The Gas Appliances Safety Regulations

In some cases, other laws may apply such as the Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 1991 or the Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995. All these Regulations implement European Directives and contain various requirements. The existence of CE marking on machinery should indicate that the manufacturer has met all of the requirements that are relevant. 

The Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SI 0711) (brief summary only)... 

The Gas Appliance Regulations cover the safety standards on new gas appliances which have to ... 

Certain types of equipment are specifically excluded from the scope of the directive. It is self-evident that equipment which is already regulated at Union level with respect to the pressure risk by other directives had to be excluded. That is the case with simple pressure vessels, transportable pressure equipment, aerosols and motor vehicles. Other equipment, such as carbonated drink containers or radiators and piping for hot water systems are excluded from the scope because of the limited risk involved. Also excluded are products which are subject to a minor pressure risk which are covered by the directives on machinery, lifts, low voltage, medical devices, gas appliances and on explosive atmospheres. A further and last group of exclusions refers to equipment which presents a significant pressure risk, but for which neither the free circulation aspect nor the safety aspect necessitated their inclusion. 

For much plant the manufacturers will provide detailed maintenance schedules which should be followed at all times. This may necessitate the use of spares and tools specific to that appliance. Attention is drawn to Regulation 25(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, which states that No person shall carry out any work in relation to a gas appliance which bears an indication that it conforms to a type approved by any person as complying with safety standards in such a manner that the appliance ceases to comply with those standards . 

After soundness testing and purging, a competent person must commission the item of plant. It is a requirement of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, Regulation 33, that an appliance is fully commissioned at the time that gas is made available to it or that it is isolated in such a manner that it cannot be used. 

Attention is drawn to Regulation 4(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, which prohibits the use of non-metallic materials for gas pipework other than for small portable appliances such as Bunsen burners and lighting torches. 

Consumer Safety Main provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987. General duty to supply safe goods. Relationship to HSW. Consumer products subject to special Regulations. Safety of Gas Appliances. Enforcement Procedures. Banning of imports. Prohibition of sale of specific products. Product Liability. 

These regulations require that no person should supply any gas appliance or fitting unless the appliance conforms to EC type examination and satisfies essential safety requirements listed in Schedule 3 of the regulations. Examples of some of these requirements are listed below ... 

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