Keeping a commercial kitchen safe and compliant is about more than just food hygiene. It is also about managing fire risks and maintaining clean air throughout your facility. One of the most important aspects of kitchen safety is the maintenance of your extraction system, and that is where TR19 kitchen extract cleaning standards come in. Further, in this blog, you will learn what the TR19 standard is, why it is important, what it requires from facility managers, and how following it can protect your staff, property, and reputation.
What is TR19?
TR19 is a standard created by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) that sets out best practices for cleaning and maintaining kitchen extract systems. It provides clear guidance on how ventilation and ductwork should be cleaned to reduce fire hazards and maintain healthy air quality. Every commercial kitchen produces grease, smoke, and airborne particles during cooking. Over time, these build up inside the extract ducts and fans, creating a serious fire risk if not thoroughly cleaned. The TR19 standard ensures that all systems are thoroughly and regularly cleaned to a verified level of safety.
Why TR19 Kitchen Extract Cleaning Matters?
For facility managers, TR19 kitchen extract cleaning is a critical part of safety and compliance. Following these standards helps you meet legal and insurance requirements while keeping your kitchen running efficiently.
Here are some key reasons why TR19 compliance matters:
- Fire Safety: Grease deposits are highly flammable. Proper cleaning removes these hazards, greatly reducing the risk of kitchen fires.
- Legal Compliance: Many insurers and regulators require proof of TR19 compliance. Without it, you risk fines, failed inspections, or voided insurance claims.
- Better Air Quality: Clean ductwork ensures proper airflow, reduces odours, and creates a healthier environment for kitchen staff.
- Improved Efficiency: A clean extraction system works more effectively, saving energy and extending equipment lifespan.
What Does TR19 Cleaning Involve?
TR19 cleaning covers every part of your kitchen extract system, including the canopy, filters, ductwork, and fans. The process follows a structured and verified approach to ensure safety and cleanliness.
Here is a simple overview:
- Inspection and Assessment: Technicians inspect the system to identify grease buildup and areas that require cleaning.
- Access Panel Installation: If necessary, access points are added to allow a complete and thorough clean throughout the ductwork.
- Deep Cleaning: Specialist tools and safe cleaning agents are used to remove grease and residue from all components.
- Verification and Reporting: After cleaning, a detailed report is provided with photos and measurements showing compliance with TR19 standards.
How Often Should TR19 Cleaning Be Done?
The frequency of TR19 kitchen extract cleaning depends on how often your kitchen operates.
- Heavy-use kitchens that run 12 to 16 hours daily should be cleaned every 3 months.
- Moderate-use kitchens that run 6 to 12 hours daily should be cleaned every 6 months.
- Light-use kitchens that run 2 to 6 hours daily should be cleaned every 12 months.
Following this schedule not only keeps your system compliant but also prevents damage and costly repairs.
The Role of Facility Managers in Compliance
Facility managers are responsible for ensuring their kitchens remain TR19 compliant. This includes scheduling professional cleaning, maintaining records, and verifying that the cleaning company is fully trained in TR19 standards.
You should always ask for a post-clean report and a certificate of compliance, as these serve as official proof during insurance inspections or audits.
Partnering with the Right Experts
Working with a trusted specialist like Provent Compliance ensures your kitchen extract system is cleaned and maintained to the highest standard. The team uses advanced tools and proven methods to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient cleaning services.
Final Thoughts
TR19 kitchen extract cleaning is essential for fire safety, air quality, and regulatory compliance. It helps you protect your staff, your customers, and your business reputation. By staying compliant with TR19 standards, facility managers can create a safer, cleaner, and more efficient kitchen environment. To ensure your system is fully compliant and operating safely, contact Provent Compliance today and schedule your professional TR19 kitchen extract cleaning service today!
