This office has recently received guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in relation to gas equipment in commercial premises and in particular Tandoori ovens. They have highlighted a number of safety concerns in respect of gas equipment, methods of lighting and general maintenance.

Employers/person in control of premises, have a duty to ensure all gas appliances are regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, and a copy of the maintenance report should be kept at the premises. You must be able to demonstrate that all your gas appliances including your Tandoori oven(s) are appropriately maintained i.e. having a current maintenance service/inspection record.

The only person who is permitted to carry out work on gas appliances is a CAPITA registered engineer, qualified to install or maintain equipment in commercial premises. Not all CAPITA registered engineers are qualified to this level.  If you are arranging for the equipment to be serviced it is strongly recommended that you contact CAPITA Customer Services on 0800 408 5500 or by email enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk  

A list of gas safety engineers in the Braintree area is in the useful links section of this page.

If a CAPITA engineer will not service your equipment you will need to replace it with equipment that is CE marked and meets current European safety standards. If you do not understand what a CE mark is please contact me before you purchase new equipment.

It is recommended that gas appliances are maintained/serviced at least every twelve months by a competent person unless the manufacturer states otherwise. Any deviation from this should be confirmed by the manufacturer in writing and kept available for inspection. 

If you have any doubts as to whether your equipment complies you should contact this office and ask to speak to your local Environmental Health Officer.