Management Information Sheet
Ventilation in Gas Fuelled Kitchens - Changes in the Law
This MI Sheet supersedes MI sheet 129/07 issued September 2007
This note asks Headteachers/Governors to:
Note their duties in respect of kitchens and proposed changes in the law
Note the proposed 25/75% financial split for essential work where required to meet the changes
Note the need to plan at school level for subsequent requirements
Governing Bodies of all schools have the maintenance responsibility for kitchens on the school premises. This includes meeting tighter legislative requirements as they come in force.
The Technical Background
All gas appliances need an adequate supply of air for combustion and adequate extraction to remove the combustion products.
By 1st June 2008 all existing gas appliances in school kitchens will have to be provided with at least 90% of the ventilation requirement or, if installed in a compartment at least 90% ventilation. If compliance is not secured, Governors will have to ensure the appliance is not used and, if no alternative fuel source is available, the kitchen is closed.
Actions that will be taken for schools and other Children's Services premises:
Surveys will be carried out as soon as possible on all Children's Services gas fuelled kitchen premises, by a competent CORGI registered contractor. The survey will evaluate the measures, which must be undertaken at each premises to ensure compliance with all current gas regulations (including the impending changes) and prevent kitchen closure.
The Survey content will include:-
The cost of the surveys will be wholly met by Children's Services.
The cost of any remedial works will be jointly funded by Children's Services (75%) and a contribution from the School's DFC (25%). Children's Services will contact the premises to advise the exact sum prior to remedial works taking place to seek their acceptance to 25% of the costs.
The survey will identify where there is a need for additional combustion air to comply with changes in Legislation from June 08 and also highlight other issues which may result in the closure of kitchens such as: -
Where gas interlocking is required. Where gas shut-off / control valves are not readily accessible. Where equipment will no longer comply with legislation when gas supplies and / or extraction systems are upgraded. Where improvements are required to input and extract ventilation, to ensure efficient fume and steam extraction.
Schools should be aware that work under this scheme will keep them operational under terms of the Gas Regulations which can lead to immediate closure of the facility (such as fitting air vents into walls) but that further work (and costs) may be required in the longer term to ensure compliance with other legislation (e.g. Health and Safety, Food Safety, etc)
Following this phase of work, however, the installations will be fully compliant with current Gas Regulations.
Schools are requested to co-operate with the CORGI Surveyor to ensure that the surveys are carried out as soon as possible.
Please do not call yet for advice unless you have serious concerns because the programme of surveys and prioritisation of work will take until around the end of April 2008 to complete. You will be contacted with the outcome of the survey needs for your premises.
For queries/advise on funding contact Jane Blackwell, 01603 222287, email
For queries/advise on technical matters contact Tony Burton, 01603 706129, email
Ventilation in Gas Fuelled Kitchens - Changes in the Law
BackgroundThis note asks Headteachers/Governors to:
Note their duties in respect of kitchens and proposed changes in the law
Note the proposed 25/75% financial split for essential work where required to meet the changes
Note the need to plan at school level for subsequent requirements
Governing Bodies of all schools have the maintenance responsibility for kitchens on the school premises. This includes meeting tighter legislative requirements as they come in force.
The Technical Background
All gas appliances need an adequate supply of air for combustion and adequate extraction to remove the combustion products.
By 1st June 2008 all existing gas appliances in school kitchens will have to be provided with at least 90% of the ventilation requirement or, if installed in a compartment at least 90% ventilation. If compliance is not secured, Governors will have to ensure the appliance is not used and, if no alternative fuel source is available, the kitchen is closed.
Actions that will be taken for schools and other Children's Services premises:
Surveys will be carried out as soon as possible on all Children's Services gas fuelled kitchen premises, by a competent CORGI registered contractor. The survey will evaluate the measures, which must be undertaken at each premises to ensure compliance with all current gas regulations (including the impending changes) and prevent kitchen closure.
The Survey content will include:-
- Carrying out a visual inspection of the installation including gas pipework etc.
- Carrying out a smoke test to determine the efficiency of the existing extraction systems.
- Checking for the provision of make up air and the possible siting of additional vents that may be required to ensure compliance with new regulations.
- Checking that there is a gas emergency shut-off / control valve which is easily accessible to kitchen staff.
- Checking the cooking equipment for compliance/non compliance as applicable and for KW rating of appliances (i.e. do the appliances have flame failure devices?).
- Completing a report on each site listing non-compliant items and actions required to remedy them.
The cost of the surveys will be wholly met by Children's Services.
The cost of any remedial works will be jointly funded by Children's Services (75%) and a contribution from the School's DFC (25%). Children's Services will contact the premises to advise the exact sum prior to remedial works taking place to seek their acceptance to 25% of the costs.
The survey will identify where there is a need for additional combustion air to comply with changes in Legislation from June 08 and also highlight other issues which may result in the closure of kitchens such as: -
Where gas interlocking is required. Where gas shut-off / control valves are not readily accessible. Where equipment will no longer comply with legislation when gas supplies and / or extraction systems are upgraded. Where improvements are required to input and extract ventilation, to ensure efficient fume and steam extraction.
Schools should be aware that work under this scheme will keep them operational under terms of the Gas Regulations which can lead to immediate closure of the facility (such as fitting air vents into walls) but that further work (and costs) may be required in the longer term to ensure compliance with other legislation (e.g. Health and Safety, Food Safety, etc)
Following this phase of work, however, the installations will be fully compliant with current Gas Regulations.
Schools are requested to co-operate with the CORGI Surveyor to ensure that the surveys are carried out as soon as possible.
Please do not call yet for advice unless you have serious concerns because the programme of surveys and prioritisation of work will take until around the end of April 2008 to complete. You will be contacted with the outcome of the survey needs for your premises.
For queries/advise on funding contact Jane Blackwell, 01603 222287, email
For queries/advise on technical matters contact Tony Burton, 01603 706129, email