Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences?

[chesterheating]

We are moving into commercial catering and cant get a straight answer from gas safe...they have replied directing us to different clauses and points but not actually confirming if it is a legal requirement for businesses to get their appliences checked annually - anyone know?

 

[Killy Bing]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

As far as i am aware all mobile catering units need a safety certificate each year to trade so i would not think it unreasonable that a commercial kitchen would need one.

everything i have read has seemed to be quite vague around it.

however health and safety inspections will ask to see the certificates and if they dont have an in date one they will serve a notice.

also the maximum length of time between applience services are 12 months.

ahh found this, still vague!

http://www.User PlumbersForums.net ....co.uk/pdf/Commercial-Catering-Gas-Safety.pdf

 

[chesterheating]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

thanks for your feedback - gas safe are very non comittal - my last response when i have asked them to confirm if it is a legal requirement is ...
The meaning of ‘Duty’ in this case means the employer has a ‘legal obligation’ to ensure that fittings under his control are maintained in a safe condition.


this doesnt mean it has to be done every 12 months - need a new angle to market these services then... thanks for taking time to reply

 

[Killy Bing]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

Im awaiting my apprenticeship to be awarded then i will be doing commercial catering to get the mobile side.
so i also need to know this.

it might be best to contact hse direct rather than gas safe.

I haven't really invested any time in researching it yet.

an insurance angle might be a good one to take, I'm sure in the liability clauses servicing of appliances must be lurking around.

 

[SimonG]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

Ask your potential insurance company, if I was in insurance then I would want annual checks to ensure safety.

 

[lame plumber]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

any business has to ensure the correct operation of equipment it uses and if something happens and people are hurt they have to prove that they took adequate precautions to maintain the safe operation of the equipment. A court wont be happy with 5 yearly checks on most equipment and its the norm to have annual checks, more if equipment is subject to heavy use.

 

[snowhead]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

Try the EHO, they tend to ask for proof of servicing

 

[heatseek185]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cais23.pdf

Periods between inspections may vary depending on the
equipment and its use and should follow
manufacturer’s recommendations, but as a general
rule annual inspections will be a reasonable minimum
frequency.

 

[AWheating]

Re: Is it a legal requirement for businesses to annually certify their gas appliences

the business's have a legal duty of care to maintain the equipment. This could mean as little as a service once a year, or it could mean a service or safety check every month. it could be as simple as cleaning the oven or stove burners once a week. It depends on the equipment and how its used.

So you need to base it on all the variables, you cant just go on guidlines alone. each appliance must be maintain in a safe working condition. Consult the manufacturer's and find a good local engineer who has experience with the type of equipment you have.

any business should consider the question, if i got asked by a judge, inspector or insurance company could you prove you maintain the stuff correctly? if you cant then your open to problems if anything happens.