Why TR19 Duct Cleaning is Essential for Fire Safety
When it comes to keeping commercial kitchens safe, clean, and legally compliant, TR19 duct cleaning is more than just good practice, it’s a critical fire safety measure. At Master Grill, we help commercial kitchen operators across the UK maintain TR19 standards with professional ductwork cleaning and inspections.
What is TR19?
TR19 is the industry standard for kitchen extract cleaning, created by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association). It outlines best practices for inspecting and cleaning ventilation systems in commercial environments. Especially kitchen extraction systems, where grease build up is a major fire risk.
TR19 sets out the minimum standards for the cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of commercial ventilation and extraction systems, with a particular focus on kitchen extract ductwork, where the build up of grease and contaminants can pose serious fire risks.
Over time, cooking processes produce grease laden vapors that are drawn into the extraction system. These vapors cool and condense on the internal surfaces of ducts, canopies, filters, and fans, forming a thick, flammable residue. If not regularly cleaned, this grease build up becomes a major fire hazard, with duct fires capable of spreading rapidly through the entire building.
Why TR19 Matters for Your Business
TR19 not only protects the safety of your premises, staff, and customers it also serves as a benchmark for insurance providers, fire inspectors, and environmental health officers. Failure to comply with TR19 cleaning standards can result in:
Invalidated insurance claims in the event of a fire
Enforcement action under the Fire Safety Order 2005
Fines or legal liability due to health and safety breaches
Closure notices issued by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs)
By following the TR19 framework, businesses demonstrate that they’ve taken all reasonable steps to reduce fire risk and maintain a safe, hygienic working environment.
How Often Should You Schedule TR19 Duct Cleaning?
The frequency of TR19 duct cleaning depends on how heavily your kitchen is used. Over time, even the most efficient kitchen extraction systems will accumulate grease, carbon, and airborne contaminants. All of which pose a serious fire risk if not professionally removed.
BESA’s TR19 guidelines recommend the following cleaning schedule:
Heavy Use (12–16 hours per day): Every 3 months
Ideal for busy commercial kitchens such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and takeaway outlets operating long hours.Moderate Use (6–12 hours per day): Every 6 months
Suitable for medium-sized kitchens or those with steady daily operations, like schools or canteens.Light Use (2–6 hours per day): Every 12 months
Best suited for smaller operations, such as pop-up kitchens, cafés, or seasonal venues.
However, usage alone isn’t the only factor. Insurers, fire officers, and environmental health inspectors often request evidence of regular cleaning based on risk assessment. At Master Grill, we offer customised maintenance plans that align with your kitchen’s specific needs
What’s Included in a TR19 Kitchen Extract Clean?
A TR19 certified kitchen extract clean goes far beyond a surface wipe down. The service will include a deep clean of your entire system. Following TR19 guidelines from start to finish.
Here’s what the service includes:
Full system inspection to assess grease levels and identify any blockages, damage, or fire risks
Access point checks and installation (if required) to ensure we can clean all parts of the system thoroughly
Deep cleaning of kitchen canopy, extractor fan, grease filters, and ductwork using industry grade degreasers and mechanical tools
Post clean photographic evidence showing before and after conditions of key system areas
TR19 compliance report and certificate, which includes a full record of service, grease measurements, and technician sign off essential for insurance and fire safety documentation
Whether you’re preparing for an audit or just want to stay proactive, our team ensures you’re always inspection ready.
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant with Master Grill
Fire safety in commercial kitchens isn’t just about extinguishers and alarms, it starts with what’s above your head.
Grease build up in extraction systems is one of the most common and dangerous fire risks, and TR19 compliance is the industry’s gold standard for managing it. By investing in regular TR19 compliant duct cleaning, you’re not only protecting your staff, customers, and property, you’re also demonstrating due diligence to insurers, inspectors, and regulators.
At Master Grill, we make TR19 compliance easy. Our expert team delivers thorough, documented cleaning services tailored to your kitchen’s needs with minimal disruption and maximum peace of mind.
Contact Master Grill today to schedule your next TR19 duct clean or request a free site survey.
When it comes to fire safety, prevention isn’t optional it’s essential.