Commercial Gas Pipework Inspections: Why They Matter

Inspection of gas pipework is an essential part of the Annual Gas Safety Inspections of all commercial properties, have one or more gas appliances. Gas pipework forms the backbone of the gas system of a commercial property. From a broader perspective, the gas pipe network is even more critical, when it comes to the safety of the gas system, as it runs through different parts of the building, starting from the main supply inlet and terminating at the points of use, such as boilers, cookers, ovens and so on.    

Commercial gas pipework is designed to transport gas from the main supply to the gas appliances installed throughout the building. The length of the pipework depends on the size of the building and other factors such as layout, design, and infrastructural requirements of the commercial buildings. It may involve bends, curves, joints, and distribution points, based on the layout. The pipework may also have to run along the ground, walls, or void spaces in the ceiling. 

All these factors collectively make it quite sensitive from the gas safety point of view. The popular saying can better understand the importance of a gas pipe network: "Gas is safe if it remains confined within the pipe network". That means the major safety risk is gas leaks. To ensure the gas safety of a commercial property, regular monitoring of the gas pipework is essential to avoid leaks from its damaged, rusty, or eroded parts. 

Commercial Gas Pipework – An Overview

Gas pipework is a critical infrastructural component in commercial and industrial properties. It facilitates the safe and efficient transportation of gas from the main supply line to gas appliances such as boilers, heaters, commercial kitchens, and industrial equipment. These are very important for the entire gas system, hence they need to be strong and safe enough to avoid leaks and also ensure compliance with the relevant gas safety laws. The final aim is to ensure that the employees and the customers are protected against the risks of any potential gas accident. 

Unlike domestic gas systems, commercial pipework is typically larger and more complex. At the same time, it has to meet safety and regulatory standards due to the involvement of higher usage and greater risks.

Factors Affecting the Installation of Commercial Gas Pipework

Installation of commercial gas pipework requires careful designing, precise calculations, and perfect as well as professional execution. 

The main factors to be considered when installing commercial gas pipework may include:

• Careful assessment of the volume of gas required in the commercial setup.
• Gas pressure is required for the optimum functioning of gas appliances.
• The size of the gas pipes should be precisely assessed. An oversized or undersized pipe may result in inefficient performance or may even cause hazards.
• Perfect selection of material for gas pipes. Ideally, steel or copper are the best options, whereas Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) can also be used. The selection of material largely depends on the required gas pressure.
• If steel pipes are to be installed, they should be connected by welding, instead of compression fittings, as it provides strength and prevents leaks.
• Once the pipes are installed, they need to be tested for tightness to verify the safety standards.
• Details of layout, material, and testing results need to be recorded and preserved for future reference, especially at the time of an annual inspection or regular maintenance. 
• Most importantly, all gas pipe installations and work should be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Where and How to Install Gas Pipes in Commercial Properties

• Preferably, the gas pipes should be placed behind walls or above ceilings, using service ducts. In any case, these should be easily accessible for scheduled or emergency inspections and maintenance. 
• Depending on the nature of the building, gas pipes can also be installed externally, alongside the walls. In some cases, these can also be installed underground. In both cases, pipes must be protected against weather hazards and damage. 
• If the pipes are to run through walls and floors, they must be properly sleeved and insulated. It is important to prevent heat loss and freezing.
• Ample ventilation is also required for the pipes running through enclosed spaces. It is important to avoid the accumulation of gas in the event of a leak.
• Emergency cut-off valves should be installed at key locations, enabling an instant shut-off of the gas supply. 

Commercial Gas Pipework Inspections and Why They Matter

A commercial gas pipework inspection is primarily an essential part of the annual gas safety inspection of commercial properties, which is a legal responsibility of the landlords and/or business owners. Gas pipes constitute a major part of the overall gas system in commercial or industrial properties. Typically, commercial gas pipework inspections involve a comprehensive evaluation of the internal and external gas pipe systems installed in a commercial building. 

What Are Commercial Gas Pipework Inspections 

These inspections must be done by a Registered Gas Safe Engineer and are aimed at checking the following:

1. The main thing to be checked by the Gas Safe Registered Engineer is a leak. 
2. They would also check if any pressure drop occurs.
3. They also need to check for any signs of wear and tear, damage, rust, or corrosion.
4. They need to confirm whether the gas pipes are correctly installed. 
5. They would also check the size of the pipes; it should be appropriate as per the required volume of the gas system.
6. Check whether there is ample ventilation in the case of pipes installed in enclosed spaces. 
7. Check whether isolation or emergency shut-off valves are perfectly placed and are working correctly. 
8. Check the functionality of other safety devices as well.
9. The Gas Safe Registered Engineer would also verify that the system is compliant with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and other relevant laws.

IMPORTANT

The Engineer will report the discrepancies detected in the Gas Pipework. The landlords or business owners are required to get the faults removed urgently so as to ensure the safety of the employees and customers.

Why Do They Matter 

Commercial Gas Pipework Inspections are important in many ways; safety, people, and properties are the prime concerns. 

Here are the most relevant factors highlighting their importance and, more importantly, why they matter:

• Compliance with the Regulations – A Legal Duty

Under the provisions of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, the landlords and/or business owners are legally bound to conduct an annual gas safety inspection of the entire commercial unit, where one or more gas appliances are installed, such as boilers, cookers, heating systems, ovens, etc. This annual inspection also includes a comprehensive examination of gas pipework. Hence, commercial gas pipework inspections are mandatory to comply with relevant laws. Failure to do so may have serious repercussions, including fines, penalties, and even imprisonment in the case of serious violations.

• Protection Against Gas Leaks, Fire, and Explosions

The safety of employees and customers is the prime responsibility of businesses and landlords. Gas pipes are vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and damage, which may lead to gas leaks at any time. A leaked gas, if left unnoticed, can cause serious mishaps in the shape of fire or explosions. Such an event may lead to injuries and fatalities. A regular or at least annual gas safety inspection of the entire commercial gas pipe network may protect the employees and customers against the serious consequences of gas leaks, fire, and explosions.  

• Saving Repair and Downtime Costs

Damage or faults in gas systems of commercial properties can occur at any time. If left unattended, it may lead to a prolonged downtime. On the other hand, a minor error may aggravate and become a serious and high-magnitude fault, which may lead to huge costs. To avoid both these situations, any malfunction, no matter how minor, should be fixed on the spot. Doing so can save huge repair costs as well as downtime losses. This can be achieved by regular and timely inspection of commercial gas pipework. The property managers can play a vital role in this important matter. They need to keep a close watch on the gas pipework to protect themselves from any damage. 

• Ensure Business Continuity

Unexpected gas faults can stop or even permanently terminate operations, especially in sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare. Routine but timely gas pipework inspections can prevent such distractions by identifying the fault and addressing it swiftly. 

• Avoids Invalidated Insurance 

In the majority of cases, the insurance policies of a commercial organization essentially contain a clause of mandatory gas safety inspections, with documentary evidence. Failure to provide evidence of annual gas safety inspection may deprive businesses of insurance compensation in the event of a gas mishap. So, keep the premises gas safe to keep the insurance valid. 

• Ensures Energy Efficiency

A leaking or blocked gas pipe may badly affect the energy efficiency of businesses. It may also increase the energy bills. Regular and timely gas safety inspections of commercial gas pipework may improve the energy efficiency and side by side may also reduce energy bills. 

Frequency of Commercial Gas Pipework Inspections 

While the law binds businesses to get it done at least on an annual basis, it is recommended to conduct more frequent inspections depending on the size of the property and the volume of the business. The more a gas system is used, the more maintenance it may require. So, a quarterly or half-yearly inspection may give positive results. 

Conclusion

A gas safety inspection is a legal duty of landlords and business owners. They are bound to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and other occupants of their commercial properties. Gas pipework is an integral part of the entire gas system of businesses. In a way, the pipework I, even more important depending on the length of the pipe network. The gas pipes run through the entire commercial building to transport gas to the relevant gas appliances. Therefore, the safety of this entire gas pipework is crucial for the overall safety of the occupants.

Hence, the commercial gas pipework inspections become even more important. A minimum requirement of such inspections under the relevant gas safety regulations is an annual inspection. However, based on the intensive usage of gas appliances under compelling circumstances, the frequency of inspections should be increased. And most importantly, any such inspection must be done by a Registered Gas Safe Engineer.