FAQs
Commercial heating and gas: questions answered
Catering kitchens, interlocks, tightness tests, plant rooms and LPG.
Commercial heating and gas
Does a restaurant or takeaway need a commercial gas safety certificate?
Employers must keep gas appliances, pipework and flues in a workplace safe and maintained by a Gas Safe engineer qualified for commercial catering. The usual record for kitchens is a commercial catering inspection, often called a CP42, carried out at least annually. CombiCert does commercial kitchen gas work in Telford and Shropshire.
Does my commercial kitchen need a gas interlock?
If the kitchen uses mechanical extraction, it usually needs an interlock that shuts off the gas if the extraction fan stops, as set out in BS 6173 and IGEM/UP/19. Older kitchens without one may be flagged on inspection. An interlock must not be bypassed. CombiCert installs and services catering gas interlocks.
When does a business need a gas tightness test?
A tightness test is needed when new pipework is installed, when existing pipework is altered or disturbed, before gas is turned back on after work, and when a leak is suspected. Commercial pipework is tested to IGEM/UP/1 or IGEM/UP/1B, depending on size. A routine boiler service does not always require a full test.
In a rented commercial unit, who is responsible for the gas safety?
It depends on the lease and who controls each part. The landlord usually covers shared plant and pipework they control, while the tenant covers appliances they own or use, such as catering equipment. Check the repair and maintenance clauses and agree responsibilities in writing. Domestic CP12 rules do not apply to non residential premises.
Can a catering van or food trailer using LPG get a gas safety certificate?
Yes. Mobile catering units using LPG need the installation and appliances checked by a Gas Safe engineer qualified for LPG and mobile catering work. Events and councils often ask to see a current record before you trade. Ask the engineer to confirm their Gas Safe card covers this category before booking.
How often should a commercial boiler be serviced?
Commercial boilers should be serviced at least once a year, in line with the manufacturer's instructions, and sites with heavy use or multiple boilers may need more frequent visits. A service includes combustion analysis, safety device checks and a written report. CombiCert services commercial boilers and plant rooms across Telford, Shropshire and the West Midlands.
What is a prefabricated plant room?
A prefabricated, or packaged, plant room is a boiler house built off site with boilers, pumps, controls and pipework already fitted, then delivered and connected on site. It reduces work on site and suits sites where space or time is tight. CombiCert installs plant rooms UK-wide, priced on request.
How do I get a price for commercial gas or heating work?
Commercial work is priced per job, so call or WhatsApp 07393 220694 or email hello@combicert.co.uk with the site address, the equipment involved and what you need, such as a service, an inspection, an interlock or a new plant room. A site visit is usually needed before an accurate price can be given.
Who can work on commercial boilers and plant rooms?
Only Gas Safe engineers registered for the relevant commercial categories, such as non-domestic heating appliances, can work on them. Check the back of the engineer's Gas Safe ID card for the categories they hold before booking. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
What should a facilities manager check before an engineer visits a plant room?
Make sure there is safe access, lighting and keys, list each boiler's make, model and any fault codes, and gather previous service records and drawings. Tell the engineer about recent faults, shutdowns or alarms. This speeds up diagnosis. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
Does CombiCert do commercial gas work?
Yes, CombiCert carries out light and heavy commercial gas work, including boilers, plant rooms and commercial kitchens, as well as domestic jobs, around Telford and Shropshire. Call 07393 220694 to discuss your site. Commercial work needs engineers with the right commercial gas qualifications for each appliance type.
What are commercial catering gas interlocks?
In many commercial kitchens, gas supply is interlocked with the ventilation, so gas cannot flow unless extraction is running. It reduces the risk of fumes building up. Checks should be done by an engineer with commercial catering qualifications. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
What records should a business keep for gas equipment?
Keep the latest gas safety and service records for each appliance, any warning notices and how they were resolved, plus installation certificates. Insurers and landlords may ask for them. Many sites set calendar reminders so checks do not lapse. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
What does a commercial plant room service involve?
An engineer checks each boiler's combustion and safety devices, flues, pressurisation units, pumps, gas pipework and controls, following the manufacturers' instructions. They report defects and advise on repairs. Expect access to all plant and paperwork. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
What should I do if a commercial boiler shows a lockout?
Note the code and any alarms, check gas supply, pressurisation unit pressure and plant room ventilation, and reset once if the manufacturer allows. Then call a commercially qualified Gas Safe engineer. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
Does a commercial kitchen need a CO alarm?
Gas safety guidance and insurers often expect gas detection or CO monitoring in commercial kitchens, depending on the equipment. A commercial catering engineer can advise. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
What is a pressurisation unit in a plant room?
It keeps a sealed commercial heating system topped up to set pressure automatically and alarms on faults. Low or high pressure alarms should be investigated by an engineer. CombiCert works on commercial gas installations around Telford; call 07393 220694 to discuss your site.
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Need an engineer rather than an answer?
CombiCert Ltd, Gas Safe registered 621146, The Old School House, Park Lane, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4TG. Open Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 19:45, closed Sunday. Email hello@combicert.co.uk.
Smell gas? Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.