Gas Safety

Gas Safety consist of a considerable amount of control and maintenance that is normally taken for granted. A point to remember is that a lot of regulations are in place to help manage and regulate gas and all the areas where it is applied and used.

Not including offshore regulation there are some specific regulations to consider such as:

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996
Gas Appliance (Safety) Regulations 1995
Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere regulations

A relevant Approved Code of Practice is L56

Some important actions that will need to be carried out in order to comply and stay safe.

Anyone carrying out gas work must have a Gas Safe Register ID Card. If not, they and you are breaking the law. It is also the duty of the customer to check!

A risk assessment is required to establish any hazards and the necessary precautions. This should also identify what needs to be done in terms of test regimes and maintenance schedules.

This testing and maintenance must be carried out in accordance with the approved code of practise and risk assessment findings.

An annual inspection and test of gas appliances, pipe work and flues in every type of property, other than private domestic is required.
Automatic gas detection equipment which will warn operators that gas is present.
It is a good idea to use insulated light fittings and switches to prevent ignition of escaped gas and having a means of ventilation for such areas.

Emergency shut-off equipment in an emergency.

Signage to indicate the location of such equipment.
Warning signage and prohibition signage where gas pipelines and intakes are located.

Gas equipment must have safety features installed such as non return valves and emergency shut off buttons or systems which must be included in the fire risk assessment.

The mains gas supply control point must be known by key staff and included in the fire and emergency file that is usually handed over to the fire and rescue service.

Records that should be maintained

Gas installation certificates
Gas equipment testing, service and maintenance sheets
Gas installations, equipment and appliances risk assessments