BS6173
Understanding BS6173: Comprehensive Guide to Compliance and Safety Standards
Welcome to our detailed guide on BS6173, the essential standard for ensuring the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of gas-fired catering equipment. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about BS6173 compliance, including its key requirements, why it matters when putting together a commercial kitchen design, and actionable insights for staying within regulations. Whether you’re a business owner, facilities manager, or contractor, this resource will help you navigate the complexities of this critical standard and ensure your operations meet the highest safety benchmarks. As a commercial catering spares specialist we’ve spent years in the industry understanding and getting to know the basic and the complex requirements of gas safety and gas regulations. Always check with your gas engineer but please see below our resource for BS6173 regulations.
Below you will find the following information:
1) Four points to remember when understanding BS6173.
2) BS6173 regulations required by law and BS6173 advisory recommendations (it is crucial to understand the difference.)
3) A checklist of information to make sure the commercial kitchen you are involved in complies.
Ventilation and Extraction Requirements
Proper ventilation is critical for removing harmful fumes and ensuring a safe working environment. BS6173 mandates effective extraction systems to eliminate combustion gases, prevent heat accumulation, and maintain air quality. Compliance involves regular maintenance and appropriate installation of canopy hoods, ductwork, and exhaust systems.
Interlocking Systems for Gas Supply
Gas supply must be interlocked with ventilation systems to ensure gas flow is automatically cut off if the ventilation system fails. This reduces the risk of gas buildup, which could lead to fire or explosion. The installation of fail-safe devices is a key requirement under BS6173. Gas interlock system, critical to gas safe compliance.
Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance of gas appliances, ventilation systems, and interlocks is required to ensure ongoing safety. The regulation highlights the importance of frequent checks by competent professionals to identify wear, damage, or potential hazards, along with keeping accurate maintenance records.
Staff Training and Operational Awareness
BS6173 emphasises the need for kitchen staff to be trained in the safe use of gas equipment, including recognizing faults, responding to emergencies, and understanding the importance of maintaining compliance. Proper signage and accessible operational instructions are also part of the standard.
Specific Regulations vs. Advisory Requirements in BS6173 Compliance
Regulated Requirements (Mandatory to Comply with BS6173)
BS6173 Gas Interlock System (Regulation)
- Requirement: A gas interlock system must be installed to cut off the gas supply if the ventilation system fails. This is a mandatory safety feature.
- Reason: Prevents gas buildup and ensures compliance with BS6173.
Ventilation System (Regulation)
- Requirement: Adequate extraction must be installed to safely remove combustion gases, fumes, and heat from the kitchen.
- Testing: Airflow and extraction rates must meet the minimum standards set for gas appliance usage.
Emergency Gas Shutoff Valve (Regulation)
- Requirement: A manual emergency shutoff valve must be installed in an accessible and clearly labeled location.
Flame Failure / Supervision Devices (Regulation)
- Requirement: All gas appliances must have flame supervision devices to automatically stop gas flow if the flame extinguishes.
Competent Commercial Catering Gas Installation (Regulation)
- Requirement: Gas appliances and systems must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer following BS6173 and manufacturer guidelines.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection / CP42 Gas Certificate (Regulation)
- Requirement: Gas appliances, ventilation systems, and interlock systems must be regularly inspected and maintained, with records kept as proof.
Adequate Combustion Fresh Air Supply (Regulation)
- Requirement: Adequate airflow must be provided for gas appliances to ensure safe and efficient combustion.
- Requirement: Adequate airflow must be provided for gas appliances to ensure safe and efficient combustion.
Gas Tightness Testing (Regulation)
- Requirement: Regular gas tightness tests must be conducted to detect leaks and ensure system integrity.
Clearance Around Appliances (Regulation)
- Requirement: Appliances must have adequate clearance for safe operation, as specified in BS6173 and manufacturer instructions.
Advisory Recommendations (Best Practice but Not Legally Mandated)
Combustion Gas Monitoring (Advisory)
- Recommendation: Install CO or CO₂ detectors to monitor air quality and combustion levels. While not strictly required by BS6173, it’s a recognized best practice for added safety.
Fire Suppression Systems (Advisory)
- Recommendation: Install fire suppression systems to cover gas appliances. Although not a regulation under BS6173, it aligns with broader safety standards like NFPA 96. Please see short video from a few years ago for more info…
Signage and Instructions (Advisory)
- Recommendation: Place clear operational and safety instructions near appliances and emergency shutoff points. Helpful but not explicitly regulated.
Flexible Gas Hose Installation and Inspection (Advisory)
- Recommendation: Regularly check flexible hoses for wear or damage. Ensuring they meet commercial-grade standards is regulated, but proactive inspection intervals are advisory.
Staff Training on Gas Safety (Advisory)
- Recommendation: Train kitchen staff to operate appliances safely and respond to gas-related emergencies. Not regulated by BS6173 but advised under general safety practices.
Maintenance Frequency (Advisory)
- Recommendation: While maintenance is mandatory, the specific frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly) is typically based on manufacturer advice or operational demands.
Ductwork Cleaning Schedule (Advisory)
- Recommendation: Regularly clean and inspect ventilation ductwork. The frequency is advisory but contributes to effective compliance. TR19 is a critical part of your compliance. Read more here…
Performance Testing (Advisory)
- Recommendation: Conduct periodic performance testing of appliances and ventilation to ensure ongoing efficiency and compliance.
Key Takeaway
- Regulated requirements are those explicitly mandated under BS6173 to ensure the safe use of gas appliances and systems in commercial kitchens.
- Advisory recommendations are best practices that enhance safety and efficiency but are not explicitly required under BS6173. Following both sets ensures not only compliance but also operational safety and efficiency.
CHECK LIST FOR BS6173 COMPLIANCE & GENERAL COMMERCIAL KITCHEN SAFETY.
To comply with BS6173, a commercial kitchen must have specific systems, equipment, and procedures in place. Here is a comprehensive list of the required items:
Essential Equipment and Systems
Gas Interlock System
- A system that links gas supply to the ventilation system, ensuring the gas supply is cut off if the ventilation fails.
Ventilation and Extraction System
- Commercial kitchen ventilation compliant with DW172. Canopy hoods, ductwork, and exhaust fans must effectively remove combustion gases, heat, and fumes from the kitchen.
Emergency Gas Shutoff Valve
- A clearly labeled and easily accessible manual shutoff valve for quickly stopping the gas supply in an emergency.
Flame Supervision Devices
- Safety devices on all gas-fired appliances that automatically shut off the gas supply if the flame is extinguished.
Combustion Gas Monitoring Devices (if required)
- Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) detectors or alarms to ensure air quality and safe combustion levels.
Fire Suppression System
- An automatic fire suppression system covering all cooking appliances to manage fire risks.
Grease Filters and Extraction Maintenance
- Grease filters in the ventilation system to prevent buildup and maintain proper airflow. These must be cleaned or replaced regularly.
Proper Gas Appliances
- Only commercial-grade, BS6173-compliant gas appliances should be used, installed according to manufacturer and regulation requirements.
Adequate Combustion Air Supply
- Proper airflow to ensure safe and efficient combustion for gas appliances.
Signage and Instructions
- Clearly visible safety signage, including emergency shutoff instructions and operation guidelines for gas appliances.
Maintenance and Inspection
- Regular Maintenance Schedule
- A documented schedule for routine maintenance and inspections of gas appliances, ventilation, and safety systems.
- Gas Tightness Testing
- Periodic checks of the gas system to detect leaks and ensure tightness.
- Ventilation Cleaning and Servicing
- Regular cleaning and servicing of the ventilation system to prevent blockages or reduced efficiency.
- Record Keeping
- Up-to-date maintenance records, risk assessments, and compliance certificates.
Training and Documentation
- Staff Training on Gas Safety
- Comprehensive training for kitchen staff on operating gas appliances, recognizing faults, and responding to emergencies.
- Emergency Procedures
- A clear, practiced plan for handling gas-related emergencies, including evacuation and shutoff protocols.
Installation Standards
- Competent Installation
- All gas appliances and ventilation systems must be installed by Gas Safe registered engineers in accordance with BS6173 and manufacturer guidelines.
- Proper Gas Hose Connections
- Commercial-grade flexible gas hoses must be used, securely connected, and free of damage or wear.
- Appliance Clearance
- Sufficient clearance around gas appliances to allow safe operation and maintenance.
- Ventilation Performance Testing
- The ventilation system must be tested to confirm it provides adequate extraction and airflow as per BS6173 standards.
Having these items in place ensures your commercial kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with BS6173 regulations.
More commercial kitchen regulation blogs coming soon.
