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How do EEH Practice Gas System Safety?

EEH Solutions follow "Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances" (L56, Fifth edition, published 2018) down to the letter, as it is an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and provides direct guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 

It provides practical advice on complying with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) and relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act).

The following bullet points are a summary of key points and areas EEH follows.

Key Regulatory Changes and Scope

The fifth edition of this document includes amendments from the SI 2018/139 Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018. These changes involve:

  • Disapplication of CNG Filling Stations (Regulation 2(4)): Compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations fed by a dedicated supply are largely exempt from GSIUR requirements, bringing them in line with other industrial premises.
  • Flexibility in Checks (Regulation 26(9)): An existing exemption now allows for alternative checks if it's not possible to examine the operating pressure or heat input directly.
  • Landlords' Annual Gas Safety Checks (Regulation 36(3) and 36A): There is increased flexibility in the timing of landlords' annual gas safety checks, along with new provisions for determining the next due date.
  • Review Requirement (Regulation 40A): A new requirement mandates a review of these new regulatory provisions.

GSIUR primarily covers the safe installation, maintenance, and use of gas systems, fittings, appliances, and flues in domestic and commercial premises. This includes both natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). While certain premises like factories, mines, and agricultural sites are generally excluded, regulations regarding gas escapes (Regulation 37) and antifluctuators/valves (Regulation 38) still apply. Additionally, premises or parts of premises used for domestic, residential, or sleeping purposes within these excluded areas remain covered.

Core Duties and Requirements

Competence and Registration (Regulation 3)

  • Anyone carrying out work on a gas fitting or gas storage vessel must be competent to do so. This includes DIY activities or favors.
  • Employers and self-employed individuals performing gas work must be members of a class of persons approved by HSE.
  • At the time of publication, the Gas Safe Register is the only approved body.
  • Competence involves practical skill, training, knowledge, and experience, which must be kept up-to-date.

Duty on Employers (Regulation 4)

  • Employers and self-employed persons requiring gas work to be done must take reasonable steps to ensure the person undertaking the work is registered with an HSE-approved class of persons.

Materials and Workmanship (Regulation 5)

  • Gas fittings must be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and size, and appropriate for the gas used.
  • The installation of lead or lead alloy pipes is prohibited.
  • Non-metallic pipes in buildings are generally only permitted if they are part of a readily movable appliance or are placed inside a metallic sheath to prevent gas escape.
  • All work must be carried out in accordance with appropriate standards and in a way that prevents danger.

General Safety Precautions (Regulation 6)

  • Measures must be taken to prevent released gas from constituting a danger.
  • Incomplete gasways must be sealed with an appropriate fitting when left unattended.
  • Disconnected gas fittings require sealing off every outlet of every pipe to which they were connected.
  • Smoking or using ignition sources near exposed gasways is prohibited.
  • Installations must be tested for gastightness after work that might affect it.
  • Gas storage vessels must be installed at sites that ensure safe use, filling, or refilling.
  • Storage of natural gas on domestic premises is prohibited, with exceptions for gas in pipes or vehicle fuel tanks.

Protection Against Damage (Regulation 7)

  • Gas fittings must be properly supported and protected from damage (physical, corrosion, or blockage).

Existing Gas Fittings (Regulation 8)

  • Any alteration to premises that would adversely affect the safety of an existing gas fitting or storage vessel is prohibited.
  • Work on a gas fitting or associated flue/ventilation system that would result in danger is also prohibited.

Emergency Controls (Regulation 9)

  • An appropriately sited and accessible emergency control must be provided when gas is first supplied to premises.
  • If the control is not adjacent to a primary meter, a notice detailing gas escape procedures must be prominently displayed.

Electrical Continuity (Regulation 10)

  • Electrical continuity must be maintained during work on a gas fitting where necessary to avoid danger, typically by using a suitable temporary bond.

Meters and Regulators (Part C)

  • Meters must be installed to avoid adversely affecting means of escape in fire and to prevent damage from electrical apparatus.
  • They must be readily accessible for inspection and maintenance.
  • Regulators must control gas pressure within safe limits and be sealed against unauthorized interference.

Installation Pipework (Part D)

  • Pipework must be installed in a safe position, considering other services and structural elements.
  • Specific restrictions and protective measures apply to pipes passing through solid walls, floors, cavity walls, and foundations.
  • Installation pipework (except in dwellings) must be marked to identify it as carrying gas.

Gas Appliances (Part E)

  • Appliances must be safe for use , and not left connected to the gas supply unless safe.
  • Used appliances must be verified as safe before re-installation.
  • After work, the appliance and flue must be examined for effectiveness, combustion air supply, operating pressure/heat input, and safe functioning, with any defects notified to the responsible person.
  • Certain appliances are prohibited in bathrooms, shower rooms, or sleeping accommodation unless room-sealed or fitted with safety controls.
  • Flues must be suitable and in proper condition for safe appliance operation.
  • Suspended appliances require pipework capable of supporting their weight.
  • Manual flue dampers on domestic appliances are prohibited.
  • Manufacturers' instructions must be left with the owner or occupier.

Maintenance (Part F)

  • Employers and self-employed persons must ensure any gas appliance, flue, or installation pipework under their control at a workplace is maintained in a safe condition.
  • This includes regular inspections, performance tests, and remedial action.
  • Landlords have specific duties for annual gas safety checks and ongoing maintenance of gas appliances and flues provided to tenants.
  • Records of these checks must be kept and provided to tenants.

Gas Escapes (Regulation 37)

  • This regulation outlines actions for gas suppliers and responsible persons in the event of an escape of gas (other than natural gas from a network) or suspected carbon monoxide emission.
  • Gas suppliers must prevent gas escaping within 12 hours of being informed.
  • Responsible persons must immediately shut off the gas supply if they suspect an escape and notify the supplier if the smell persists.
  • Supply must not be re-opened until recurrence is prevented.

Exceptions and Exemptions

  • Certain "work" activities, like connecting/disconnecting self-sealing connectors (e.g., bayonet fittings for cookers) or relighting pilot lights, are excluded from the definition of "work" under GSIUR if they don't involve breaking into a gasway.
  • HSE can grant exemptions in writing from requirements or prohibitions, provided health and safety will not be prejudiced.

This document is a vital resource for ensuring gas safety across various settings in Great Britain.