New Associate Member Announcement: Omega Hygiene Limited

We are proud to announce a new associate member of the NFFF – Omega Hygiene – Duct & Extraction Compliant Cleaning (TR19)

The number of commercial kitchens has grown and fires within premises has focused the attention of insurers, landlords and property owners to ensuring that kitchen ventilation systems are correctly cleaned and maintained.

BESA TR19® Grease (Publication)

Fire risk management of grease accumulation within Kitchen extract systems.

This document clearly sets out correct practice for cleaning contractors in relation to kitchen extract systems. This lays out best practice, reporting procedure and staff training requirements.

Insurers want compliance with this document and quote it in restaurant operators insurance policies, they should only use contractors who offer them a TR19® Grease compliant service.

We determine if a system is clean or dirty by measuring the thickness of the grease on the internal metal surfaces of the ductwork. Grease thickness is usually measured with a simple depth gauge or “comb”. This quickly tells us the thickness of the grease; thickness measurements are given in microns.

Ductwork is dirty and is a risk More than 200 microns of grease, Ductwork is dirty More than 50 microns of grease & Ductwork is clean Less than 50 microns of grease

Generally, you should clean in the direction of airflow, starting at the point of capture and finishing at the point of discharge to atmosphere. There are some exceptions, i.e. vertical riser ductwork, where you would work from top to bottom.

Our technician will need to quickly assess all of the elements of the cleaning project and needs to carry out a swift critical path analysis of the cleaning works.

This means working out which tasks are going to take the longest and where labour needs to be allocated. Bottlenecks which slow down work need to be avoided! Bottlenecks can include fitting access panels, unbolting fans, setting up mechanical cleaning equipment, vertical ductwork sections and taking photographs and readings.

TR19® Grease Surface grease deposit limits:

200μm as a mean across the system Complete cleaning required

Any single measurement above 500μm Urgent localised cleaning required

All cleaning frequencies should be based upon accurate historical levels of grease accumulation to maintain grease deposit levels below 200 microns as a mean across the system.

We are Trained & Qualified Technicians that will issue you with a detailed Report and upload to a Vent Hygiene Register so that your Insurers can have access and any given point.

This is absolutely critical as an operator under TR19 this should be made to clear to you before and after your Canopy/Duct Clean.

Should you require any further information or a brief conversation we would be happy to assist.