Running a busy kitchen? Then you’ve probably heard about TR19. And if not, don’t worry! Here’s a simple look at what it is, why it matters and how it helps keep your kitchen safe and sound.
A Simple Explanation of TR19
TR19 is a set of guidelines for cleaning and maintaining kitchen ventilation systems.
Created by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), it splits into two parts:
TR19 Grease: focuses on removing grease to reduce fire risk in commercial kitchens.
TR19 Air: deals with keeping air ducts clean to support healthy indoor air.
TR19 shows exactly how clean your kitchen ducts need to be and how often they must be checked.You can find the official TR19 guide here on BESA’s website.
Why is TR19 Important?
The most important reason? Fire. Grease builds up in kitchen extraction systems over time. If it’s not cleaned, it becomes a serious fire hazard.
It lays out clear rules for cleaning frequency based on how busy your kitchen is. It also sets the standards for how the cleaning should be done.
Plus, if your insurance company asks for proof of cleaning and you don’t have it, you might not be covered after a fire.
How Did it Come About?
Before TR19 was introduced, cleaning schedules were vague. In 2019, TR19 Grease became a standalone guide because kitchens were still catching fire, despite vague rules. It set clear standards for safe grease removal and staff qualifications
Then in October 2023, BESA released TR19 Air, recognising that kitchen air quality matters just as much as fire safety. Dirty air ducts can spread allergens and mould, affecting health and energy efficiency.
What Exactly Does it Check?
TR19 Grease measures grease deposits in kitchen ductwork. A cleaned system must have less than 50 µm of grease left – about half the thickness of human hair.
A technician must also carry out a post clean verification. This typically involves before-and-after photos, thickness measurements, and a certificate that summarises the work done.
How Do You Stay Compliant?
Staying compliant means having a planned cleaning schedule. How often depends on how many hours your kitchen operates:
- Light use: every 12 months
- Moderate use: every 6 months
- Heavy use (12+ hours a day): every 3 months
But don’t just rely on time. A specialist can help check if your ducts are actually clean enough to meet the standards. TR19 is about condition, not just the calendar.
Who Needs to Follow TR19?
If you run a commercial kitchen – whether a café, restaurant, hotel, school canteen, or hospital – you’re expected to meet TR19 standards. Fire risk laws and health regulations require it, and insurers often insist on a valid TR19 certificate to make a claim.
How Corsair Engineering Fits In
At Corsair Engineering, we specialise in stainless steel commercial catering equipment and ventilation design. That means:
We offer full design and installation services for stainless steel kitchen equipment and commercial ventilation systems – all built with TR19 compliance in mind.
We work with you from day one to plan systems that are easy to clean and maintain. For new and existing kitchen extraction systems, this also includes meeting DW172, DW144 and NFPA96 guidelines.
So if you need expert advice, get in touch with us on 01295 267021 today. Let’s make your kitchen safer, more efficient, and fully compliant.