Reliable and effective TR19 Internal Duct Cleaning Services
An efficient and effective extraction system is vital for any commercial kitchen. By removing the grease, smoke and other airborne contaminants that are the natural by-product of cooking, they help preserve a safe and comfortable environment for staff and customers alike.
If your ductwork isn’t cleaned regularly and thoroughly, your extraction system won’t be able to function properly – and that means exposing yourself to a range of challenges, from fire risks to insurance issues. And whether you’re an educational institution or a commercial kitchen, that’s something you’ll want to rectify quickly.
At DCE, we understand the importance of clean air for your customers, students, and staff, and we’re here to provide a swift, effective solution. With DCE’s TR19 duct cleaning service, you can rest assured your ventilation system is fully compliant with industry standards.
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What are the TR19 regulations?
TR19 regulations are a set of guidelines established by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for the cleaning and maintenance of commercial and institutional ventilation systems. These regulations are widely recognised as the industry standard for ensuring healthy indoor air quality and reducing fire risks.
The TR19 guidelines cover cleaning procedures, the required level of cleanliness, and inspection and testing protocols, as well as the detailed reporting needed to verify compliance.
Adhering to TR19 standards is often required by insurers in order to maintain coverage for commercial buildings, schools, and other institutions.
Additionally, food safety inspectors may ask to see paperwork demonstrating you have undertaken compliant ductwork cleaning. For more information on the legal requirements, visit the Health & Safety Executive website.
Reduced fire risk. TR19 duct cleaning is specifically focused on the removal of grease, a major fire hazard in kitchen exhaust systems.
Improved air quality. TR19 duct cleaning removes grease, mould, and other airborne pollutants from your ductwork, promoting a healthier environment for staff, students and customers.
Increased efficiency. Regular cleaning prevents grease buildup, reducing wear and tear on your extraction system and its components.
Insurance compliance. Most insurers will require proof of TR19 compliance in order to insure your premises, making a fully documented TR19 cleaning service essential.
Peace of mind. Enjoy the confidence of knowing your kitchen extract system is clean, safe, and operating optimally, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Maintaining a clean and compliant kitchen extraction system isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. Neglecting duct cleaning can lead to costly fines, insurance issues, or even unexpected closures. That’s why it’s crucial to find a reliable and accredited ductwork cleaning service.
At DCE, our team of technicians understands this importance. That’s why we not only adhere to the rigorous standards outlined in the BESA TR19 Guide to Good Practice but also hold additional accreditations including Gas Safe, NICEIC, and REFCOM.
From meticulous inspections to thorough cleaning and comprehensive post-cleaning reports, our team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless experience. We work with you to schedule cleaning around your operations, minimising disruption and safeguarding your kitchen’s compliance and optimal performance.
Not sure whether your ductwork needs cleaning? Here at DCE, we offer a free ductwork testing service to help identify if your ductwork is working optimally and compliant with regulations. And if your ductwork does need cleaning, we can schedule your fully compliant TR19 cleaning service then and there.
Initial enquiry and consultation. One of our experts will discuss your needs and get an overview of the extent, layout and usage levels of your ductwork.
Scheduling our visit. We’ll schedule a visit to your premises at a time that is convenient for you and will minimise any disruption.
Free ductwork testing. We provide a free ductwork test to assess whether cleaning is necessary. If not, we can offer an attendance report to demonstrate your compliance.
Full TR19 ductwork cleaning. If cleaning is needed, we schedule it to suit your needs. Our engineers then visit your premises to provide a fully compliant TR19 cleaning service.
Detailed reporting. We provide an in-depth report, including before and after photos, to prove you are complying with all the relevant regulations.
As part of our statutory compliance testing and maintenance service to Schools, we have found DCE able to provide a responsive and efficient service to meet the needs of Schools in the North West.
David Loxam BSc (Hons)Head of School Property Management - Casserly Property Management
DCE have consistently provided us with a high level of service to both Casserly Property Management and the schools within our managed portfolio.
Jonathan VineCunliffes Aspire CPM
DCE are always prompt and professional and are quick to respond to breakdown callouts. The staff are very approachable and always willing to assist when necessary.
Shada IqbalPM Planner - Engie
Over the past two years, I have received nothing but a first class service from DCE. I can rely on the team at DCE to attend urgent jobs in a timely manner and keep me fully informed of progress.
Mike NeilSite Manager - Formby High School
Over many years we have used DCE Commercial Engineers Ltd and found them to offer an excellent and comprehensive professional service.
Sean FinnertyBusiness Development Manager - Falcon Food Service
I genuinely believe DCE are well equipped to take care of all Schools Catering requirements and ensure they receive market-leading, reliable, and fit for purpose equipment.
Michelle TaylorHalton Borough Council
We can rely on DCE to take the stress away from our Catering staff by attending to all our catering equipment emergencies as soon as practically possible.
Michael MannFacility Manager - North Liverpool Academy
DCE have proved themselves to be professional at all times, the response times to action both emergency repairs and also planned maintenance are excellent.
Darren BodenFacilities - Salford City Academy
We would strongly recommend DCE as servicing engineers. They completely understand the workings of a school kitchen and respond very quickly to breakdowns.
Matt CoxExecutive Chef - Signature Living
They are always prompt and professional, from the acceptance of the job to carrying out the fix. I am yet to find something that they cant fix and I cannot fault the service of the engineers when on site.
St Gregory's Catholic High SchoolIvan Baracskai - Facility Manager
DCE are polite and helpful from first point of contact through to work completed on site. They are reliable, professional and work is always carried out to a high standard.
Rob Grugel Estates Operations Manager
DCE have been my chosen contractor for more than 3 years now, which demonstrates their commitment to us, and my immense satisfaction with the service they provide.
Ashley BurkeHealth & Safety Officer/Project Manager - Wirral Metropolitan College
They offer us speedy but cost effective service and their commitment to our needs as a College is second to none. DCE go above and beyond for us and we are very grateful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does ductwork need cleaning?
The recommended cleaning frequency for ductwork cleaning is primarily determined by usage. TR19 guidelines suggest the following frequency based on hours of usage per day:
Light usage. 2-6 hours per day. Cleaning is typically recommended annually.
Moderate usage. 6-12 hours per day. Cleaning is typically recommended every 6 months.
Heavy usage. 12-16 hours per day. Cleaning is typically recommended every 3 months.
Of course, these are general guidelines, and the frequency of TR19 duct cleaning that’s right for your organisation will depend on a range of factors, including the design and complexity of your extraction system.
The best approach is to consult an experienced technician with a full understanding of TR19 standards. They will be able to conduct a thorough assessment of your kitchen’s specific needs, including usage, ductwork configuration, and any applicable regulations. This will ensure you receive a tailored cleaning schedule to maintain a healthy working environment and avoid non-compliance issues.
What’s involved in TR19 duct cleaning?
TR19 duct cleaning is a specialised process designed to achieve a specific standard of cleanliness. The TR19 standards provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of how your ductwork should be cleaned and maintained in order to ensure compliance. Meeting these standards involves various steps, including:
Pre-cleaning assessment. A thorough inspection, potentially using deposit testing, determines the type and level of buildup, accessibility, and identifies any potential structural issues.
Specialised cleaning. Using a combination of mechanical agitation (brushes, scrapers), chemical degreasers, and high-pressure cleaning to remove grease deposits.
Post-cleaning inspection. A re-inspection is conducted, potentially using the same tools as the pre-clean assessment, to verify the ductwork meets the required level of cleanliness.
Detailed reporting. In order to demonstrate to insurers and other relevant parties that your ductwork has been cleaned to TR19 standards, we’ll provide a clear and fully documented report of the process, as well as before and after photos.
While the specific approach will vary depending on the layout of your kitchen, the design of your ductwork system and other factors, these steps are essential. To ensure they’ve all been carried out thoroughly and effectively, you’ll want to work with fully certified and experienced technicians who offer a dedicated TR19 ductwork cleaning service.
How long does TR19 ductwork cleaning take?
It’s understandable to want an idea of how long TR19 ductwork cleaning might take – after all, you’ll want to ensure that the disruption to your services is minimal.
However, the best way to get an accurate timeframe is through a pre-cleaning inspection. This assessment takes into account the specific factors influencing your kitchen’s ductwork, allowing for a tailored estimate and minimising unexpected delays
Key factors that will determine how long TR19 ductwork cleaning will take include:
System size and complexity. Larger, more intricate ductwork systems will naturally take longer to clean than smaller, simpler ones.
Contamination level. Heavily soiled ducts with thick grease buildup require more intensive cleaning, extending the time needed.
Accessibility. Systems with difficult-to-reach areas or limited access panels may take longer due to the need for additional setup or specialised tools.
The best way to ensure that TR19 ductwork cleaning does not lead to prolonged disruption is to work with experienced technicians who can provide an efficient and timely service – while still providing the thoroughness you need, of course.
At DCE, we understand that any loss of service is a significant cost to your business. That’s why we endeavour to plan our TR19 ductwork cleaning services around your schedule. Whether you’re a school or college looking to schedule work during half-term or a catering company wanting to take advantage of a quieter period, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate your needs.
What is the cost of TR19 duct cleaning?
The cost of TR19 ductwork cleaning depends primarily on the time it takes to complete the job. Factors like the size and complexity of your system, along with the severity of grease buildup, all influence how many technician hours are required. Additionally, the accessibility of ductwork will contribute to the time needed, and therefore to the overall price.
If you’d like an accurate cost estimate for your TR19 duct cleaning, it’s best to seek a quote from an experienced and fully qualified technician. If you’d like to discuss your TR19 duct cleaning needs, get in touch with DCE today.
Will TR19 ductwork cleaning be disruptive?
We understand the importance of minimising disruption to your kitchen operations. That’s why we take steps to ensure the TR19 cleaning process is as smooth as possible. While your business will need to be shut during the process, we take steps to work around your schedule and minimise any disruption. Our team is trained to work quickly and effectively, getting your kitchen back to full operation as soon as possible. Additionally, by scheduling a regular TR19 ductwork cleaning service, you can minimise the length of time the process will take.
What are the signs that my ductwork needs cleaning?
While TR19 provides guidelines for recommended cleaning frequency, it’s important to stay alert for signs that your kitchen extraction system may need cleaning sooner than scheduled. Look out for these indicators:
Visible buildup. If you notice grease or dust around vents and grilles, it’s likely accumulating within the ductwork.
Decreased airflow. Clogged ducts can reduce the efficiency of your extraction system, leading to weaker airflow from vents.
Odours. Lingering cooking smells or a musty odour from your vents can signal grease buildup, potentially increasing fire risks.
However, even if none of these obvious signs are present, adhering to the cleaning intervals recommended by TR19 and based on your kitchen’s usage is crucial for maintaining a safe, healthy, and compliant workspace.
