

As part of the wider Ventro Group, we provide a fully integrated compliance offering spanning Fire, Electrical, Security, Air and Water services. This enables clients to manage multiple compliance disciplines through a single trusted contractor, simplifying procurement, reporting and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Our nationwide team combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of operational environments, allowing us to deliver kitchen extract cleaning programmes that minimise disruption while maintaining the highest standards of service. Whether supporting a single site or a large multi-location estate, we provide clear reporting, consistent delivery and a proactive approach to compliance management.

Contact our team today to discuss your TR19® Grease requirements and learn how Ventro can support your wider building compliance strategy.