Commercial Kitchens Gas Hose Guide

Gas hose products used in commercial kitchens are subject to Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. A gas hose requires a CE marking, CE markings are an indication that the gas hose conforms with the current regulations.

If you are unsure about the Gas Hose you require, please contact us before placing your order.

Caterhose Gas Hoses

Caterhose is a fully welded corrugated stainless steel hose assembly manufactured under rigorous controls to meet the requirements of gas supply for catering appliances, using 1st, Caterhose has been tested and certified by British Gas in accordance with BS669 Pt.2 1997. The hose is supplied with a quick release valved coupler, which cuts off the supply of gas when disconnected.

Caterhose assemblies, when installed with mobile catering appliances, allow easy access for cleaning in line with health and safety regulations regarding hygiene in food establishments. Certified caterhose are manufactured in standard lengths of 1000mm with bore sizes of 1/2” and 3/4”. 1” bore is also available. Alternate lengths are available to BS669 Pt.2 specification.

Caterhose assemblies are 100% pressure tested before despatch.

Die-Pat currently offers three types of commercial catering gas hoses:

• Caterhose Gas Assemblies – Standard Range
• Caterhose Gas Assemblies – Bayonet Fitting
• Caterhose Gas Assemblies – Braided Range
• Gas Hose Restraining Wire

Caterhose: Standard Gas Hose Range

Standard range hoses are available in:

• 1.00m x 1″, 1/2″, 3/3″
• 1.25m x 1/2″, 3/4″
• 1.50m x 1″, 1/2″, 3/4″
• 2.00m x 1″, 1/2″

Caterhose with Bayonet Fitting

Gas hoses with bayonet fitting are available in:

• 1.00m x 1/2″
• 1.50m x 1/2″
• 2.00m x 1/2″

Caterhose: Braided Gas Hoses

Braided gas hoses, available in:

• 1.00m x 1/2″, 3/4″
• 1.50m x 1/2″, 3/4″
• 2.00m x 1/2″

Commercial Kitchens Gas Hoses

Anyone installing or repairing commercial gas hoses has to be a qualified individual. Whether the repair or installation person is an in-house staff member or a contractor, he or she needs valid certificates of competence. All employers, having commercial kitchens and using gas hose contractors, need to ensure the contractors have current competence certification. Check by asking to see a contractor’s Gas Safety identity card. Verify the information by looking on the website or contacting Gas Safe Register.

Regulation 35 requires that employers to ensure gas hose maintenance keeps the devices in a safe condition. Gas hose work includes inspection and maintenance. A registered engineer is the only person to carry out the work, according to current and relevant Standards or Codes of Practice. The frequency of equipment inspection and servicing varies. The frequency to follow is a suggestion recommended by the manufacturer. A minimum annual inspection is reasonable. Carry out repairs as necessary. All commercial kitchen staff, who use a gas hose, need to be trained in the use of the equipment and how to visually check for obvious faults. The staff needs to know what to do in a situation that requires action.

Anytime a user has concerns about the safety of a gas hose installation, seek urgent advice from a competent engineer before a breakdown or routine maintenance visit. If necessary, consult a ventilation expert. When carrying out maintenance visits, repairs, or minor upgrades, gas hose engineers have a duty to take action when discovering safety and health defects. An assessment of the overall installation condition based on current industry guidance takes place.

Gas Safe engineers carry out maintenance and inspections by applying the Gas Industry Unsafe Situation Procedure as a means of assessing the remedial actions and safety. The gas engineer also provides information about the practicality of installation upgrades and the appropriate standard. An engineer, believing some factors increase risk, applies a classification of ‘At Risk’ or ‘Immediately Dangerous’ based on the perceived level of risk. Owners receive advice not to use the gas hose appliance. The engineers ask for permission to turn off a gas hose that is ‘At Risk’ and to disconnect one that has a classification of ‘Immediately Dangerous.’ If proper regular maintenance takes place, the classifications are unlikely.

Relevant Components of Gas Hoses

Ventilation systems ensure safe kitchen working conditions. Cooking generates products of heat and combustion. Those products need to be under a ventilation system that provides safe environmental limits. A mechanical system failure, or one that works improperly, has the potential of making the environment unfit or unsafe for work. It is important that all mechanical and natural ventilation systems work effectively. It is a requirement that an interlocking system between the ventilation system and a gas hose be in place, in the event the system fails.

Cleaning and preventative maintenance help to prevent the failure of the ventilation system causing a shutdown. Ventilation systems installed before existing mandates that are not interlocking are not subject to compliance. It is important to assess the risks and take measures to prevent or control them.

Risks exist under the following circumstances.

• It is evident the ventilation system is unreliable or unused.
• The volume of the room is small.
• Visible steam or cooking fumes,  leaking ductwork,  broken fans  and long convoluted ducts are obvious indications of poor maintenance or design.

These factors reduce risk.

• Ventilation ductwork that removes fumes satisfactorily through natural draught
• Well-maintained ventilation system
• Appropriate interlock ventilation system
• User awareness and proper documentation of procedures for ventilation system use
• Minimal use of gas hose
• Modern ventilation system
• Large size room
• Permanent, clearly displayed notice that the gas hose appliance use requires the operation of the ventilation system

Appliances having a gas hose need flame supervision devices designed to stop gas entering a burner that loses its flame. Ovens that have no flame supervision device are in need of an upgrade. Replacement is necessary if it is impossible to upgrade. In rare cases, other robust control measures are acceptable. Those measures include the provision of information, training, and supervision with replacing equipment as soon as reasonably practicable. Gas fryers require purchasing gas hose kits.

There are two basic kits; one for mobile fryers on coasters and one for stationary fryers on legs. When a replacing a fryer, it is a good idea to replace the gas hose also. The press reported several instances of substandard gas hose danger. Cost efficiency is a priority for many owners of gas hose equipment. The importance of using fully accredited, high-quality gas hoses is impossible to over-emphasize. Substandard gas hoses and failure to maintain and replace as necessary have the potential of causing serious injuries and fatalities.

Substandard gas hoses compromise safety in various ways.

• The lower grade stainless steel, used to make them, corrode.
• Corrosion results when PVC covers contain content that is high in chloride.
• Quick release couplers have lower grade sealing rings that frequently leak.
• The lower-rated temperature is dangerous if a fire occurs.
• Very low cost brass couplers facture and cause leakage

Substandard gas hoses are not required to meet the standards of quality gas hoses. Only purchase gas hoses from suppliers who provide certification of approved hoses. Quality gas hoses have a quick-release valved coupler. It cuts off the supply of gas when disconnected. The coupler installation meets the standards of quality gas hoses when the following safety features are in place. A provided gas hose restraining wire needs to meet minimum tensile load specifications. Safety features include:

• 100 percent pressure testing before dispatch
• extreme durability and flexibility
• a wrinkle-free yellow PVC cover that is hygienically wiped clean
• Restraining kit supplied
• End connection fully welded
• Certified and up-to-date to 2020

The fitting has a 360-degree axial rotation. The multi-plane movement provides maximum mobility. Specifically designed gas hoses for caster-mounted appliances can move at angles, side-to-side, and back and forth, while relieving stress at the gas hose ends. One-hand operation is possible. One-handed, quick-disconnect designs are less expensive and easier to service. Moving them for cleaning purposes avoids awkward maneuvers in tight spaces. A gas hose with an antimicrobial coating resists the buildup of bacteria, making it hygienic. It also provides a crack and heat-resistant smooth surface that is permanent and wrinkle-free. The coating increases the life of service and holds no flame if a fire occurs. Antimicrobial materials inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria, mould, and mildew on the hose.

Making Adaptations

Changing the spring allows for different outlet pressure ranges. Accomplishing the change entails removal of the seal cap and a screw adjustment. Before sizing a regulator, the following information is necessary.

• Inlet pressure available
• Desired outlet pressure
• Maximum rate in m3/h or kW
• Pipe size
• Is usage for a main burner only or a pilot and main burner application
• Is positive dead-end, lock-up a requirement
• Is the application a zero governor

Gas hose interlocks are mandatory in most commercial kitchens. They have some component requirements. Choosing a compact unit saves on installation time. A compact unit has built in power sensors and an emergency cut-off switch. A compact unit is easy to install. It has an audible alarm. The unit has a built-in emergency stop button. Optional connections are available for a fire alarm panel and remote emergency stop. Avoiding accidental shut offs is possible with an anti-back pressure feature that ignores duct back draughts.

Buying a compact unit is a solution that saves money over buying separate components. The internal pre-wired feature of a compact unit saves time. There is no need to wire each component. The unit operates one or two fans. There is no system override. A sensor signal that actuates a cut-off of the gas supply requires immediate engineer assistance.

Related Resources:

• Choosing the Right Caterhose for the Job
• Commercial Kitchen Gas Safety Tips
• Gas Safety Interlock Systems and your Obligations
• Gas Safety Guide for Commercial Kitchens