Test, purge and relight Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) appliances in residential property and leisure accommodation

This Standard is about testing, purging and relighting appliances that are fueled by liquified petroleum gas (LPG).  Liquified petroleum gas(LPG) includes propane and butane.  This involves testing systems for soundness and compliance, purging gas supply, checking ventilation and flue systems, carrying out pre-commissioning tests and checks and complying with regulations related to health and safety and gas safety.

Appliances can be situated in any type of residential property or leisure accommodation including:

• boats, yachts and other vessels
• leisure accommodation vehicles
• permanent dwellings
• residential park homes

This standard is for anyone responsible for testing, purging and relighting propane or butane appliances in residential property or leisure accomodation.

1. confirm all materials, tools and equipment necessary for testing, purging and relighting will be available as required

2. check materials tools and equipment  are in a suitable condition for work activities

3. use materials, tools and equipment in line with manufacturers’ instructions

4. make sure input services are free of damage and defects before commencing work

5. test input services and system for soundness using procedures that comply with industry requirements for the type of property or accommodation 

6. carry out industry recognized visual checks for system leaks and wear and tear

7. check appropriate methods of jointing have been applied for the type of gas 

8. confirm that system or component installation complies with industry requirements for the type of property or accommodation 

9. check that installation meets the requirements specified in manufacturers' instructions

10. make sure components are in date

11. check that input services have sufficient capacity to support installation activities

12. check that input services are charged and available for use

13. check suitability of existing ventilation provision against industry requirements for the type of property or accommodation 

14. check the continuity of flue systems when appropriate

15. purge supply to ensure system cleanliness in compliance with industry requirements for the type of property or accommodation 

16. check system working pressures are within accepted parameters

17. relight appliances in line with health and safety and gas safety legislation

18. store materials, tools and equipment in line with safety requirements after use

1. the materials, tools and equipment required and procedures for checking, using and storing them

2. system components including pipes, bottles and fittings and how they should be assembled and installed

3. regulatory and statutory requirements related to working with LPG including health and safety and gas safety

4. industry requirements for type of property or accommodation in which you are working including manufacturers' instructions, procedures

5. accepted checks on capacity, damage and defects of input services and system including soundness test, visual checks, pre-commissioning, commissioning checks

6. accepted parameters for, and correct reading of, pressure gauges

7. procedures for locating escapes

8. procedures for dealing with faulty pressure regulators 

9. the differences between propane and  butane and the implications of using different materials and consumables

10. the specific gravity of LPG vapour and its effect in relation to air and natural gas

11. vaporisation of LPG liquid and off take including the effects of temperature and limits of flammability 

12. calorific value of liquefied petroleum gas and its relationship to natural gas

13. specific ventilation requirements including siting and sizing of grilles and vents

14. specific flue requirements including those relating to closed flue systems

15. check that input services to system components are suited to their intended purpose

16. procedures for lighting appliances