Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
ESTATES OFFICE ‐ OPERATIONS
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI – 13
Use of Gas
Installation and Use of Gas in University Premises
ISSUE RECORD
Revision Description Updated Compiled Review
Date by date
01 Modified Jan 2010 J Cummins Jan 2011
02 Modified Apr 2011 A Riddick Apr 2012
03 Modified June 2011 A Riddick June 2012
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
1. Introduction
1.1 General Information
1.1.1 The Purpose of this Works Instruction
The purpose of this Works Instruction is to provide a framework for gas
safety within the University, and to stipulate the necessary procedures for
the operation and maintenance of gas systems.
1.1.2 The Legal Situation
The installation and use of fuel gas supplied through pipes is regulated by
various Acts of Parliament. Of primary importance to The University are;
a. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
b. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
These statutory provisions include possible prosecution of individuals or
organizations if the requirements are not complied with.
1.2 Health and Safety
The H&SW Act 1974 makes provision for health, safety and welfare in the work place
and applies to employment generally. The requirements of the Act in the context of
University premises will generally be met by observing Works Instructions (*) and in
planning, controlling and documenting Works in a systematic manner.
(*) WI 9G Control of Work in University Premises.
1.3 Gas Safety
Primarily the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 place a duty on the
"Gas Installer" to ensure that the Regulations are observed. In addition there are
duties placed upon the users of gas appliances and persons responsible for premises.
The implications of this must be evident to all members of the Estate Office since we
specify, install, maintain appliances and equipment and control the operations of
contractors. With regard to premises, apart from our responsibilities for buildings
and being the "Users" of gas appliances, this Department has a duty of care to the
occupiers of University premises for gas safety.
In unsafe situations, Estates Office Operatives should refer to The Gas Industry
Unsafe Situations procedure.
1.4 Consumer Protection
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 has the effect of amending the Health and Safety
at Work Act 1974 such that manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and
substances for use at work are required to provide adequate information covering
the safe use of that equipment and/or substance. This legislation also lays down
requirements with respect to product liability.
In the case of equipment or appliances it is necessary to formally receive product
information, since in the absence of manufacturers information or instructions you
may not be able to confirm the design/operating limitations of the equipment.
All maintenance and operating instructions shall be centrally recorded and be
available, in the case of maintenance instructions, for reference.
University of Bristol Page 2
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
2. Design, Installation and Use of Gas Systems
2.1 Design of Systems
All new, replacement or extended gas systems shall incorporate, at the design
stage, appropriate "Best Practice".
Should the design work be undertaken internally then reference shall be made to
Standard Codes of Practice as published by the British Standards Institution, The
Institution of Gas Engineers and Industry Standards of British Gas plc.
Design, specification and build activities carried out by others on behalf of the
University shall be subject to a design brief requiring the adoption of appropriate
"Best Practice". Designers should confirm their acceptance of these requirements
at the time of appointment.
Completed designs shall be approved by persons who can demonstrate
competence in these areas.
2.2 Installation Of Gas Systems
The installation of gas systems will require the practical application and
adherence to appropriate "Best Practice" derived from the sources described in
2.1. above.
In relation to gas meters, installation pipes and gas appliances The Gas Safety
(Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are mandatory and shall be adhered to in
every case.
The Compliance Office shall be notified of all new gas installations, and
installations of any boilers / appliances (this to include replacement of existing
boilers / appliances) on completion of work.
2.3 Installation of Gas Appliances
All Gas Appliances and Equipment shall be installed to the manufacturers
recommendations or instructions. Where an Installer installs an appliance it shall
be properly commissioned and put into working order as required by the Gas
Safety (Installation and Use) Regulation 1998. If this cannot be done it shall be
disconnected from the gas supply and the gas supply capped off. Appliances
installed but not supplied with gas shall not be supplied with gas or set to work
without testing examination and if necessary, adjustment.
The Installer shall pass a copy of the Installation and Service instructions to the
Maintenance Manager or Contract Administrator for recording (Gas safety
Regulations and Consumer Protection legislation in 1.3 and 1.4 above requires
this). This requirement recognises that Instructions are generally packed with the
appliance. The installer shall also notify GasSafe of every installation and
exchange within residential dwellings.
2.4 Competency
2.4.1 Contractors
Only companies that are registered with Gas Safe (the HSE official
register) shall undertake gas work for the University of Bristol, and then
only where the company can provide evidence of their gas operative’s
competency and experience, this will be sent electronically to the
University of Bristol’s senior engineer for assessment prior to any work
being undertaken.
University of Bristol Page 3
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
2.4.2 University of Bristol Employees
Only employees that have undertaken formal training have the necessary
qualifications and are listed on the University’s Gas Safe registration list
will undertake gas work on the University of Bristol gas systems.
2.4.3 Audit of Work
The University’s Compliance Office will carry out the auditing of gas
work, this will be undertaken by the University of Bristol compliance
team and external auditors.
2.4.4 Competence of Contractors
Assessing the competence of Contractors requires the question to be
asked `is this organisation able to demonstrate an ability to interpret the
standard(s)'? If the answer is no, then consideration should be given to
the production of a detailed specification or questioning if the Installer is
fit to be Approved by the University for this type of work (they may be
suited to other activities in which they are competent).
Contractor’s competence will be checked, prior to the start of work, at
the ‘Contractors Office’ in accordance with the Universities ‘Control of
Contractors on Site’ Policy, and before the issue of any Permit and Pass.
This may include provision of evidence of GasSafe registration.
2.5 Inspection of Gas Installation Pipework
It will be necessary to carry out inspections of Installation Pipe Systems prior to
alteration or extension. The inspection shall be made including;
a. Identifying the need for a "Line Diagram".
b. Identifying the need for Marking pipes.
c. Sleeving of pipes through walls and floors.
d. The configuration of pipes passing through ducts and voids.
e. Identification of notices regarding the installation and position of
secondary gas meter(s).
f. Inspection of the Meter House/Compartment ensuring it is not being used
to store flammable materials (or other unauthorised items).
Unsafe or unsatisfactory conditions shall be identified to a Maintenance Manager
or Contract Administrator.
2.6 Appliance Servicing
Servicing of appliances shall conform to the Estates Office annual service as
outlined below:‐
Where the appliance is;
• a fully modulating boiler with a premixed burner
• and the Manufacturers instructions give gas ratio figures with which to
set the gas and air pressure
• plus an efficiency percentage figure to test against
Only then, provided the test results meet the manufacturers’ criteria, may a full
service be deferred. The deferment of an appliance may only be deferred for one
year. The following year a full service must be undertaken.
University of Bristol Page 4
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
All other appliances will require a full service as per manufacturers’ instructions.
In the absence of these, all tasks listed on the University annual boilers/appliance
services sheet must be carried out.
When an appliance is serviced an immediate inspection shall be carried out to
determine;
a. The condition of flue systems
b. The effectiveness of the flue
c. The supply of combustion and cooling air
d. Its heat input and operating pressure
e. Its operation so as to ensure its safe functioning
A permanent record of the inspection shall be made and any defect reported to a
Maintenance Manager or Contract Administrator.
Installer(s) working on the University's gas systems, who have cause to believe
that a gas appliance is unsafe shall turn off the gas supply at the appliance control
valve, inform the user or occupier of the building and immediately inform the
responsible person within the Estates Office by use of a ‘Gas Incident Report’
form, see Appendix 2.
2.7 Testing and Commissioning Systems
2.7.1 Gas Tightness Testing
Testing of new or extended systems, or systems that have had their
supplies interrupted, or existing systems where work on the system
might have affected the gas tightness shall be undertaken on every
occasion and in accordance with current standards.
2.7.2 Certification
A certificate of gas tightness shall be produced as a matter of record by
the installer. The certificate shall be passed to an appointed supervisor
who will return a copy to the installer. Certificates indicating a failure
shall be passed to the supervisor. Large or complex Installation Pipe
systems with a total or sectional volume greater than 1 cubic metre or a
diameter exceeding 100 mm shall be referred to the Senior Mechanical
Engineer, Estate Operations for guidance.
2.7.3 Commissioning Pipe Systems
Where gas is to be supplied to an Installation Pipe system it shall be
immediately purged following a successful test.
Where gas is not to be supplied to an Installation Pipe system, the
system shall be isolated from the potential source of supply (plugged,
capped or spaded).
Where the pipe diameter exceeds 100 mm or the purging standard
requires other than a "Direct Purge" guidance shall be sought from the
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Estate Operations.
2.7.4 Contractors Operations
Works shall not be accepted by the University unless supported by
Certification. Should the pipe system under test have a volume in whole
or section greater than 1 cubic metre, then the full conditions of the test
and the purge quality shall be provided and considered part of the
Certification process. Certificates shall be provided to the Maintenance
Manager or Contract Administrator.
3. Gas Safety and the Occupiers of Premises
University of Bristol Page 5
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
3.1 General Comment
In a number of University premises gas appliances are used by the occupier(s) of
our buildings. The exception to this would be the example of boiler or other
central plant under the direct control of this Department.
It is necessary to give clear and consistent advice to occupiers and users both as a
matter of policy and when called upon to give guidance in matters of gas safety.
The Estates Office Gas Work Management Structure is shown in Appendix 1.
3.2 Unsafe Appliances
No person shall use a gas appliance or permit a gas appliance to be used if it is
known or suspected to be unsafe.
Estates Office staff shall, upon becoming aware of a potentially unsafe appliance,
act to ensure that the appliance is made safe or stop it from being used.
Estates Office staff contacted by a user or occupier reporting the knowledge or
suspicion of an unsafe appliance shall advise that the appliance should be turned
off and/or not used.
A permanent record shall be made of the unsafe situation (known or suspected)
and the ’Gas Incident Report’ form record passed to Maintenance Manager or
Contract Administrator to both log the incident and set in hand the rectification.
3.3 Gas Escapes (Leaks)
Appendix 3 is the procedure that shall be adopted by all members of The
University in relation to University premises in the event of smelling gas or a
suspended gas leak. It is recommended practice for members of the Student
Body in private accommodation.
Appendix 4 is the procedure that shall be adopted by all members of the
University in relation to University premises in the event of a gas escape or
incident.
University of Bristol Page 6
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
Appendix 1
ESTATES OFFICE – OPERATIONS
Gas Work Management Structure
J CUMMINS
SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER
M LANE J LAVIS
SERVICES MAINTENANCE MECHANICAL DESIGN
MANAGER ENGINEER
TESTING SECTION
T. SPOSITO
A RIDDICK
MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN
TESTING MAINTENANCE MANAGER
(GAS SAFE REGISTERED)
(GAS SAFE REGISTERED)
MAINTENANCE SECTION
REGISTERED GAS SAFE STAFF
P Viney C O’Shea
S Carter P White
A Reynolds D Patterson
C Kear N Hucker
J Baker (up to 30.7.11)
University of Bristol Page 7
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
Appendix 2
ESTATES OFFICE – OPERATIONS
Gas Incident Report
Date: Job No:
Time: Appliance Ref No if
applicable:
Building:
Location:
Description of Circumstances:
Remedial Action Required: Yes No
Details of Remedial Work and Job Numbers:
Please return to Estates Office Testing Team (1‐9 Old Park Hill) on completion.
Name: _________________________________________
Signature _________________________________________
Date: ______________________________
University of Bristol Page 8
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
Appendix 3
ESTATES OFFICE – OPERATIONS
Important Information on Gas Safety
If you smell Gas or suspect an escape of Gas, then the following advice should be followed;
DO
1. Turn off your gas supply at the meter/emergency control valve. This valve is usually next to
your gas meter. Leave this valve turned off until the Estates Office arrange for the supply to
be reinstated.
2. Extinguish all naked flames.
3. Open doors and windows to ventilate your building(s).
4. Telephone Security on (01179 112233) Direct Line or Internal ‐ 87848
5. Telephone the gas emergency number for your area under GAS in the BT directory.
DO NOT
1. Do not operate any electrical switches on or off. (This includes electrically controlled
security door systems. When the gas emergency service arrives give them access by
manually opening doors.)
2. Do not smoke and ensure that others observe the no smoking rule.
3. Do not turn the supply back on.
NEVER
1. Never search for an escape of gas with a naked flame.
University of Bristol Page 9
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011
WORKS INSTRUCTION WI‐13
Use of Gas
Appendix 4
ESTATES OFFICE – OPERATIONS
Procedures for Gas Escapes and Incidents
Gas Escapes and Incidents may be brought to our attention in a number of ways:‐
• By telephone through the Help Desk (in normal working hours) on Ext: 89898
All gas escapes and incidents shall be designated as ‘Emergency’.
• By phone through Security (in and out of normal hours) on Ext: 87848
• In person to any operatives
• Through an annual service/safety inspection
‐ Response to any gas escape or incident will be immediate.
‐ Shift personnel will be contacted by mobile phone.
‐ The day time personnel by mobile phone.
When the situation is safe and under control, the following actions must be taken:‐
• A Gas Incident Report (see Appendix 2) must be completed clearly stating all the
circumstances relating to the incident. The form is to be returned attached to any other
relevant documentation to the Testing Office as soon as possible.
• Warning notice and stickers must be displayed where necessary.
• In extreme circumstances you may be required to fill in a further form. ‘Reporting of
Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995’ (RIDDOR) which will be
sent to the Health & Safety Executive via the Safety Office.
University of Bristol Page 10
Estates Office Re‐Issue Date
June 2011