
TR19 Cleaning for Takeaways & Fast Food
Protect your insurance, satisfy your Environmental Health Officer, and stay TR19 compliant. Our CII-qualified founder understands exactly what your insurer requires — not just what looks clean.
Takeaways Face the Highest TR19 Cleaning Frequency Requirements
Takeaways and fast food operations are among the highest-risk commercial kitchens for grease accumulation. High-volume frying, wok cooking, and continuous operation means grease deposits build up in ductwork at a significantly faster rate than in a restaurant kitchen. BESA TR19 guidelines classify most takeaway operations as "heavy use" — requiring extraction cleaning every 3 months.
The consequences of non-compliance are severe. A grease fire in a takeaway extraction system can destroy the entire premises within minutes. More critically for business owners: if your insurer discovers that TR19 cleaning was overdue at the time of a fire, they may decline your claim entirely — leaving you personally liable for the cost of rebuilding, restocking, and compensating affected parties.
BlueTick Extraction Hygiene is the only TR19 specialist in the East Midlands founded by a CII-qualified insurance professional. We understand your insurer's requirements from both sides — and we provide the documentation that satisfies underwriters, not just the paperwork that looks compliant.
of commercial kitchen fires are caused by grease buildup in extraction systems
maximum cleaning interval for heavy-use takeaways under BESA TR19 guidelines
of commercial kitchen insurers now require TR19 compliance certificates at renewal
What's Included in a Takeaway TR19 Clean
Every clean is performed to BESA TR19 standard and includes a full compliance report accepted by all major commercial insurers.
Canopy & Hood Deep Clean
Complete degreasing of the canopy hood, including all internal surfaces, grease channels, and drip trays.
Ductwork & Riser Cleaning
Full ductwork clean from canopy to external discharge point, including all bends, joints, and access panels.
Extract Fan Service
Fan blades, motor housing, and discharge cowl cleaned and inspected. Fan performance recorded before and after.
TR19 Compliance Certificate
Signed certificate with photographic evidence, grease deposit measurements, and recommended next clean date — ready for your insurer.
We Understand What Your Insurer Actually Requires
Our founder holds CII (Chartered Insurance Institute) qualifications and works alongside Focus Insurance Services, an FCA-regulated commercial insurance brokerage. This means our TR19 reports are written to satisfy underwriter requirements — not just to look compliant.
Many takeaway owners receive a TR19 certificate that their insurer later rejects because it lacks the specific documentation required under their policy. Our reports include grease deposit thickness measurements, photographic evidence at every access point, cleaning methodology, and a signed declaration — everything an underwriter needs to validate your compliance.
Focus Insurance Services
Our sister company Focus Insurance Services is an FCA-regulated commercial insurance brokerage specialising in takeaway and restaurant insurance. If your current policy doesn't include adequate TR19 compliance conditions — or if you're unsure what your policy requires — we can arrange a no-obligation insurance review.
Getting the right insurance and the right cleaning schedule together is the most effective way to protect your business.
TR19 Cleaning for Takeaways — FAQ
How often does a takeaway need TR19 cleaning?
BESA TR19 guidelines recommend heavy-use takeaways (operating more than 12 hours per day) are cleaned every 3 months. Medium-use takeaways (6–12 hours/day) require cleaning every 6 months. Light-use operations (under 6 hours/day) require annual cleaning. Your insurer may specify more frequent cleaning — always check your policy schedule.
Will my takeaway insurance be void without a TR19 certificate?
Yes. The majority of commercial kitchen insurance policies in the UK now include a condition requiring TR19-compliant extraction cleaning at specified intervals. If a fire occurs and you cannot produce a valid TR19 certificate, your insurer may decline the claim or reduce the settlement. Our CII-qualified founder can review your specific policy wording on request.
Do I need TR19 cleaning to pass my EHO inspection?
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) assess fire safety and hygiene standards. While TR19 is not a statutory requirement under food hygiene law, EHOs increasingly expect to see extraction cleaning records as part of a food business's fire risk management. A TR19 certificate demonstrates due diligence and can support your food hygiene rating.
What does a TR19 clean include for a takeaway?
A full TR19 clean covers the entire extraction system: canopy hood, baffle filters, grease traps, ductwork, risers, and extract fan. We measure grease deposit thickness before and after cleaning, take photographic evidence at every stage, and issue a signed TR19 compliance certificate with a full post-clean verification report.
Can you work out of hours to avoid disrupting my service?
Yes. We routinely work early mornings, late evenings, and weekends to avoid disrupting your trading hours. We will agree a specific time window with you in advance and ensure the kitchen is left clean and ready for service.
