TR19 Cleaning Checklist: Before & After Your Duct Clean

Keeping a commercial kitchen’s extraction system clean is non-negotiable. For kitchen managers, navigating the requirements of the BESA standard (commonly known as TR19) can feel complex. However, you don’t need to be a ventilation engineer to manage the process effectively. You need a robust operational framework.

This guide serves as your practical TR19 cleaning checklist, detailing exactly what to inspect, what to ask your contractor, and which documents to file to protect your business.

1. The Pre-Clean Inspection: What to Check First

Before the engineers arrive, you should conduct a swift visual inspection. This isn't about doing the cleaning yourself; it’s about identifying high-risk areas to ensure the contractor focuses on them. Walk the line and check the following:

Visible Grease Accumulation: Look at the canopy filters, the first few metres of ductwork, and the extract fan blades. Is the build-up heavy, moderate, or light? Note any areas where grease is dripping.
Access Panel Availability: Check that access panels are not blocked by stored stock or equipment. If the contractor cannot reach the duct, they cannot clean it effectively.
Previous Certificate Date: Check the date on your last compliance certificate. This tells you if you are due for a scheduled clean or if you are running late.
Operational Issues: Are there any unusual odours or reduced extraction performance? Flag these to the site surveyor before they quote, as they may indicate a deeper blockage that requires additional work.

Once your inspection is complete, you are ready to brief the contractor.

2. Vital Questions to Ask Your Contractor

Not all cleaning companies are equal. To ensure you receive a defensible standard of work, ask specific questions before agreeing to the service. This is a critical part of the TR19 cleaning checklist.

"Do you clean to the BESA TR/19 specification?" This confirms they adhere to the industry standard for grease extraction hygiene.
"How do you measure the results?" Be wary of contractors who rely solely on visual checks. Ask about the tools they use to verify cleanliness, particularly in horizontal duct runs.
"Can you provide photographic evidence?" Are images taken pre- and post-cleaning of every duct section, or just the 'easy' bits? Good evidence is vital.
"Will you access the full system?" Confirm whether the quote includes access to the roof, the fan, and the full vertical riser, not just the canopy and filters.
"Who is responsible for access?" Clarify whether the cost includes providing ladders or scissor lifts, or if you need to arrange them.

Insurance & Compliance Hint: Your insurer’s policy often contains a condition requiring you to maintain the premises properly. If a fire occurs, the loss adjuster will request evidence of your planned maintenance. Failing to demonstrate that you have proactively managed grease build-up using a reputable specialist puts you in a difficult position when answering questions about compliance. You aren't just buying a clean; you are buying documented proof of due diligence.

3. Post-Clean Verification: Using the TR19 Cleaning Checklist

The job isn't done when the van leaves. You must verify the work meets the expected standard before you sign off on the job. Work through this checklist to ensure the contractors have delivered the standard required:

The Visual Inspection

Filters: Are they free from grease and have they been degreased effectively?
Canopy Interior: Is the metal bright and free from residue?
Ductwork: Check the visible edges through access panels. Scratches in the metal are acceptable (they remove carbon), but a greasy sheen is not.
Fan Blades: Are the impeller blades clean? The fan is often the most dangerous part of the system due to centrifugal force throwing grease particles onto hot surfaces.
The Floor Area: Is the surrounding work area clean and free from cleaning chemical residue?

The Documentation Check

The Certificate: You must receive a compliance certificate, not just an invoice.
Site Log Entry: The contractor should log their visit in your site logbook if you maintain one.

Now, what does a good report look like? It should be 'Visual Only / Deep Clean' or 'Full System'—but the key differentiator is location referencing.

A good report doesn't just say "Clean". It lists each access point or duct section by a unique identifier. For every section, it should state:

Date of Clean: The date the work was completed.
Visual Evidence: A unique photo number that corresponds to the location.
Pre-Clean State: The technician's assessment of the build-up.
Post-Clean Reading: The condition after cleaning.

The report should clearly state that the work meets the hygiene requirements of the TR19 standard, based on the contractor's methodology. If they say "pass" across the range, that is their professional assessment. File this certificate immediately with your fire risk assessment.

4. Keeping the Right Paperwork and Next Steps

You should keep your compliance paperwork for at least three years, but keeping it for the lifespan of the insurance policy is generally advisable.

Your File Should Contain:

The detailed report with photographic evidence.
The invoice/receipt for the service.
The risk assessment/method statement (RAMS) from the contractor.
Your internal 'sign-off' of the works.

Frequency of Cleaning

The frequency of cleaning depends on your cooking volume and menu type—not a fixed calendar date. Heavy fryer use requires far more frequent cleaning than a light bakery operation. When you commission a clean, ask the engineer for a recommendation on the maximum interval before the next visit based on what they saw, and stick to it to avoid being caught between cycles.

Conclusion: Get Your Compliance in Order

Implementing this TR19 cleaning checklist ensures you are prepared for audits and demonstrates a structured approach to health and safety. Remember, you are responsible for ensuring the system works correctly, and your contractor is responsible for delivering a measurable result.

Don't leave grease build-up to chance. Ensure your documentation and extraction system are safe and compliant today.

Ready to get your kitchen extraction system compliant?

Contact BlueTick Extraction Hygiene today to book your free site survey. Our CII-qualified founder and BESA-standard team will assess your ductwork, provide a clear quote, and ensure you receive the compliant paperwork you need to satisfy your insurers and auditors.