Grease can be your kitchen’s biggest hidden danger. In busy commercial kitchens, extraction systems quickly collect grease, dirt, and debris — which, if left unchecked, pose a major fire risk. Yet many restaurant owners don’t fully understand the rules around kitchen extraction cleaning in order to stay safe and insured.
This guide breaks down what TR19 means, why it matters for your restaurant, and how proper cleaning keeps you compliant, protected, and operating without costly surprises.
What is TR19 Compliance? Why Does it Matter for Restaurants?
TR19 is a recognised set of industry guidelines created to standardise how commercial kitchen ductwork and extraction systems are cleaned. But it’s not just a technical detail — it directly impacts your fire safety, insurance, and reputation.
For restaurant owners in Bristol, TR19 matters because:
- Fire Risks Are Real: It’s estimated that over 70% of fires in commercial kitchens start due to grease build-up in extraction systems.
- Insurance Protection: Many insurers require proof that your extraction systems are TR19 compliant. Without it, a claim could be denied if a fire occurs.
- Health & Safety Inspections: Environmental Health Officers will check that you’ve maintained your ductwork properly. Non-compliance can lead to fines, closures, or loss of business licences.
Restaurants in older or high-use buildings often have long, hidden ductwork runs — making professional kitchen extraction cleaning even more critical.
TR19 Kitchen Extraction Cleaning: A Simple Breakdown
Staying TR19 compliant isn’t complicated once you know what’s required. Here’s what every local food business should do:
1. Know How Often to Clean
TR19 sets cleaning frequencies based on how much your kitchen is used:
- Heavy Use (12–16 hours daily): Every 3 months
- Moderate Use (6–12 hours daily): Every 6 months
- Light Use (2–6 hours daily): Annually
A local takeaway open until late every night will need more frequent cleans than a small café open three mornings a week.
2. Book Professional Ductwork Cleaning
Wiping visible surfaces won’t do. TR19 requires certified specialists to clean:
- Canopies, grease filters and hoods
- Internal ductwork and access panels
- Extractor fans and discharge points
A professional team uses specialist equipment to reach deep into ducts, removing dangerous grease deposits. They’ll provide a TR19 certificate and detailed report for your insurance records.
3. Keep Records and Stay Ahead
Proof is everything. Keep every report, before-and-after image, and certificate in an easy-to-access file. Schedule your next clean well in advance so you’re never caught out by a surprise inspection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-run restaurants slip up on TR19. Here are the pitfalls to dodge:
✅ Surface Cleans Only: Only cleaning what you can see leaves hidden grease lurking in ductwork.
✅ Unqualified Contractors: Always check that your cleaning company is BESA, NAAD, or CHAS accredited.
✅ Missing Access Panels: If your system doesn’t have proper access points, it can’t be cleaned fully.
✅ No Records: No certificate, no proof — and that can mean no insurance payout in a worst-case scenario.
How Our Kitchen Extraction Cleaners Can Support You
At KESC Ltd, we specialise in kitchen extraction cleaning that Bristol restaurants, cafés, schools and hotels rely on. Here’s what you get:
- Certified Experts: Our team is BESA, NAAD, and CHAS accredited for complete peace of mind.
- Flexible Hours: We clean overnight or out of hours to minimise disruption.
- Full Reports: You’ll receive detailed before-and-after photos, certificates, and compliance paperwork for your records.
- Trusted Locally: As a family-run business based here, we know the unique challenges of local kitchens and older ductwork.
Keep Your Kitchen Safe, Compliant, and Open for Business
Understanding TR19 is the first step. Acting on it protects your people, your customers, and your reputation — and ensures you won’t face nasty surprises when your next inspection or insurance renewal comes up. Get in touch with our team today for professional kitchen extraction cleaning in Bristol.
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