All businesses need to be aware and stay up-to-date with Commercial Kitchen Gas Regulations. This informative guide focuses on the regulations in the UK and everything you need to consider to keep your employees safe, and your gas equipment functioning effectively.

Commercial Kitchen Gas Safety Regulations and Laws

It’s your responsibility and legal obligation to ensure your business is in-line and up-to-date with the relevant commercial kitchen gas regulations and laws. From installation and maintenance to ventilation and risk assessments, we’ll cover the key areas you need to know.

Is your Gas Safety Certificate up-to-date?

Also known as the CP42 Catering Gas Safety Certificate, this is issued annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer and covers all gas installation and appliances. It’s your responsibility to have this checked and updated yearly as regulations can change.

Do I need a CP42 Gas Safety Certificate?

If you’re a commercial kitchen with gas appliances, then yes. Whether you use Natural Gas or LPG, you need to have your gas equipment checked and certified every year. This is important for the safety of your staff, equipment and kitchen but it’ll also affect your insurance.

You’ll need a CP42 certificate for the following sectors:

  • Catering businesses in mobile or fixed kitchens
  • Staff, schools, MOD, NHS and government canteens
  • Kitchens in both private and public sectors
  • Nursing homes and daycare centres
  • Cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs
  • Take-away shops and fast food outlets
  • Food production centres

Midlands Catering’s Gas Safety Service can ensure your appliances are checked and certified in line with UK commercial kitchen gas regulations as all our engineers are Gas Safe Registered.

a recod sheet to record engineer visits to make sure businesses are compliant with commercial kitchen gas regulations
A Midlands engineer performing repairs to a gas cooker to make sure the equipment is compliant with Commercial Kitchen Gas Regulations

Certificates for installation and repair work on gas appliances

This applies to all hospitality and catering facilities with equipment using Natural Gas or LPG. As part of the GSIUR (Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations), engineers must be Gas Safe Registered with valid certificates relevant to the gas appliance and work they’re involved with. It’s your responsibility to check that engineers have up-to-date
certificates.

At Midlands Catering we understand the importance of these regulations, that’s why all our Gas Safe Registered engineers can install, repair, and service your gas appliances with the correct certificates.

To find more information about the GSIUR code of practice and guidance, click here.

Ensure maintenance and inspection of gas appliances

Part of the GSIUR regulations state that employers, including those who are self-employed, need to ensure the following are in safe working condition:

  • Gas appliances
  • Flues
  • Pipework
  • Safety devices

Gas work will also need to be checked and serviced correctly by Gas Safe Registered engineers which again, Midlands Catering can assist you with. Our Gas Safety Service includes a fully managed service with maintenance reminders and up-to-date certificates.

Knowledge is power

An easy way to spot when something isn’t right is by knowing how your equipment should be working. Ensure your employees are confident on how to use all gas appliances, how to check for faults such as damaged pipes, faulty flame supervision devices or inoperative safety locks, and how to correctly report any issues.

Holding regular training sessions with employees is vital in making sure everyone in your business can help to keep you compliant with commercial kitchen gas regulations.

Keep your ventilation flowing

Gas appliances can generate heat and fumes that need to be removed to create a safe and comfortable environment. As windows can be shut, these can’t be seen as a reliable source of ventilation in commercial kitchens. Therefore gas appliances need to be fitted with a canopy hood.

The regulations for canopy hoods include:

  • Fitted at least 2m from the floor
  • They need to extend 300mm beyond the edge of appliances
  • Designed to efficiently remove cooking fumes
  • Have sufficient extraction

Any air vents within your kitchen should also be positioned where they can’t be blocked by supplies or equipment.

Midland’s expertise in effective ventilation can help you find the right air control solution for your kitchen. From canopies and fans to bespoke requirements, find out how we can design, install and maintain the right option.

Complete your risk assessments

These should be considered when designing your kitchen, once appliances have been installed and then reviewed regularly. Factors that could increase potential risk hazards include:

  • Available space
  • Signs of poor ventilation
  • Lack of appliance maintenance
  • The timespan of when gas appliances are in use

Factors that could reduce potential risk hazards include:

  • Adequate space for staff, equipment and ventilation
  • Good ventilation
  • Well-maintained appliances

For more information on managing risk assessments, take a look at the HSE’s guidelines.

Be in the know about your commercial kitchen gas regulations

These regulations are put in place to protect you, your staff and your business, but we understand it can seem a bit daunting. Our years of experience and expert engineers can take a weight off your mind to help you ensure that these regulations are met from design and installation, all the way through to maintenance and repairs. For more information, get in touch.

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