About VHR
How The Vent Hygiene Register Became The UK's Number 1
The Vent Hygiene Register (VHR) has taken over three decades of dedication and determination by our members, industry professionals and partners.
We are more than just a register - we are a community, we are a voice, we are the extra pair of safe hands helping you and the industry navigate through the safety critical world that is vent hygiene. Vent hygiene contractors protect people, property and their client's reputation by reducing the risk of fire within commercial buildings. It's as simple as that.
Join us on our journey, as we look back on how far we've come, the driving forces behind VHR and how we support the hospitality sector and our members' clients through our chosen charity - Hospitality Action.
Our Vision
To be the UK's leading Vent Hygiene Register, setting the highest standards for our industry and developing a regulated framework to ensure quality and safety for all.
Our Mission
- Ensure safety, equity and regulation in the vent hygiene industry by lobbying relevant organisations
- Accessibility of the register to all, creating a level playing field for contractors
- Promoting safer systems and protection of people and property by informing and driving compliance and standards
- Work with the insurance industry to specify VHR to reduce liability and risk
Over 30 Years Of History
Click on each year below and hover over the image to find out how we have evolved over the past 30 years.
Guide to good practice - internal cleanliness of new ductwork installations was published by the HVCA.
The HVCA Ventilation Hygiene Group Branch was created when the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations came into full effect and started to develop TR/17 to define when it was ‘appropriate’ to clean a ventilation system.
HVCA first published TR/17 in order to give guidance to good practice and to establish standards for testing, cleaning and verification of the internal cleanliness of ventilation systems.
The opportunity was been taken in the second Edition of TR/19 to incorporate reference to the new British and European Standard BS EN15780 Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems introduced in 2011.
Also changes were made to highlight the current best practice for ensuring that kitchen extract systems are maintained to minimise the risk of fire associated with grease accumulation. Kitchen extract systems were not covered by BS EN 15780.
In the TR/19 Third Edition, section 7 was withdrawn and was superseded by TR19® Grease, the stand-alone specification for Fire Risk Management of Grease Accumulation within Kitchen Extraction Systems.
The BESCA Vent Hygiene Elite (VHE) register was created following a direct request from members of the BESA Ventilation Hygiene Group. Members wanted to demonstrate a commitment to, and compliance with, industry best practice with the overall aim of raising the standards of the sector.
Four BESA accredited courses were developed in conjunction with TR19 and with input from the BESA Ventilation Hygiene Group - Air Hygiene Operative (AHO), Air Hygiene Technician (AHT), Grease Hygiene Operative (GHO) and Grease Hygiene Technician (GHT).
RC68: Recommendations for fire safety in catering establishments. TR19 is mentioned in 5.1.4, 5.6.13, & 5.7.8.
London Fire Brigade updates its GN86 Fire Safety Guidance Note: Catering Kitchen Extract Systems with TR19® Grease.
VHE wins the 'Best Use of Technology' at the Trade Association Awards for its growth in notifications of works via its SMS campaign work.
A new name, a new look and a brand new website was the next exciting chapter for our vent hygiene story...but still the same first-class register for the industry.
The four BESA accredited courses - AHO, AHT, GHO and GHT were revised by BESA to reflect the current requirements and recommendations of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and are now available via the BESA Academy website.
Meet The VHR Team
The VHR Team are always on hand to help, no matter how big or small your query is. Our industry knowledge and expertise spans over 30 years and our members are always at the heart of everything we do.
Get in touch with us 01768 860455 or email contact@venthygieneregister.com.
- HELEN YEULET - Director of Competence & Compliance
- CHRIS MAJOR - Head of Quality
- DARREN SHORNEY - Quality Manager
- IAN MCGREGOR - Audit Manager
- ANDY PARSONS - Auditor
- STUART FOX - Auditor
- JESS HEYES - Administrator
With over 60 years' worth of knowledge, expertise and skills, the Vent Hygiene Register User Group are part of the driving force behind the VHR community.
Their industry insight and issues faced with running a vent hygiene business, helps steer the direction of the Vent Hygiene Register and keeps us on track for being want the industry wants, rather than what we think the industry needs.
If you would like to be involved with the Vent Hygiene Register User Group, please email contact@venthygieneregister.com to register your interest.
Help shape your community, for you, your business and your industry.
- GARY NICHOLLS - Managing Director, Swiftclean
- GEORGE FRIEND - CEO, Ventilation Surveys and Services Limited
- DAMIEN MARTIN - Managing Director, Assure Services
- ZACH POOLE - Operations Director, Premier Compliance UK Ltd
- DAVE STEWART - Fire Damper Testing and Air Hygiene Services
- TITUS WARDLE - Director, Aether Compliance Ltd
- JAMIE WOODHALL - Technical and Innovations Manager, Rentokil Initial
Giving Back To The Community
This year we have chosen Hospitality Action as our chosen Charity of the Year.
Not only do our members protect people, property and their client's reputation by cleaning commercial kitchens to the TR19® Grease industry specification but we also give back to the hospitality sector they serve.
A number of factors over the recent years have had a huge impact on the hospitality industry - global pandemic, Brexit, Ukraine War, cost of living and energy crisis to name a few. Which is why we wanted to support this amazing charity Hospitality Action.
Established in 1837, they have since offered vital assistance to all who work, or have worked within hospitality in the UK. Whatever challenges those face - from physical illness or mental health issues to financial difficulty, family problems to addiction - Hospitality Action is there to get them back on their feet again. And when it’s no longer possible to work, they can help prepare for the next phase of their life.
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