
Access Panel Supply & Fitting
BESA TR19 Specification
Without adequate access panels, your ductwork cannot be cleaned to TR19 standard — and your insurer will not accept the compliance certificate. We supply and fit stainless steel access panels to BESA specification, ensuring your system is fully accessible for every future clean and inspection.
The Most Common Reason TR19 Cleaning Fails
When we carry out a TR19 site survey, the single most common problem we find is insufficient access panels. Without them, our operatives cannot reach the interior of the ductwork to clean it — which means the clean cannot be completed to TR19 standard, and the compliance certificate cannot be issued.
This matters for three reasons. First, your insurer may void your commercial kitchen insurance if you cannot produce a valid TR19 certificate. Second, a fire risk assessor or Environmental Health Officer may issue a prohibition notice if your extraction system cannot be demonstrated to be clean. Third, grease accumulation in inaccessible ductwork sections is the primary cause of commercial kitchen fires.
We identify access panel deficiencies during our free site survey and quote for remediation before the clean. In most cases, panels can be fitted in the same visit as the TR19 clean.
Insufficient Access = Invalid Certificate
If sections of your ductwork cannot be accessed and cleaned, a TR19-compliant certificate cannot be issued for those sections. Your insurer may reject the certificate.
BESA TR19 Specifies Panel Positions
TR19 requires access panels at maximum 3-metre intervals in horizontal runs and at each change of direction. We assess compliance against this standard during the site survey.
Fire-Rated Panels Where Required
In fire-rated ductwork (typically in plant rooms, risers, and ceiling voids), we supply and fit fire-rated panels with intumescent seals to maintain the fire barrier integrity.
Retrofit or New Build
We work on both existing ductwork (retrofit) and new installations. Retrofit panels are cut and fitted in situ; all work is sealed with fire-rated sealant to TR19 specification.
What's Included in Our Access Panel Service
From initial survey to final documentation, we handle every aspect of access panel supply and installation.
Free Site Survey & Access Audit
We survey your entire ductwork run, identify all existing access panels, and map the positions where additional panels are required under TR19. You receive a written report with our recommendations.
Fixed-Price Written Quote
We provide a detailed written quote for each panel — including panel type, size, and fitting method. No hidden costs, no surprises on the day.
Stainless Steel Panel Supply
We supply commercial-grade stainless steel access panels sized to your duct dimensions. Fire-rated panels with intumescent seals are available where required.
Professional Installation
Our operatives cut the aperture, fit the panel, and seal it with fire-rated sealant to TR19 specification. All work is carried out to a professional standard with minimal disruption.
Post-Installation Inspection
We inspect every installed panel to confirm correct fit, seal integrity, and compliance with TR19 positioning requirements before we leave site.
Full Documentation
You receive a written record of all panels installed, including position, size, type, and installation date. This forms part of your TR19 compliance file.
Transparent, Fixed Pricing
Access panel supply and fitting is priced per panel. We provide a fixed price in writing before any work begins.
Standard panel (up to 300mm)
£75 – £120
Most common size for horizontal ductwork
Large panel (300–600mm)
£120 – £160
For larger duct sections and risers
Fire-rated panel
£150 – £200
With intumescent seal, fire-rated ductwork
All prices exclude VAT. Final price confirmed after free site survey. Prices include supply, fitting, and sealant.
Common Questions About Access Panels
What is a ductwork access panel and why do I need one?
An access panel is a removable section built into your kitchen extraction ductwork that allows cleaning operatives to reach inside for inspection and cleaning. TR19 (the BESA standard for ventilation hygiene) requires access panels to be positioned at regular intervals throughout the duct run. Without adequate access panels, a TR19-compliant clean cannot be completed — and your insurer may refuse to accept the compliance certificate.
How many access panels does my system need?
TR19 specifies that access panels should be positioned at maximum 3-metre intervals in horizontal ductwork and at each change of direction. The exact number depends on the length and configuration of your duct run. We assess this during our free site survey and provide a written recommendation before any work begins.
What type of access panels do you supply?
We supply and fit stainless steel access panels to BESA TR19 specification. Where required by fire risk assessment or building regulations, we supply fire-rated panels with intumescent seals. All panels are sized correctly for the duct dimensions and fitted with fire-rated sealant to maintain the integrity of the ductwork.
Can access panels be retrofitted to existing ductwork?
Yes. Retrofitting access panels to existing ductwork is one of our most common jobs. We cut the aperture, fabricate or supply the correct panel, and seal it to TR19 standard. The work is typically completed in the same visit as the TR19 clean, or as a standalone job if you need panels fitted before your next scheduled clean.
How much does it cost to supply and fit access panels?
Access panel supply and fitting is priced at £75–£200 per panel depending on duct size, panel type, and accessibility. We provide a fixed price in writing before any work begins. There are no hidden costs.
Will fitting access panels void my ductwork warranty?
Not if the work is carried out correctly to BESA specification. Our installations use the correct materials and methods. We provide documentation of all panel installations, which you can retain for your records and present to your insurer or building manager if required.
