Frequently Asked Questions

All new kitchens must have interlocking on the ventilation system to comply with BS 6173 (2009) and GSIUR 27(4).

Any kitchen built after September 2001 must have interlocking on the ventilation system to comply with BS 6173 and GSIUR 27(4).

If an installation pre-dating September 2001 does not have an interlock fitted, the installation must be assessed by the gas engineer to establish whether an unacceptable risk is likely to arise. If there is a possibility that the gas could be consumed without adequate ventilation to ensure the safety of personnel, this would be an unacceptable risk.

Any existing appliances that are modified or maintained or replaced may also require the ventilation system to be interlocked. (See Gas Safe Technical Bulletin TB 130)

Purpose-provided safety device or system to prevent the supply of gas to appliances if the mechanical ventilation system is not operating at a pre-determined level.

An interlock is required to ensure the safety and comfort of the kitchen staff. If the ventilation system is not operating correctly, gases including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide can build up to dangerous levels. These two gases give most concern to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A sensor must detect an airflow above a predetermined level. Only then can the gas reset button on the panel be reset, opening the gas isolation valve and turning the gas on.

If the air flow is too low, the gas isolation valve CANNOT open.

If the air flow is turned off the gas isolation valve will close.

The important point here is that it is not sufficient just to have a ventilation system, but that it must actually be working correctly for the chef and kitchen staff to be safe from poisonous gases which are released into the atmosphere when gas is burned.

The risks of not complying with the regulations include the following;

1. Risks to the health of employees.
2. Insurance implications of a claim by an injured individual or because of a related accident.
3. A Gas Safe registered installer may issue an At Risk or Immediately Dangerous certificate which could close the kitchen and adversely affect trade.
4. In the event of an incident, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE ) investigation may be instigated.
5. A fine of up to £5,000.00 and referral to Crown court.5. A fine of up to £5,000.00 and referral to Crown court.
6. In the event of death caused by negligence, a charge of manslaughter could arise under existing legislation.

This is a device fitted to a gas appliance burner that will turn off the gas to the burner if the flame goes out. This system prevents unintentional escapes of gas. These are fitted as standard to all burners on all catering equipment with a CE mark.

Usually only old equipment over about 10 years old does not have flame supervision fitted to all burners.

A gas proving system prevents potentially dangerous situations occurring by preventing the gas supply from being turned on until all appliance isolation valves are closed.

This prevents unintentional escapes of gas.

You must have a gas proving system if any of your appliances DO NOT have flame supervision fitted.

If gas is reinstated to an appliance with no flame supervision fitted when the isolation valve is open an escape of gas will occur. This is a dangerous situation.
A gas proving system prevents this dangerous situation occurring by preventing the gas supply from being reinstated until all appliance isolation valves are closed.

a) First, the fans must be running. (See panel “Fans On / Off” Indicators)
b) Operate the gas power key-switch.
c) Depress the “Start Gas Proving” Button.
d) IF the gas system is safe, the main gas valve will open and the panel will indicate “Gas On”
Else, the “Gas Off” indicator will remain lit, as an appliance valve is still open or a gas leak exists.

The range of the current monitor must be matched to the maximum current of the fan motor, i.e.
If the fan motor has a maximum current rating of 1 Amp use a 0.2Amp – 2 Amp current monitor
If the fan motor has a maximum current rating of four Amps use a 0.5Amp – 5 Amp current monitor
If the fan motor has a maximum current rating of seven Amps use a 0.8Amp – 8 Amp current monitor.

Current monitors are available in the following ranges;

• 0.1 Amp – 1 Amp
• 0.2 Amp – 2 Amp
• 0.5 Amp – 5 Amp
• 0.8 Amp – 8 Amp
• 1.6Amp – 16 Amp

A current monitor should be fitted as close to the fan speed controller as possible. The current monitor must not be fitted in the Ventam Interlock panel.