What is this standard about?
This British Standard gives comprehensive guidance on the safe and correct installation of low pressure gas pipework.
Who is this standard for?
- Installers responsible for installing and changing gas meters
- Training establishments providing gas industry courses
- Architectural organizations
- Trade bodies
- Gas businesses
- Designers and specifiers
- Clients and facilities managers who maintain buildings
Why should you use this standard?
This is a well-established and highly respected UK standard, compliance with which will ensure a safe gas installation.
It specifies the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of gas installation pipework carrying 2nd and 3rd family gas of up to 35 mm (R 1¼) on premises, including residential park homes (2nd and 3rd family gas) and caravan holiday homes (2nd family gas).
It contains guidance for everyone involved in the process including specifiers, designers and installers. The standard also always incorporates any changes to legislation and lessons learned from incidents or its application since the last version was published.
The Annexes supply further valuable information as follows:
- Annex A gives a method for calculating pipe sizes
- Annex B discusses the sulfidation of natural gas installations
- Annex C summarizes the conclusions of a report on gas in intermediate floors
- Annex D gives guidance on determining whether an area can be deemed a “protected area”
- Annex E specifies requirements for LPG final stage regulator and safety devices
- Annex F discusses the need for gas pipework design and installation for commercial installations to satisfy regulatory requirements regarding explosive atmospheres
NOTE 1: The principles of the standard can also be applied to the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of gas installation pipework carrying 1st family gas.
NOTE 2: This British Standard doesn’t apply to:
a) Service pipework and distribution systems
b) Pipework contained within an appliance
c) Bulk storage vessels
d) LPG pipework installed in leisure accommodation vehicles and for accommodation purposes in vehicles in accordance with BS EN 1949
e) Boats, yachts and other vessels
f) Gas pipework supplying or within appliances having their own gas supply, such as mobile heaters
g) Gas pipework supplying or within catering establishments covered by BS 6173
What’s changed since the last update?
This 2019 version amends the 2015 standard. There are two changes:
- Clause 8.6.2 has been amended because a significant section of the industry felt it introduced a potential point of failure, thus actually creating, not diminishing, safety issues.
- Clause 8.4.2.1 has been amended to clarify that both, not just one, of the bulleted requirements need to be met.