Council urges businesses to ensure gas appliance safety
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Walsall Council is urging commercial businesses to ensure their gas appliances are safe to operate, following a recent incident in which a takeaway in Bloxwich had its gas supply disconnected due to serious safety concerns.
The action was taken after it was identified that the premises was operating without a functioning gas interlock system. Gas interlock systems are a critical safety requirement in commercial kitchens. They are designed to prevent gas appliances from operating if mechanical ventilation systems are not running, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide build-up, oxygen depletion and fire.
Where a gas interlock is not working correctly, appliances can continue to operate without adequate ventilation, creating potentially life-threatening conditions for staff and customers. In a recent case, the risk was considered significant enough for engineers to disconnect the gas supply to prevent harm.
“ Businesses must understand that gas safety is not optional. Where we identify a serious risk to life, we will act immediately, including disconnecting the gas supply if necessary.
“This recent case should serve as a clear warning. Effective ventilation and properly functioning gas interlock systems are essential safeguards. We would strongly urge all commercial operators to review their arrangements and ensure they are fully compliant before an incident occurs. “
There is a legal requirement for commercial catering businesses (restaurants, cafés, takeaways, mobile food vans) to have a full gas safety inspection at least once every year. Noncompliance could lead to prosecution under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
The council is reminding all food businesses and other commercial premises using gas appliances to arrange regular servicing and safety checks, and to act immediately if faults are identified.
Businesses can find or check a registered commercial Gas Safe engineer by visiting: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer-or-check-the-register/
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