Health and Safety - Gas Safety

Gas safety features in temporary kitchens and catering equipment

Gas safety is a priority at PKL. All of our catering equipment and Portable Kitchens comply with the latest gas safety regulations and all installations are carried out to relevant British Standards and The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations including BS 6891:1998, IGE/UP/1, IGE/UP/1a, IGE/UP/2.

It is a Health and Safety Executive requirement that all installations and maintenance work on gas appliances must be carried out by GasSafe registered gas engineers. Our engineers who have relevant GasSafe certification and attend regular training complete the installation and maintenance of PKL equipment. We also ensure that any gas subcontractors used by us are GasSafe registered and complete an annual inspection.

Flame Failure Devices

All PKL hire equipment is protected by Flame Failure Devices (FFD), which have been introduced by legislation. Whilst only a recommendation for hire equipment, all PKL equipment complies to this standard. Should a piece of equipment fail, the FFD will close off the gas supply to this item. This means that if a gas tap was left open when the equipment failed, the gas would not be able to flow again once the gas supply was restored without going through the normal lighting procedure. Potential explosions and poisoning are thus avoided.

Ventilation Auto Gas Shut Off

In accordance with BS 6173, since September 2001 all new kitchen installations require the ventilation system to be interlocked with the gas supply, so that if the ventilation system is not switched on - the gas supply will not flow. This provides protection from the following risks:

• Build up of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide - which can lead to drowsiness, accidents or poisoning
• Build up of heat and steam - gives staff a more pleasant working environment and reduced risk of accidents

Gas Detection System

An optional addition to Portable Kitchens, Central Island Canopies and Mobile Canopies is the supply of a gas leak detection system. This system is located at the base of the canopy and will sound an alarm on the detection of a gas leak. Automatic connection can also be made to the gas supply, where on activation a solenoid valve will close down the gas supply.

In addition we implement the following solutions to make installation quicker, easier and safer:

Quick Release Hoses

For speed and safety, all LP and natural gas equipment is supplied with snap on quick fit 'Dormont' hoses. This means that equipment can easily be disconnected for cleaning or maintenance, which improves both the hygiene and safety of your kitchen. The hoses themselves are manufactured from brass and stainless steel and coated in regulation yellow colour bonded PVC, which is foodsafe, heat and chemical resistant. Unlike other types of hose these cannot be accidentally cut or damaged and provide a solid connection between equipment and manifold.

Propane Gas Regulator

With all stand alone hires of LP equipment, we supply a gas regulator with safety shut off valves. It is therefore a two minute task to connect equipment as soon as it arrives on site, leaving you with a safe, secure installation.

Gas Safety Shut Off Valve

All gas hoses, whether as part of a stand alone installation or within a fully installed Portable Kitchen, have a manual shut off valve. This means individual items can be isolated in complete safety for cleaning or maintenance, without disturbing the supply to other items.

Event Gas Manifold

Where more than one item of catering equipment is required to be installed, the simplest and safest solution is an event manifold. We have in stock over 500 metres of modular lengths of 'off the ground' gas manifolds. The manifold will connect to gas bottles safely housed in a gas cage sited a safe distance away from the catering equipment. Our GasSafe registered gas fitters can quickly and safely install the manifolds in full compliance with IGE/UP/1, IGE/UP/1A and IGE/UP/2. As with all gas installations, each item of gas equipment is connected to the manifold via a Dormont quick release hose for the ultimate in hygiene and safety.

Gas storage

Gas Cages

The safe, secure storage of propane gas bottles is an absolute priority on any site. In accordance with regulations every site must store bottles in a lockable gas cage. We will deliver a gas cage with every hire that can house up to 8 x 47kg LPG bottles. With prior agreement, we can connect the gas bottles from the initial delivery then provide the appropriate training to nominated personnel on the changing of subsequent cylinders.

Bulk Propane Gas Tanks

For long term hires at large installations, or for sites regularly used for large event kitchens, we can organise the installation of bulk gas tanks. The risks associated with multi bottle installations such as gas leaks and tampering are avoided. Further, these installations can be sited away from buildings and temporary structures for increased safety.