Indoor air quality (IAQ) has never been more important. Whether in offices, schools, hospitals, or commercial kitchens, the quality of the air we breathe directly impacts our health, comfort, and productivity. Poorly maintained ventilation systems don’t just reduce energy efficiency—they can harbour contaminants such as dust, mould, bacteria, and allergens that compromise both occupant well-being and building safety.
To tackle these risks, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) developed TR19 Air, the UK’s definitive best-practice standard for the inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of ventilation systems. Updated in 2024, the standard now places a greater emphasis on IAQ and on managing the health risks associated with airborne contaminants.
At Plasma Clean Air, we work with landlords, facilities managers, building services consultants, and building operators to deliver expert TR19 Air-compliant supply air servicing.
What is TR19 Air?
TR19 Air is the recognised benchmark for the internal cleanliness and hygiene management of ventilation systems. It sits alongside TR19 Grease—the equivalent BESA standard for fire risk management in kitchen extraction systems—but its focus is on the health and performance of supply and return air systems.
The purpose of TR19 Air is simple: to ensure that ventilation systems deliver clean, safe, and efficient airflow by preventing the buildup of harmful contaminants. In doing so, it helps facilities managers and building owners meet their wider obligations under health and safety law, and often, the requirements of their insurance policies.
Core Aspects of TR19 Air
The TR19 Air standard is comprehensive, covering the lifecycle of a ventilation system from installation through ongoing maintenance. Its key principles include:
1. Preventing Contamination
Dust, allergens, mould, and bacteria can all accumulate in ductwork and air-handling units. Left unchecked, these contaminants can cause respiratory issues, trigger allergies, and worsen absenteeism rates in workplaces.
2. Measurable Cleanliness Levels
TR19 Air defines objective criteria for cleanliness in both new and existing ductwork. The Preferred Vacuum Test (PVT), for example, measures the amount of debris present in a sample, ensuring there’s no ambiguity about whether a system passes or fails.
3. Inspection and Cleaning Protocols
Different levels of contamination require different approaches. TR19 Air specifies approved cleaning methods ranging from industrial vacuums and HEPA filtration to mechanical brushing and compressed air techniques. This ensures systems are not just cleaned, but cleaned correctly.
4. System Access
Effective cleaning requires effective access. TR19 Air mandates the installation of sufficient access panels so that all parts of the system—including fans, filters, and ductwork—can be inspected and serviced to the required standard.
5. Verification and Certification
Following any TR19 Air clean, a comprehensive report is produced, including before-and-after photographs. Once the system meets the defined cleanliness standard, a formal certificate is issued, providing documented proof of compliance.
Why TR19 Air Compliance Matters
TR19 Air directly supports compliance with broader health and safety legislation. For building owners and facilities managers, following TR19 Air provides:
- Proof of due diligence in protecting occupant health.
- A strong position when dealing with insurance requirements.
- Documented evidence for regulators and auditors.
At a time when IAQ is increasingly scrutinised, TR19 Air compliance is rapidly becoming a mark of responsible building management.
The Benefits of TR19 Air
The advantages of regular TR19 Air servicing go far beyond compliance:
- Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Clean ventilation systems deliver fresher, contaminant-free air that boosts employee well-being and reduces sickness absence.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Removing debris improves airflow and reduces strain on HVAC systems, cutting energy costs.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: Regular cleaning reduces wear and tear, lowering maintenance costs and preventing premature breakdowns.
- Reduced Health Risks: Contaminants such as mould spores and bacteria are effectively removed, preventing them from circulating through occupied spaces.
Plasma Clean Air and TR19 Air
At Plasma Clean Air, we specialise in helping businesses achieve and maintain TR19 Air compliance. With decades of expertise in indoor air quality, we combine industry best practice with advanced technology to deliver a service that is both reliable and cost-effective.
Our TR19 Air Supply Air Servicing offering covers:
- Full inspection of ventilation systems against TR19 Air standards.
- Cleaning using approved methods tailored to system condition.
- Access panel installation where required to ensure future compliance.
- Detailed post-clean reporting, including photographic evidence.
- Issuance of compliance certification for your records, insurers, and regulators.
We understand that every building has unique requirements. Whether you manage a healthcare facility where air hygiene is critical, an office where employee productivity is paramount, or a commercial kitchen where IAQ links directly to safety and comfort, we provide tailored solutions to protect both people and systems.
The Bigger Picture: IAQ and Business Performance
Clean air is not a luxury—it’s a business-critical asset. This was underlined in September 2025 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where 150 international organisations signed the Global Pledge for Healthy Indoor Air, a landmark commitment recognising indoor air quality (IAQ) as a universal human right.
The case for action is clear. Research consistently shows that poor IAQ leads to reduced concentration, lower productivity, and higher levels of absenteeism. In sectors such as education, healthcare, and hospitality, the consequences are even more pronounced, directly affecting outcomes, reputation, and operational performance.
By aligning with TR19 Air and working with specialists like Plasma Clean Air, building owners and operators not only protect occupant health but also:
- Safeguard their reputation as responsible operators.
- Reduce operational costs through improved efficiency.
- Demonstrate compliance and risk management to insurers and regulators.
Take the Next Step
The 2024 update to TR19 Air has placed IAQ firmly on the agenda for building owners, consultants, and facilities managers. The question is no longer if you should comply, but how quickly you can put the right processes in place.
At Plasma Clean Air, we make the process simple. Our team provides expert advice, detailed inspections, and TR19 Air-compliant servicing that protects your building, your people, and your business.
Find out more about our TR19 Air Supply Air Servicing or get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements.
