Insights

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

As British Airways has found to its cost, an infestation of bedbugs can ground its aircraft but more importantly if left unresolved, it can inflict serious reputational damage.

Airlines, like hotels are at particular risk and whilst it is impossible to eliminate these risks completely, it is possible through careful and swift management, to contain and minimise any outbreak and limit any financial and reputational damage.

As specialist insurance brokers to the Hospitality & Leisure, we at James Hallam understand how your business works but unlike other brokers our ‘risk management’ programme is proactive, continuous and collaborative.

Working with our clients we are continually raising standards and equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to recognise the risks and associated costs with not acting decisively when managing a crisis.

Had British Airways taken the appropriate steps when the incidents first appeared, including deep forensic cleaning, the risk subsequent outbreaks would have been minimised and the media feeding frenzy avoided.

By working with James Hallam and signing up to the Gauntlet Package to achieve best practice, we keep premiums competitive and thankfully incidents rare. If a crisis were to occur, our strong and proactive leadership to implement a resilience strategy quickly, is why James Hallam is the Broker of Choice.

For more information about James Hallam Hospitality & Leisure or our Gauntlet Insurance Package, please call David Noble on 020 7977 7856 or email david.noble@jameshallam.co.uk.