TR19 Air Duct Cleaning is a set of guidelines and standards developed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for the cleaning and maintenance of ventilation systems in commercial and industrial buildings. The aim of TR19 is to ensure that air ducts and ventilation systems remain clean and free from contaminants, such as dust, debris, dirt, mould, and bacteria, to maintain good indoor air quality and prevent potential health hazards.
The TR19 guidelines provide detailed recommendations for the frequency and methods of duct cleaning based on the type of building, the usage of the ventilation system, and the level of contamination. It outlines the responsibilities of building owners, facilities managers, and ventilation cleaning contractors in ensuring that the ductwork is cleaned and maintained to the highest standard.
Health and Safety: Clean and well-maintained ventilation systems promote healthy indoor air quality, reducing the risk of airborne pollutants that can lead to respiratory issues and allergies.
Energy Efficiency: Accumulation of dirt and debris in ductwork can restrict airflow, making the ventilation system less efficient thus consuming more energy. Regular cleaning helps to improve airflow and reduce energy consumption.
Compliance: Commercial buildings must follow TR19 standards for health and safety and insurance purposes. Failure to meet these standards can result in penalties and affect insurance coverage.
Fire Safety: Grease and debris buildup in kitchen extraction systems can pose a fire hazard. Regular TR19 cleaning ensures compliance with fire safety regulations and reduces the risk of fires spreading through ductwork.
Equipment Longevity: Kitchen extractor cleaning dramatically extends the lifespan of HVAC systems, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.
The procedure can broadly be broken down into three key reasons, each of which form an integral part:
TR19 guidelines highlight the current best practices for ensuring that kitchen extract systems are maintained to minimise the risk of fire associated with grease accumulation. The build-up of grease in an extract system forms a hidden combustion load. During the cooking process, flammable vapour is given off from cooking oils at temperatures between 200-300 degrees centigrade – a fire can occur when spontaneous ignition takes place at 310-360 degrees centigrade. The older the grease, the lower the ignition point hence regular cleaning is of paramount importance. When grease ignites, fire spreads rapidly through the duct and can ignite surrounding materials along the ductwork path, consequently transferring the fire. In effect, systems laden with grease can propagate from what started as a small kitchen fire to major building destruction.
The build-up of grease also presents a hygiene hazard which can lead to foul odours and even pest infestation. If the system is not extracting at its full efficiency, in some cases, this can lead to an unhygienic ‘backwash’ of air into the cooking area. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) require that sufficient steps are engaged to remove hazardous substances from the workplace.
Failure to have a TR19 cleaning can have wider implications should a fire occur. Some insurance providers can invalidate a claim due to failure to produce a valid TR19 certificate. It is advised that you check your policy to ensure you are covered.
Ventilation systems are used to supply fresh clean air throughout a building. They control the temperature whilst ensuring the quality of indoor air. A good ventilation system removes harmful airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, dust, moisture and smoke from the atmosphere. A broken or neglected ventilation system can have severe consequences on the quality of air within the building. Unfiltered air can contaminate an entire building, and can affect the health of the occupants.
Green Zone Surveys offers a full inspection service, to identify the condition of your system and make any subsequent recommendations for cleaning or remedials that may be required. Without a proper, professional survey, it is virtually impossible to understand what condition your system is in, due to its location - hidden in ceiling voids etc.
Fire and smoke dampers are found where ductwork passes through a fire compartment barrier – for example, fire-rated walls and floors. They are designed to shut when a specified temperature or fire/smoke condition is met, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. Most commonly, they are designed with a fusible link holding a spring-loaded shutter open. When the temperature (typically 72° C) is reached, the link ‘fuses’, or melts and the shutter drops to stop the passage of hot air and smoke. Many other designs are also employed including electrical systems that are linked.
It is sometimes difficult for regular services to be carried out due to inadequate access or poor installation. Other problems may include blockages, corrosion, broken springs, or dirt and debris impeding a tight seal. At Green Zone Surveys, we can help to identify these issues and offer recommendations and advice on how to overcome them.
Environmental factors will play a part in how often you should carry out tests. For example, a dusty environment will require more frequent checks and cleaning. The British Standard calls for tests to not exceed two years, though spring-operated fire dampers – which are the most common – should be tested every 12 months. With this in mind, Green Zone Surveys can provide a full inspection of fire dampers, to ensure they are working as intended in line with the British Standard.
Professional TR19 Duct Cleaning is a comprehensive process which consists of a thorough inspection of the entire duct system, including the fan, fire barrier, outlet, ductwork, and impellers. All associated parts, such as grease filters, cowling, and access panels are removed and cleaned with care. Replacement of any defective or worn out parts is also included in the procedure, in order to optimise the system's performance.
For commercial and industrial building owners and facilities managers, adhering to TR19 Duct Cleaning guidelines is essential for maintaining a safe, healthy, and efficient environment for occupants. Regular cleaning ensures that the ventilation system operates optimally, providing clean air and contributing to the overall well-being of building occupants.
Green Zone Surveys are experts in meeting the TR19 standards developed by the BESA . We use the latest technology and methods to clean grease traps, ductwork systems, and kitchen extraction.
For more information or a Free Quote, call us on 0344 499 7574 or email info@greenzonesurveys.com.
Below are some frequently asked questions to provide you with further information about this service
TR19 Duct Cleaning can provide numerous significant benefits for businesses and industrial facilities.
Kitchen extractor cleaning can prevent the deterioration of HVAC systems, reducing the needs for costly repairs and replacements. Also, cleaning the kitchen exhausts is important for fire safety. It removes flammable particles and reduces the risk of fire. Duct cleaning also improves comfort by controlling temperature and reducing drafts. This creates a happier and more comfortable environment for work or living.
Clean and well-maintained ventilation systems promote healthy indoor air quality, reducing the risk of airborne pollutants that can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. Cleaning the HVAC system also improves performance, saves money on energy bills, extends its lifespan, and reduces the building's environmental impact by reducing the carbon footprint.
Moreover, duct cleaning can be a cost-effective method as opposed to having to replace damaged or worn out components or dealing with the repercussions of poor air quality. Regular cleaning will ensure compliance with all applicable standards and regulations, avoiding potential legal issues.
TR19 Duct Cleaning involves the thorough extraction of contaminants and dirt from the HVAC system's ductwork, enhancing indoor air quality and system efficiency. This industry-standard procedure, developed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), includes a visual inspection using advanced cameras and mirrors to identify areas needing special attention, like mould or excessive dust buildup. At Green Zone, we use a variety of different methods to achieve the required results, from specialist mechanical brushes to air pressure systems and specialist chemicals.
Specialised equipment, such as brushes, vacuums, and pressurised air, is then employed to ensure a thorough and safe cleansing process without damaging the ductwork. By utilising special tools, it guarantees that the ducts are completely cleansed and that any kind of dirt and contaminants are safely taken out without inflicting harm to the ductwork. The cleaning extends to other HVAC components such as the air-handling units, grilles, diffusers, and other air dispersal components, to maintain optimal system performance and indoor air quality. Regular cleaning of these components is vital for ensuring the HVAC system's efficiency and proper operation.
Once the cleaning is complete, a final assessment is conducted to verify that the ductwork and other components of the HVAC system have been sufficiently cleaned. This evaluation may involve the utilisation of the specialised cameras and mirrors used earlier in the process. Should any part be discovered to still require more cleaning, additional steps will be taken to fully finish the cleaning process.
The TR19 guidelines state the recommended intervals between cleans. However, the cleaning intervals for kitchen extract flues depend on the types of duct, the cooking methods used, and the volume of airborne grease contaminants.
Depending on how much grease there is, you might need to scrape it off the ducting by hand. Grease in kitchen extraction systems can cause fires, so a new specification called TR19 Grease was published in July 2019.
TR19 Grease increases the level of compliance with regard to fire safety cleaning. Although regular inspections establish cleaning frequency, the minimum cleaning frequency recommendation is as follows:
After finishing, there should be a check to ensure all steps were done correctly.
Duct Cleaning to TR19 standards is essential in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, and visitors. Ventilation systems must be checked and maintained regularly to meet these standards.
TR19 is a set of guidelines by BESA. These explain what needs to be done to inspect, test, and clean air conditioning, ventilation, and kitchen extract systems. Additionally it defines the criteria for assessing the risk of fire, fire spread and potential contaminants in the ductwork system. Complying with TR19 guidelines allows property owners to maintain their ventilation systems free from dust, grime, grease, and other pollutants that could potentially distribute contaminants or pose a fire risk.
A regular ductwork inspection and cleaning helps to protect the integrity of the ventilation system and prolong its lifespan. Regular cleaning is also necessary to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of bacteria, fungi and viruses spreading through the air. Failure to adhere to these standards could result in potential health hazards as well as expensive fines or legal action.
Insurance companies impose policy conditions on appliance maintenance and system cleaning. In order to meet insurance company requirements and to provide an accurate record of cleaning performance, a report is necessary as a record for the client. At Green Zone we provide a full TR19 Report, containing before & after photographs and schematic drawings.
How often your kitchen extract system needs to be cleaned depends on how many hours per day the kitchen is operational. All kitchen extract systems require professional cleaning at least once a year.
Extract systems in kitchens that are constantly used, particularly in fast food establishments with high grease contamination, may necessitate a more regular, monthly deep cleaning to mitigate fire hazards and enhance cleanliness.
Ductwork cleaning is a specialist contractor activity and should be carried out by an appropriately trained specialist. At Green Zone we use a variety of different methods to achieve the required results from specialist mechanical brushes to air pressure systems and manual methods using specialist chemicals.
TR19 Duct Cleaning is a comprehensive process of removing pollutants and dirt from the ductwork of an HVAC system, thereby improving indoor air quality and system performance. This standardised method, established by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), incorporates a visual examination using high-tech cameras and mirrors to pinpoint areas that require special care, such as mould or excessive dust accumulation.
Specialised tools like brushes, vacuums, and pressurised air are used to facilitate a thorough and safe cleaning process without causing damage to the ductwork. The use of these specific tools ensures that the ducts are properly cleaned and all types of dirt and pollutants are safely removed without causing any damage to the ductwork. The cleaning also includes other HVAC components like air-handling units, grilles, diffusers, and other air distribution parts, to maintain peak system performance and indoor air quality. Regular cleaning of these parts is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and proper functioning of the HVAC system.
After the cleaning process, a concluding evaluation is carried out to confirm that the ductwork and other parts of the HVAC system are adequately cleaned. This review might involve the use of specialised cameras and mirrors that were previously used. If any component is found to still need further cleaning, extra measures will be implemented to completely conclude the cleaning procedure.
The build-up of grease in an extract system forms a hidden combustion load and during the cooking process flammable vapour is given off from cooking oils at temperatures between 200 & 300 degrees centigrade. A fire can occur when spontaneous ignition takes place at 310-360 degrees centigrade.
The older the grease, the lower the ignition point hence why regular cleaning is of paramount importance. When grease ignites, fire spreads rapidly through the duct and can ignite surrounding materials along the ductwork path consequently transferring the fire. In effect, systems laden with grease can propagate what started as a small kitchen fire, causing major building destruction.
Accumulation of dirt and debris in ductwork can restrict airflow, making the ventilation system less efficient. Regular cleaning helps to improve airflow and reduce energy consumption.
Regular TR19 kitchen extractor cleaning ensures compliance with fire safety regulations and reduces the risk of fires spreading throughout the ductwork.
The build-up of grease can lead to foul odours. Regular TR19 cleaning will collect and remove any contaminants in your system.
Failure to have a TR19 cleaning can have wider implications should a fire occur. Some insurers may even invalidate a claim if you cannot produce a valid TR19 certificate
