What is TR19 Grease Cleaning?
TR19 cleaning refers to the cleaning process that commercial kitchens must follow to meet the TR19 guidelines set by the Building and Engineering Services Association (BESA). These guidelines are specific to kitchen extract systems and ensure that they are cleaned properly to prevent the buildup of grease, which is highly flammable and can cause fires if left unchecked.
The TR19 standard covers the cleaning of several components within the kitchen extract system, including the canopy, ductwork, filters, and fans. By following these guidelines, you can make sure your kitchen is not only compliant with safety regulations but also running at its best.
When you run a commercial kitchen, maintaining your ventilation system is crucial for both safety and efficiency. A kitchen extract system is responsible for removing heat, smoke, steam, and grease—essentially, it keeps your kitchen air clean and safe. But over time, grease and contaminants accumulate in these systems, which can create serious fire hazards and lower the performance of your equipment. This is why kitchen extract cleaning is so important.
Regular cleaning doesn’t just improve the cleanliness of your kitchen; it’s also a legal requirement, especially when you’re following the TR19 standards. TR19 cleaning ensures that your system is safe, efficient, and in full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Why is Kitchen Extract Cleaning so important?
Fire Hazard
Grease buildup in kitchen extraction systems is highly flammable. If left unchecked, even the smallest spark could cause a catastrophic fire, putting lives at risk and destroying your business. Are you willing to gamble with your safety?
Health & Safety
Accumulated grease and other contaminants create a breeding ground for bacteria, posing serious health risks to your staff. Non-compliance with TR19 not only endangers lives but also violates health and safety standards, opening you up to potential lawsuits.
Legal Consequences
Failing to comply with TR19 regulations could result in heavy fines and penalties. The law doesn't take kindly to negligence, and your business could be forced to shut down if you're found non-compliant. Can you afford to ignore this ticking time bomb?
Reputational Damage
A fire or health scare linked to grease buildup will destroy your reputation faster than you can recover. Word spreads quickly in the industry, and once you’re known for neglecting safety, clients will look elsewhere. Can your brand handle that kind of damage?
Insurance Risks
If a grease-related fire occurs and your cleaning practices aren’t up to code, your insurance company could refuse to pay out. That means you’ll be left to cover the entire loss out of pocket. One accident could financially ruin your business.
Operational Downtime
If your kitchen’s extraction system becomes clogged due to grease, the entire operation can grind to a halt. Equipment failure leads to costly repairs and costly downtime, impacting your bottom line and leaving you scrambling to get back on track.
Key Components of the Kitchen Extract System
Canopy/Range Hood - This is the first line of defense, capturing grease, smoke, and steam as it rises during cooking. A clean canopy ensures that these contaminants don’t enter your ducts, making it an essential part of the system.
Grease Filters - These filters trap grease particles and prevent them from traveling further into the system. Keeping them clean and in good condition is crucial for system performance and fire prevention.
Ductwork - Ducts are where grease and debris accumulate the most. Cleaning the ductwork can be tricky, especially in larger or harder-to-reach systems, but it’s essential for preventing blockages and fire hazards.
Fan and Extractor - The fan or extractor helps move air through the system. If grease builds up here, it can cause the system to work less effectively and increase the risk of a fire. A clean fan helps maintain airflow and system performance.
External Vents - Don’t forget the external vents! Grease can accumulate here too, obstructing airflow and reducing the efficiency of your system. Cleaning these regularly ensures your system remains as effective as possible.
How often should a Kitchen Extract System be cleaned?
Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule is essential for ensuring kitchen extraction systems remain safe and compliant with regulations. The cleaning frequency depends on the level of use:
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Heavy Use (12-16 hours per day): Clean every 3 months.
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Moderate Use (6-12 hours per day): Clean every 6 months.
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Light Use (2-6 hours per day): Clean annually.
Adhering to a well-planned cleaning schedule helps prevent grease buildup, reducing fire risks and promoting a safer, healthier kitchen environment.
How to achieve TR19 compliance
1. Initial Consultation & Site Survey
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Objective: Understand the current condition of your kitchen extraction system and identify any areas of concern.
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What Happens: A qualified technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your kitchen's extraction system, including canopies, ductwork, fans, and filters, to assess the level of grease accumulation and identify any potential hazards.
2. Pre-Cleaning Preparation
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Objective: Safely prepare your system for cleaning.
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What Happens:
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Your kitchen system will be temporarily shut down to prevent contamination during cleaning.
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All necessary safety measures, including PPE for technicians, will be in place.
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Barriers and protective sheeting will be set up around the area to catch grease runoff and debris.
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3. Professional Cleaning of the System
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Objective: Remove all grease and contaminants from the extraction system in accordance with TR19 standards.
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What Happens:
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Duct Cleaning: Thoroughly scrub and vacuum all ductwork using mechanical tools to eliminate grease buildup.
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Canopy & Fan Cleaning: Use degreasers and specialized tools to clean the canopies and fans, ensuring all grease is removed from surfaces.
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Wet Film Thickness Test: A test is performed to measure the amount of grease remaining after cleaning to confirm compliance with TR19 standards.
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4. Post-Cleaning Inspection & Testing
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Objective: Ensure the system is fully clean and meets TR19 requirements.
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What Happens:
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A final inspection will verify that all components are grease-free and functioning correctly.
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Wet film thickness tests will be conducted to ensure the cleaning process meets TR19 standards.
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Any issues or areas requiring further attention will be documented.
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5. Final Report & Certification Application
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Objective: Document the cleaning process and apply for TR19 certification.
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What Happens:
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A comprehensive report detailing the inspection, cleaning, and test results will be provided.
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The report will include photos, wet film thickness readings, and any recommendations for future maintenance.
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We’ll apply for TR19 certification on your behalf, ensuring that your system is officially recognized as compliant.
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6. Ongoing Maintenance & Scheduled Cleaning
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Objective: Ensure continued compliance and prevent grease buildup in the future.
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What Happens:
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We’ll provide you with a recommended cleaning schedule based on the usage of your kitchen and system.
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Regular inspections and cleaning will be scheduled to keep your system compliant and reduce fire risks.
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Commercial Kitchen Cleaning
We also offer the convenience of bundling TR19 kitchen extract cleaning with our comprehensive commercial kitchen cleaning services. By combining these essential services, you can ensure that your entire kitchen ventilation system meets safety standards while maintaining a pristine kitchen environment. Our TR19 cleaning, conducted to the highest industry standards, removes grease and debris from ducts, filters, canopies, and fans, reducing the risk of fire hazards and improving air quality. Paired with our commercial kitchen cleaning services, which cover everything from cooking equipment to floors and walls, this bundle provides a complete solution for your kitchen’s cleanliness and compliance needs. Bundling these services not only saves you time and hassle but also helps you stay fully compliant with fire safety regulations, all while maintaining a hygienic and efficient kitchen environment.
At Dirt-Free Scotland, we are specialists in TR19 kitchen extract cleaning. We understand the importance of maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen ventilation system, and we have the experience and certification to get the job done right.
Here’s why businesses across Glasgow and Central Scotland trust us for their kitchen extract cleaning needs:
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Fully TR19 Certified
Our team is fully trained and certified to provide TR19 cleaning that meets all the necessary safety and performance standards. You’ll get a certification of compliance after each cleaning. -
Comprehensive Cleaning Services
From canopies to ducts and fans, we clean every part of your kitchen extract system to ensure it’s safe and efficient. -
Eco-Friendly and Safe Cleaning
We use eco-friendly cleaning agents and cutting-edge equipment to safely remove grease and contaminants without damaging your system. -
Flexible Maintenance Plans
We offer tailored cleaning schedules to fit the needs of your business. Whether you need a one-off clean or regular maintenance, we’ll work with you to ensure your kitchen extract system stays compliant and efficient. -
Competitive Pricing
We believe in offering high-quality services at affordable rates. You’ll get clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs.
Kitchen extract cleaning and TR19 certification are vital for any commercial kitchen that wants to stay safe, compliant, and efficient. Regular cleaning reduces fire hazards, improves air quality, and keeps your kitchen operating at peak performance. By choosing a professional cleaning service like Dirt-Free Scotland, you can rest easy knowing that your kitchen extract system is in safe hands.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a cleaning or request a free quote.