School kitchens usually cook for a few hours a day in term time, which often puts them in a lighter TR19 band. Responsibility may sit with the school, the academy trust, the local authority or the catering contractor, so agree in writing who books and keeps the records.
Minimum TR19 cleaning intervals
| Hours in use per day | Minimum specialist clean |
|---|---|
| 2–6 | Every 12 months |
| 6–12 | Every 6 months |
| 12–16 | Every 3 months |
Source: BESA TR19® Grease minimum cleaning frequencies (BESA). A competent person may set a shorter interval based on cooking type and grease deposit testing.
Check your interval Plan your cleans
Fire safety duties
The responsible person for the premises must carry out a fire risk assessment and take reasonable fire safety measures (gov.uk). Grease in extract ductwork is a recognised fire risk, which is why insurers usually require TR19 cleaning.
Practical tip
School holidays are the easiest time to book a full clean of canopy, ductwork and fan.
Records to keep
- Post-clean report and certificate for every clean (what it should include)
- Your next due date
- Staff canopy and filter cleaning records
- Your insurer's extract cleaning condition (what insurers expect)