TR19 Reports: Ensuring Fire Safety and Compliance in Kitchen Ventilation
Commercial kitchen ventilation systems require regular deep cleaning to prevent dangerous grease build-up. In fact, up to 70% of fires in commercial kitchens originate in faulty extract systems due to accumulated fat and grease. This is why the industry follows the TR19 guidelines for ventilation cleanliness. In this post, we explain what TR19 is, why it’s so important, and what a TR19 report includes – so you can keep your kitchen safe, legal, and fully insured.
Understanding TR19 at a Glance
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| TR19 Grease | Focuses on removing grease from kitchen extraction systems to mitigate fire hazards. Specifies cleaning frequency and thoroughness based on usage. |
| TR19 Air | Focuses on maintaining indoor air quality by cleaning air ducts to remove dust, debris, and contaminants. |
| Importance | TR19 compliance is crucial for meeting fire safety regulations, satisfying insurers, and maintaining a healthy working environment. |
| BESA | The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is the trade body that created and maintains the TR19 guidelines. |
| Benefits | Prevents kitchen fires, improves air quality, ensures efficient ventilation, and demonstrates legal and insurance compliance. |
| Compliance | TR19 certificates are often required by insurers, facilities managers, and landlords to prove systems have been cleaned to appropriate standards. |
What is a TR19 Report?
After completing an extraction system deep-clean to TR19 standards, a professional contractor will issue a TR19 post-cleaning report (also known as a TR19 certificate or verification report). This documentation is proof that your kitchen’s ductwork has been cleaned in accordance with TR19 guidelines, and it’s vital for your records.
A full and detailed TR19 report typically includes:
- Details of the work completed – which duct sections, hoods, fans, and filters were cleaned, and how they were cleaned.
- Photographic evidence – before-and-after photos of the internal ductwork and extraction components, demonstrating the removal of grease deposits.
Cleaning Verification Summary Table Extract from TR19 Report
- Measurements or assessments of grease levels – readings of grease thickness in the duct before and after cleaning to confirm they meet the required standards.
Micron Measurement Table Extract from TR19 Report
- Notes on any inaccessible areas – with recommendations for remedial action.
- A certificate of TR19 compliance – an official record that the system has been cleaned to the appropriate standard.
Before/After Photo Pairs from TR19 Report (1 example set from 29 photo pairs )
Recommended Cleaning Frequency (TR19 Guidelines)
Following TR19 isn’t a one-time task – it calls for regular cleaning schedules based on how heavily your kitchen is used:
- Heavy use kitchens (12–16 hours/day) – every 3 months
- Moderate use (6–12 hours/day) – every 6 months
- Light use (2–6 hours/day) – every 12 months
These are minimum intervals – higher risk operations may require more frequent attention.
Working with Certified Professionals
TR19 compliance is only as good as the people doing the work. That’s why it’s essential to hire qualified, certified ventilation cleaning professionals. A reputable contractor will follow TR19 protocols thoroughly and provide detailed documentation.
BCS delivers services in accordance with BESA guidance and provides every client with clear reports, recommendations, and compliance certificates.
Why TR19 Compliance Matters
Ignoring TR19 guidelines can lead to:
- Serious fire risk due to grease accumulation
- Potential insurance invalidation
- Legal consequences under fire safety law
- Unscheduled downtime or closure
“Having your TR19 documentation in place is more than just a tick-box exercise. It’s a mark of a modern, responsible kitchen. Our clients rely on these reports not just for compliance, but to demonstrate professionalism and care in every part of their operation.”
— Liam Hodgson, Cleaning Services Manager, BCS
Mark Biffin, Director at BCS, explains:
“A proper TR19 report gives our clients one less thing to worry about. It’s peace of mind on paper – proof that the critical but dirty work has been done right. That means they can focus on delivering great food and service, knowing safety and compliance are in hand.”
Liam Hodgson, Cleaning Services Manager, adds:
“When an EHO or fire officer walks in, our clients can simply pull out their TR19 reports. Everything’s there – system schematics, micron readings, photos. It usually answers 90% of the questions on the spot.”
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A TR19 report is more than a certificate – it’s your proof of professionalism, safety, and due diligence. For restaurants, takeaways, school canteens, and workplace kitchens, it shows you’re serious about fire safety and operational excellence.
Let your team focus on food. Let BCS focus on your extract system cleaning.
BCS: Trusted for ventilation, hygiene and specialist cleaning.
