Gas Safety Guidance

INTRODUCTION

Gas is commonly used in industrial and commercial premises as an energy source for heating and production. When stored, transported and used correctly, it is a clean and safe fuel. Incorrectly handled, it can result in fires, explosions or poisoning.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The legislation dealing with gas safety is complex and extensive. This guidance note does not cover any of the legislation in detail but gives advice on the general, broad-based requirements. The Gas Safety (Installation and use) Regulations apply mainly in domestic and commercial premises, however, the standards required by these regulations can also be applied in factory premises. Further detailed information can be obtained from Croner Consulting (formerly IRPC).

Legislation deals with the following main areas of gas systems;

Installation.
Use.
Maintenance.
suppliers of gas including landlords.

"Gas" is mainly natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas and "gas systems" include gas appliances, fittings and flues and applies to both commercial and domestic premises.

Gas safety legislation requires that:

work on any gas fittings and pipework is only carried out by competent persons. Generally, this means those who are registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).
any employer or self-employed person instructing such work, or in control of such work (e.g. contractor), must ensure that the work is carried out by a person or organisation registered with CORGI.
the person or organisation carrying out the work must ensure the suitability of the equipment being installed and the location of the equipment, that work is carried out to appropriate standards and without danger and that the installation is safe for use on completion of the work.
measures are taken to protect the safety of those carrying out the work. The regulations set the requirements for testing the integrity of the installation on completion of the work.
gas fittings are protected from damage.
emergency controls are fitted where a new gas supply is being provided to premises.
certain measures are taken in respect of the siting and installation of new gas meters.
certain measures are taken in respect of the siting and installation of pipework, to ensure that it is sited in appropriate areas of any premises.
certain measures are taken in respect of primary or secondary meters.
any pipework in areas accessible for inspection, except in domestic dwellings, are marked (e.g. colour coded) to indicate it is carrying gas, usually yellow pipework.
manufacturers instructions are provided for use by the owner or occupier of the particular premises.
the person responsible for the premises, e.g. owner or landlord must not have any unsafe appliance available for use. Any person carrying out work on equipment is required to report any appliance they suspect to be dangerous.
landlords ensure safe maintenance of all installations and appliances and provide annual safety checks and maintain records of such checks.

Gas safety legislation also prohibits:-

any alterations to premises and equipment that cause gas fittings and storage vessels to no longer comply with the regulations.
the installation of certain gas appliances in specified rooms, unless the appliance is room-sealed. In some other locations, certain appliances must be room-sealed or fitted with specific safety devices. Instantaneous water heaters are prohibited in general, unless they are room-sealed or fitted with the appropriate safety device.
installation of suspended appliances, unless the appliance is designed for this type of use and the pipework is capable of supporting the appliance.

LANDLORDS RESPONSIBILITIES

Landlords who allow their premises to be occupied for residential purposes must ensure all gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition and safety checked by a competent person (i.e. CORGI registered) every 12 months. Records of these safety checks should be retained and made available to the occupier, on request.

GENERAL PRACTICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS

Employers should arrange for all gas appliances and associated systems to be maintained in a safe condition by a CORGI registered person/organisation.

Staff should be instructed on what to do in the event of an emergency involving gas or which necessitates the shutting off of the gas supply (i.e. gas leak, fire or explosion).

Gas safety procedures should be documented and brought to the attention of staff.

The area around the gas meter should be kept clear from obstructions and combustible materials.

Gas appliances etc should not be tampered with by employees or others who are not CORGI registered.

Pipework carrying gas should be clearly identified and distinguished from other pipework e.g. either by tape bearing the words "gas supply" at regular intervals along the pipes or by painting the pipes yellow.

EMERGENCY PLAN FOR GAS LEAK

Switch off the gas supply at the main valve.

If working with or operating machinery or equipment that could cause a fire or explosion in a gas rich atmosphere, switch off/make safe that piece of machinery or equipment.

Open windows.

Do not search for the leak using a naked flame.

Do not switch on electric lights or operate electrical switches.

Telephone the gas emergency services.

Leave the affected area, ensuring that equipment/processes have been left in a safe condition.

Meet the gas emergency services and fully brief them on the events and any hazards on site that could affect their health and safety.