Gas Safety Week: A Quick Guide to LPG Appliances

It is important to use reputable suppliers when purchasing LPG appliances. Care and attention must be paid when purchasing second-hand and/or imported appliances from e-commerce websites.

These are some important tips to observe when it comes to the safe use of LPG appliances – click here to download the pdf guide for free.

1. All gas appliances must have conformity marking to confirm they meet safety and environmental standards and are permitted for sale within the UK. It is essential to look for the following conformity marking on appliances:
• CE
• UKCA
• UKNI

2. Appliances must be suitable for the intended use – they should be commercial grade appliances so that can withstand the intensity of use, are less prone to breakdown and failure and have key safety control measures in place. Avoid the use of domestic appliances that are designed for occasional leisure use e.g. domestic BBQs and camping stoves.

3. Gas appliances must have a flame failure device in place – This is a key safety feature that stops the flow of gas to the burner of a cooker of hob if the flame has been extinguished. This prevents the build-up of explosive gas in the catering space making flame failure devices an important safety feature.

4. Appliances should be accompanied by the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that they can be correctly set up and safely used. The manufacturer’s instructions may state that a minimum distance is required between the appliance and other types of appliances in use. All safety advised must be adhered to.

5. Appliances must enable cylinders to be connected from the outside where they are ventilated, or to be secured in a ventilated purpose-built storage compartment.

6. Appliances must be correctly set up and connected to cylinders. They must be properly maintained and subject to annual servicing and checks by a Gas Safe engineer who is qualified and competent in LPG.

7. If appliances are to be connected by hoses, then they should be:
• Metallic over-braided or PVC wrapped.
• Have swaged or crimped fitted ends.
• Suitable for the fuel type.
• Be marked with the manufactured date and relevant standards.
• Not exceed the recommended hose length as instructed by the manufacturer.
• Enable minimum 1m distances between cylinders and ignition sources.
8. If multiple appliances are connected to a single cylinder, then appliances must have individual isolation valves fitted in order to isolate the gas supply to them.

This is to facilitate safe isolation of an appliance that could develop a gas leak or become broken.