1.1    This Guide supersedes IGEM/IG/2 Edition 1, Communication 1772, which is obsolete.

1.2    This Guide has been drafted by a Panel appointed by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers’ (IGEM’s) Gas Utilisation Committee, subsequently approved by that Committee, approved by the Technical Coordinating Committee and published by the authority of the Council of the Institution.

1.3    IGEM/UP/19 Edition 2 “Design and application of interlock devices and associated systems used with gas appliance installations in commercial catering establishments” was published in July 2022 and supports the requirements for interlocking mechanical ventilation systems required by BS 6173.

Note:    BS 6173, as currently written, is not intended to apply to dwellings or primarily domestic premises, such as those in Bed & Breakfast installations. For these latter installations reference has in the past been made to Standards such as BS 5440-2 and BS 6172. 

1.4    The aim of this Guide is to clarify some of the options and requirements for new and existing installations in catering establishments, both large and small.

1.5    Catering establishments are generally defined as those preparing meals for the public other than in domestic situations. However, the Standard IGEM/UP/19 and this Guide covers all catering establishments that fall within The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations.

Note:    This guidance does not apply to mobile catering installations or transportable temporary event catering installations (see Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) guidance).

1.6    This Guide has been prepared in consultation with the commercial catering industry bodies CEDA (Catering Equipment Distributors Association Limited) and FEA (Food Service Equipment Association).

1.7    Requests for interpretation of this Standard in relation to matters within its scope, but not precisely covered by the current text, should be either:

• addressed to Technical Services, IGEM, IGEM House, 26 & 28 High Street, Kegworth, Derbyshire, DE74 2DA; or 
• emailed to [email protected].

These will be submitted to the relevant Committee for consideration and advice but in the context that the final responsibility is that of the engineer concerned .If any advice is given by or on behalf of IGEM, this does not imply acceptance of liability for the consequences and does not relieve the responsible engineer of any of their obligations.

1.8    This Guide was published in August 2024.
 

2.1 This Guide may be used to clarify some of the options and requirements for ventilation systems for new and existing gas installations in catering establishments that are required by IGEM/UP/19.

2.2 This Guide is not intended for use in isolation, it is to provide support to the competent gas engineer working in catering establishments and includes extracts from the IGEM publication IGEM/UP/19.

2.3 This Guide includes the risk assessment protocols for new and existing catering installations along with the air quality testing procedure, acceptance criteria and sign posting to the latest version of Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (IGEM/G/11) for commercial catering establishments.

2.4 This Guide is applicable to those installing, servicing or maintaining catering equipment.

2.5 This Guide includes supporting questions and advice for sample testing and it also covers maintenance, inspection, records and user instructions.

Note: Notes have been added either directly from IGEM/UP/19 or by the Catering Equipment Industry Technical Representatives in each Section and sub-section where applicable.

2.6Italicised text is informative and does not represent formal requirements.

2.7Appendices are informative and do not represent formal requirements unless specifically referenced in the main sections via the prescriptive terms “should”, “shall” or “must”.