Perform TR 19 Standards for Ventilation Cleaning Inspection using eAuditor
TR 19 Standards for Ventilation Cleaning refer to a set of technical guidelines developed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) in the UK to ensure the safe, hygienic, and effective cleaning of ventilation systems, particularly in commercial and industrial buildings. TR 19 Standards focuses on maintaining indoor air quality, minimizing fire risks, and ensuring system efficiency through proper ductwork and grease extraction system maintenance.
Performing TR 19 Standards for Ventilation Cleaning Inspection using eAuditor ensures a thorough and compliant evaluation of commercial ventilation systems—specifically air ducts and grease extract systems—based on the UK's BESA TR 19 guidelines. This process helps maintain fire safety, air hygiene, and regulatory compliance by enabling structured checks, photo documentation, and corrective action tracking.
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Purpose of the Inspection
The TR 19 Standards cleaning inspection is conducted to ensure that ventilation systems are maintained in accordance with recognized safety and hygiene practices. Using eAuditor for these inspections supports:
- Fire risk reduction by identifying and addressing grease buildup in extract systems
- Air quality improvement by ensuring clean air ducts and filters
- Legal and insurance compliance with standards outlined under TR 19
- Operational efficiency through proactive system maintenance and early issue detection
- Reliable documentation through digital reports and service records for audits and insurers
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Preparing the eAuditor Checklist for TR 19 Compliance
2.1 Key Sections to Include
Structure the checklist into two main categories: Grease Extract Systems and General Air Ventilation Systems.
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Grease Extract Systems
Focuses on commercial kitchen ventilation cleaning:
- System Access and Visibility
- All access panels are in place and functional
- Ductwork is accessible for inspection and cleaning
- Access conforms to the system layout per TR 19 Standards
- Canopy and Hood Inspection
- Canopy filters and internal surfaces are free of heavy grease buildup
- Extraction rates and airflow performance within acceptable limits
- Metal baffles or mesh filters are present and intact
- Ductwork Cleanliness
- Internal duct surfaces inspected (visual or deposit thickness test)
- Grease levels measured and within thresholds (e.g., < 200 µm)
- No signs of residue accumulation beyond allowed limits
- Fan and Extract Units
- Fan blades and housings are clean and fully operational
- No imbalance, vibration, or blockage
- Grease drain systems (if applicable) are functional and clear
- Cleaning Frequency Compliance
- Match actual cleaning intervals against the TR 19-recommended frequency:
- Heavy use (12–16 hrs/day): Clean every 3 months
- Moderate use (6–12 hrs/day): Every 6 months
- Light use (2–6 hrs/day): Annually
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Air Ventilation Systems (TR 19 Air)
Focuses on non-kitchen HVAC systems:
- Duct Cleanliness
- Supply and return ducts were visually inspected for dust, mold, or debris
- Internal surfaces meet cleanliness criteria per BESA Visual Cleanliness Gauge
- Use of test equipment or cleaning robots (if applicable)
- Air Handling Units (AHUs)
- Coils, filters, and drip trays are cleaned and free from mold or scale
- Belts, motors, and fans are inspected for wear and efficiency
- Condensate drains are flushed and functioning
- Filters and Grilles
- Pre-filters and HEPA filters are in good condition and not overdue for replacement
- Vents and diffusers are free from dust and obstructions
- No evidence of black dust, biofilm, or unpleasant odor
- Environmental Checks
- Humidity and temperature records reviewed
- Inspection of insulation integrity inside ducts
- Evidence of pest entry or contamination ruled out
2.2 eAuditor Checklist Features
- Yes/No/NA fields with optional comment sections
- Image capture for before/after comparison and critical areas
- Measurement fields for grease thickness (µm) or particulate levels
- Conditional logic to show only kitchen or HVAC questions as needed
- Signature fields for inspector and supervisor verification
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Conducting the Inspection
3.1 Pre-Inspection Preparation
- Notify the facility of inspection and coordinate kitchen downtime if required
- Ensure tools are ready (thickness gauge, mirror scope, flashlight, camera)
- Load the correct version of the eAuditor checklist (Grease vs Air Duct focus)
3.2 Inspection Execution
Move systematically through the system, capturing findings directly in eAuditor:
- For grease extract systems:
- Open access panels and inspect internal surfaces
- Measure grease residue thickness
- Photograph areas exceeding allowable limits
- Document deficiencies in fan performance or access design
- For air ventilation systems:
- Visually inspect duct openings, filters, and diffusers
- Check for microbial growth or physical damage
- Review system logs for recent cleaning or filter replacement
Assign follow-up tasks on the spot if:
- Buildup exceeds safety thresholds
- System components are inaccessible or poorly maintained
- Fire risk indicators are present
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Reporting and Compliance Documentation
4.1 Report Generation
eAuditor compiles the inspection into a report including:
- Checklist scores and pass/fail items
- Photos of non-compliant sections (before/after if available)
- Grease or dust measurement records
- Time-stamped inspector credentials and digital signatures
Export the report in PDF or Excel formats for client records, insurance purposes, or internal audits.
4.2 Corrective Actions and Verification
- Assign tasks for immediate cleaning, part replacement, or access improvements
- Use the Actions Dashboard to monitor task completion, set due dates, and request photo verification
- Re-inspect critical items after resolution to ensure compliance
- Ongoing Compliance and Scheduling
- Use eAuditor to schedule recurring TR 19 inspections based on system usage
- Maintain cleaning logs and inspection history digitally for insurer and regulatory reference
- Update the checklist as BESA releases revisions or system modifications occur
- Train in-house maintenance teams using data from past reports to address recurring issues
Summary
Performing TR 19 Ventilation Cleaning Inspection using eAuditor ensures that commercial air and grease extract systems are maintained to the highest safety and hygiene standards. By leveraging digital checklists, measurement fields, and automated reports, eAuditor enables facilities to manage fire risks, enhance air quality, and demonstrate compliance with one of the most widely recognized UK ventilation maintenance standards. https://eauditor.app/2025/06/29/tr-19-standards-for-ventilation-cleaning-2/
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