Why TR19 Compliance Isn’t Optional: The Hidden Legal Risk in Your Ductwork
When was the last time your ductwork was professionally cleaned and certified? If you’re unsure—or if it’s been more than a year—you could be risking more than just poor air quality. You could be violating industry regulations, invalidating your insurance, and even putting lives at risk.
Enter TR19 - the industry standard for duct cleaning in the UK. While it’s often referred to as “guidance,” for many businesses and commercial premises, TR19 is effectively a legal requirement.
What is TR19?
TR19 is a set of best practice standards developed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). It outlines how commercial kitchen extraction systems, ventilation ducts, and air conditioning systems should be cleaned and maintained to ensure safety, efficiency, and hygiene.
Originally published in 1988, TR19 has become the go-to standard for regulators, insurers, and health & safety officers alike. The most recent update - TR19® Grease (2019) - focuses particularly on fire risk reduction in commercial kitchens.
Why TR19 Matters (Even If You’ve Never Heard of It)
Here’s the catch: TR19 is used as the benchmark for compliance under UK law. Even though it isn’t written into legislation, failing to meet TR19 standards can still put you on the wrong side of the law through:
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984
In other words, if your ductwork hasn’t been cleaned to TR19 standards, and an issue arises - like a fire or air contamination - you could be held liable, even if you thought you were covered.
What Does TR19 Require?
Here’s a quick overview of what TR19 compliance typically includes:
Risk-based Cleaning Intervals
Ducts are classified as low, medium, or high-risk based on use. For example, a busy commercial kitchen might need cleaning every 3 months, while a standard office ventilation system may only need annual maintenance.
Access Panels for Cleaning
Systems must be fitted with inspection hatches to allow for full access during cleaning.
Detailed Reports & Certification
After cleaning, you should receive a full report including before/after photos, site plans, and a certificate of compliance—essential for fire officers and insurance inspectors.
Fire Safety as a Priority
The TR19® Grease update was introduced to reduce the risk of grease fires in kitchen extraction systems - one of the most common causes of fires in food businesses.
The Hidden Risks of Non-Compliance
Ignoring duct cleaning or choosing a non-compliant provider can lead to:
Increased fire risk due to grease or dust build-up
Breaches of health & safety regulations
Invalidation of insurance policies
Legal liability in the event of an incident
Poor air quality affecting staff and customers
What Should You Do?
If you manage or own a commercial premises with ducted ventilation or kitchen extraction, make sure your system is cleaned and certified by a contractor who follows TR19 standards. Ask for proof of training, cleaning schedules, and certification.
It’s not just about ticking a box - it’s about protecting your building, your staff, and your reputation.