In the UK, you may already be aware that there are some very strict and specific regulations concerning the use of gas in business and commercial establishments, and this includes the design and supply of the gas connection, any modifications, as well as the servicing of gas equipment and appliances. If the volume of the gas or the size of your gas equipment exceeds a specific size (such as 70kW of your establishment’s heat output), your gas installation is already considered a commercial gas installation and you are covered by even more stringent regulations. But if you are running a commercial or business enterprise and would like to educate yourself fully on your gas installation, equipment, and so on, here’s everything you need to know about commercial gas servicing, installation, and more.
What is a commercial gas installation?
As already mentioned, a commercial gas installation is typically one which exceeds a specific size, such as 70kW of your establishment’s output of heat. But aside from this, your setup would be considered a commercial gas installation even if you don’t exceed any particular threshold, as long as you have equipment which is powered by gas. This comes from the latest HSE practices and laws concerning corporate responsibility in the UK. As a business owner, you have a special duty of care to make sure that your gas installation and equipment are appropriately maintained, repaired, serviced, as well as certified only by an engineer or firm registered with Gas Safe. If you are a landlord and you offer accommodation for rent, you are covered by these regulations as well.
Why it is essential to choose a Gas Safe registered engineer
As a commercial business, it is in your best interest to choose an engineer who is fully qualified and registered with Gas Safe. The Gas Safe engineer will have to make sure that the work carried out for your installation or equipment follows certain standards which are outlined in the codes of practice, which also includes certification and proper record-keeping.
What you are responsible for
The National Grid Transco is responsible for transporting gas around the United Kingdom, and this gas is then distributed by several regional distribution firms, as confirmed by an experienced commercial gas engineer in London from Gasway Commercial. These firms are responsible for the pipework and the faults until the emergency valve for cut-off which is immediately located or placed upstream from your own meter. And while the supplier of your gas is responsible for the meter, as they technicallyown it, you are responsible for all the pipework, installations, equipment, ancillaries, and valves which are downstream from the meter. If you are operating your enterprise from your premises or you are a landlord of commercial or domestic property with a large system for gas, your installation will fall under the commercial installation category.
The importance of regular servicing
Regular servicing is essential, particularly in regard to appliances, but also to pipework, ancillary systems, and flues. Regular check-ups are a requirement to make sure that your system is working efficiently, but they are also required to ensure that your system is operating safely and there are no concerns which can result in a risky situation or even an unplanned breakdown or shutdown.
