Why the Certificate Matters as Much as the Clean
A TR19-compliant kitchen extract clean is only as valuable as the documentation that proves it was carried out. Without a properly structured TR19 compliance certificate, you have no evidence to present to your insurer, Environmental Health Officer, or fire officer — and no protection in the event of a claim or inspection.
Not all TR19 certificates are equal. A poorly documented certificate may fail to satisfy an insurer's loss adjuster, even if the physical clean was carried out to the correct standard. Understanding what a compliant certificate must contain allows you to assess the quality of your current cleaning contractor's documentation.
The Required Contents of a TR19 Compliance Certificate
A TR19-compliant service report and certificate should contain the following elements:
1. Client and Premises Details
The full name and address of the business, the specific premises address (if different), and the name of the responsible person who commissioned the clean.
2. Contractor Details
The full name, address, and contact details of the cleaning contractor. The certificate should also state the contractor's relevant qualifications and accreditations — for example, BESA membership, relevant training certifications, and public liability insurance details.
3. System Description
A description of the extraction system covered by the clean, including the type of cooking equipment served, the canopy dimensions, the ductwork configuration, and the fan specification where known.
4. Date of Clean and Previous Clean Date
The date on which the current clean was carried out, and the date of the previous clean. This allows the insurer or inspector to verify that the cleaning frequency meets the TR19 requirement for the premises' usage category.
5. Usage Category and Required Frequency
A statement of the premises' TR19 usage category (heavy, moderate, or light use) and the corresponding minimum cleaning frequency. This demonstrates that the cleaning schedule is appropriate for the type of operation.
6. Pre-Clean Deposit Thickness Measurements
Measurements of grease deposit thickness at multiple points within the system before cleaning, recorded in millimetres. The TR19 standard specifies maximum acceptable deposit thicknesses — these measurements demonstrate the condition of the system at the start of the clean and provide a baseline for future comparison.
7. Post-Clean Deposit Thickness Measurements
Measurements of grease deposit thickness at the same points after cleaning, confirming that deposits have been reduced to within the TR19 acceptable range.
8. Photographic Evidence
Photographs of the system at key points before and after cleaning. These should include the canopy interior, ductwork access points, fan unit, and any areas of particular concern. Photographs should be dated and referenced to the specific location within the system.
9. Access Points Inspected
A record of all access points opened during the clean, confirming that the entire system was accessible and inspected. Where access was limited or not possible, this should be noted with the reason.
10. Compliance Statement
A formal statement confirming that the extraction system has been cleaned to the BESA TR19 standard and meets the required cleanliness criteria at the date of the clean.
11. Next Recommended Clean Date
A recommendation for the date of the next clean, based on the usage category and the condition of the system observed during the current clean.
12. Contractor Signature and Date
The certificate should be signed by the technician who carried out the clean and countersigned by a supervisor or company director where possible.
What BlueTick's Certificates Include
Every TR19 compliance certificate issued by BlueTick Extraction Hygiene includes all of the above elements. Our certificates are produced with the insurer's requirements specifically in mind — our founder's CII qualifications and connection to an FCA-regulated commercial insurance brokerage means we understand what a loss adjuster will look for when assessing a kitchen fire claim.
We provide certificates in digital PDF format, retained on our system for your records, and available for reissue at any time should you need to provide evidence to your insurer or a prospective tenant.
Book a Free Site Survey
BlueTick Extraction Hygiene serves commercial kitchens across Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, and surrounding counties. Call 07423 291372 or visit bluetickhygiene.co.uk to book a free, no-obligation site survey.
Related reading: Will My Insurance Be Void Without TR19 Compliance? | How Often Should a Commercial Kitchen Extraction System Be Cleaned?