Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Summary of key legal requirements
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➤
Appliances must be so designed and constructed 
as to minimise the risk of explosion in the event of a 
fi re of external origin
➤
Appliances must be so designed and constructed 
that failure of a safety, controlling or regulating 
device may not lead to an unsafe situation
➤
Appliances must be so constructed that gas release 
during ignition and reignition and after fl ame extinc-
tion is limited in order to avoid a dangerous accu-
mulation of unburned gas in the appliance
➤
Appliances intended to be used in indoor spaces 
and rooms must be fi tted with a special device 
which avoids a dangerous accumulation of 
unburned gas in such spaces or rooms
➤
Appliances must be so constructed that, when used 
normally, there will be no accidental release of com-
bustion products
➤
Parts of the appliance which are intended to be 
placed in close proximity to the fl oor or other sur-
faces must not reach temperatures which present a 
danger in the surrounding area.
15.20
The Gas Safety (Installation and 
Use) Regulations 1998 (SI 2451)
These regulations focus on the safe installation and use 
of gas appliances. Some of the key requirements are 
summarised below:
➤
Installation is only carried out by competent persons 
(they must be registered with CORGI – the Council 
for Registered Gas Installers)
➤
General safety precautions are met during installa-
tion including:
➤
Ensuring the gas fi tting is of good construction 
and sound material
➤
Working in such a way as to prevent a danger-
ous release of gas
➤
Not searching for gas leaks with a source of 
ignition
➤
Not installing a gas storage vessel in a base-
ment or cellar
➤
Gas 
fi ttings are properly supported and protected
➤
Alterations to existing fi ttings do not adversely affect 
the safety of the fi tting
➤
An emergency control (isolation valve) is provided 
before gas is fi rst supplied in any premises
➤
Gas appliances are not installed unless they can be 
used without danger to people
➤
Flued domestic gas appliances must be connected 
by fi xed rigid pipes
➤
Installers of gas appliances must not leave the appli-
ance connected unless it can be used or is sealed 
off from the gas supply
➤
Flues are suitable and in a safe position
➤
Only room sealed appliances must be installed in 
bath/shower rooms
➤
Gas 
fi re or heaters intended to be used in sleeping 
accommodation must be room sealed appliances or 
incorporate a safety device to shut the device down
➤
Appliances are only used if they are safe
➤
Landlords must ensure that gas appliances are 
tested at 12 monthly intervals.