Catering Gas Safety Certificates
How much does a commercial catering gas safety certificate cost?
Catering kitchen gas safety certificates usually cost between £200-300 (ex VAT) depending on how much gas equipment is installed. The cost may increase for larger kitchens.
Why do you need a commercial gas safety certificate for a catering kitchen?
If you have a commercial kitchen, you have a legal duty to ensure that any gas appliances on your premises are checked and certified by a Gas Safe qualified engineer at least once a year. Commercial kitchens are subject to rigorous regulation because of the ventilation required and fire risks if correct guidance isn’t followed. Also, the equipment can become potentially hazardous if not maintained, so it needs to be regularly inspected for leaks and faults.
Do you need to install a gas safety interlock in a catering kitchen?
According to the UK gas safety regulations and British Standard BS6173, any food business with a new commercial catering kitchen using gas appliances must install a gas safety interlock system. However, if you already have a working catering kitchen without a safety interlock installed you only need to have one installed when you install new gas catering equipment.
What is a catering kitchen gas safety interlock?
This is designed to shut off the gas supply in the event of a fan failure and ensure the airflow rates achieved by commercial kitchen extraction systems meet the minimum standards set out by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). Gas interlock systems operate by monitoring the fan or fans’ operation within the extraction system by one of two possible methods. Either a differential air pressure switch can be used that senses the static air pressure and shuts off at a defined level of air throughout, or an electrical current sensor monitors the electrical current to the fan to achieve the same objective.
What safety certificate is required for a commercial catering kitchen?
The safety certificate required to cover the gas installation and appliances in a catering kitchen is a commercial catering gas safety certificate, otherwise known as a CP42. The certificate is valid for 12 months and is required by law.
What type of catering kitchen requires a gas safety certificate?
All commercial kitchens using gas appliances require an annual commercial catering gas safety certificate (CP42), such as:
- Restaurants, cafes and clubs
- Take-away shops and fast food outlets
- Catering businesses, mobile or fixed kitchens
- Staff, schools, MOD, NHS, Government canteens
- Care homes, nursing homes, and daycare centres
- Any food production centres
- All kitchens in both private and public sectors
What is involved in catering kitchen gas safety inspection?
A Gas Safe registered engineer who is specifically registered to carry out work on gas catering kitchens/equipment will inspect the equipment and complete a thorough examination of the gas pipework, gas safety interlock, and extraction canopy. They will only provide a certificate if the catering kitchen has passed stringent safety checks.
Who’s responsibility is it to provide a catering kitchen gas safety certificate?
Any business owner is responsible for making sure their employees and customers are safe. If you own a business that operates a commercial catering kitchen with gas appliances your business insurance will require you to have a current CP42 Gas Safety Certificate. If you lease your premises, don’t assume this is the responsibility of the landlord. Usually, a lease will include clauses that pass responsibility for gas safety to the leaseholder.
Can MHL provide a catering gas safety certificate?
Yes. MHL are experts in the safety certification of gas catering equipment in commercial catering kitchens. We also provide gas safety certification to mobile catering trailers and outdoor events.
Our commercial catering gas services include:
- Gas pipework pressure testing, maintenance, and repair
- Installation and certification of gas catering equipment
- Gas leak investigation and repair
- Gas interlock system installation and repair
- Extraction canopy inspection and certification
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Commercial kitchen hot water boiler installations
Our team will work with you to make sure that your commercial kitchen is safe and that you’re up-to-date with all of the current regulations. To schedule a gas safety inspection call 0800 061 4567 or email us here – info@mhlservices.co.uk