Gas Safety for Catering Appliances

Strict regulations have to be adhered to during catering appliance installation and maintenance to ensure gas safety. All types of work including repairs must be carried out by fully-qualified engineers with Gas Safe registration. Commercial catering outlets that are legally obliged to use gas safety services to maintain their appliances in excellent order include: • Restaurants • Cafes • Fast food • Fish and chip shops • Public houses • Hotels • Mobile snack bars Compulsory Interlocking Systems Commercial catering produces high levels of heat, steam and fumes. These are effectively removed by extractor fans in canopy hoods placed directly above the appliances. Current legislation stipulates that new ventilation units must use an interlocking system that operates in unison with the gas supply. In practice, the ventilation appliances must already be running before the gas supply can be turned on. Flame Failure and Gas Proving Devices Many accidents including explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning occur through faulty appliances. New catering appliances include flame failure devices to ensure safety is maintained if the pilot light accidentally goes out. To comply with current legislation existing catering appliances without such equipment must be fitted with the alternative gas proving devices. Hazardous Gas Safety Catering establishments use a wide range of equipment including large commercial ovens, deep fat fryers, hot cupboards and salamander grills. With constant wear and tear catering appliances can unexpectedly deteriorate. The result can be a sudden increase in carbon monoxide. This silent, unseen peril causes a range of ailments including nausea, headaches and stomach cramps and can even lead to death. Warning signs that a catering appliance may be faulty include: • Extinguished pilot light • Evidence of soot • Orange or yellow flames • Severe condensation Regular Maintenance Commercial caterers must subscribe to annual maintenance checks to ensure gas safety. CPS Gas have vast experience in providing affordable, professional gas services to catering establishments in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. The company’s team of fully-qualified gas engineers are all Gas Safe registered. They provide professional catering appliance installation, repairs to pipework and appliances, related electrical and plumbing requirements and full maintenance servicing for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) appliances.

For more information on Gas Safety for Catering Appliances talk to CPS Gas