Every commercial kitchen runs extraction systems that need to be clean. Every office has air ducts that need to be maintained. But most facility managers don’t think about these systems until something goes wrong.
The reality is simple but serious. Grease buildup in extraction hoods creates fire risk. Dirty air ducts spread contamination. Poor maintenance means regulatory breaches, insurance headaches, and potential disasters.
That’s where TR19 comes in. It’s the UK’s benchmark for ventilation and extraction cleaning, developed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). It exists because the industry learned long ago that you can’t leave this work to chance.
At BCS, we have teams who specialise in kitchen extract and HVAC deep cleaning – and TR19 is central to how they work.
What TR19 Actually Does
TR19 is BESA’s Technical Recommendation 19. It sets out how kitchen extraction systems and air ductwork should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained.
For kitchens, it defines cleaning frequency, inspection requirements, and how to document compliance. For offices, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities, it covers the maintenance of clean, safe air systems.
What makes TR19 effective is that it’s built on risk assessment. A burger van doesn’t operate at the same risk level as a hotel kitchen or hospital ward, and the framework recognises that. BESA maintains these standards because they reflect decades of real-world industry learning, not just regulation.
VHR: Who Should Be Doing This Work
The Ventilation Hygiene Register (VHR) lists contractors and technicians who’ve been properly assessed and certified by BESA. It’s how clients know who they can trust.
To be listed, you need to prove technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to ongoing training. It’s a meaningful benchmark, not a tick-box exercise.
How BCS Aligns with VHR Standards
We’ve structured our approach around the same principles that underpin the VHR:
- Training and development: Our teams receive formal instruction in TR19 methods, inspections, and reporting. Nobody is left to “pick it up as they go.”
- Regular assessment: We review every team’s performance, track refresher training, and make sure standards never slip.
- Continuous improvement: We invest in keeping skills sharp and methods current as guidance evolves.
“When we talk about standards like TR19, it’s really about trust,” says Liam Hodgson, Client Services Manager at BCS. “Clients need to know the people on site understand what’s at stake – fire safety, compliance, air quality. That’s the level we work to.”
Our Approach: Beyond Compliance
For us, standards are the floor, not the ceiling.
- Before we start: Every project begins with a detailed inspection and photographs. Clients see exactly what we’ve found and what needs doing.
- After we finish: We provide clear reports, test results, and certification showing that the work meets TR19 requirements. These documents sit neatly within your compliance or insurance records.
- Integration: For larger clients using CAFM or PPM systems, our reporting aligns directly with your maintenance schedules – no paperwork trails or gaps.
- Consistency: Our nationwide teams and contract managers ensure continuity. The same people return to your sites, understand your setup, and keep standards consistent.
“The whole point is to make compliance straightforward for our clients,” adds Liam. “We handle the complexity – they get certainty and proof that their systems are safe.”
Why This Matters
The stakes are high. A fire in a kitchen extraction system can shut down a business overnight. Contaminated air in a healthcare or food production environment can lead to serious liability. Non-compliance with TR19 exposes you to regulatory action and insurance problems.
Working with a TR19-aligned contractor cuts fire risk, protects air quality, and ensures you have the documentation to prove compliance. More importantly, it means peace of mind that your critical systems are properly maintained.
What’s Next for BCS
We’re continuing to grow – targeting more than 38 trained teams across the UK – and we’re working toward full BESA membership to formalise our long-standing alignment with best practice. We’re also developing an accredited training facility to futureproof our skills and raise industry standards.
“When clients see that we’re aligned with VHR and BESA, they know we’ve invested in doing things right,” says Mark Biffin, Director at BCS. “Standards build trust – and trust builds partnerships that last.”
Get Started
If you manage a kitchen, office, or facility with ventilation or extraction systems, it’s worth checking that your maintenance schedule reflects your actual risk level – and that your contractor can prove their TR19 credentials.
Ask about VHR status. Ask for documentation. It matters.
Or get in touch with BCS for a free assessment. We’ll inspect your systems, identify gaps, and show you exactly what TR19-aligned maintenance looks like.
Call 0330 056 3351 today
