Install gas storage vessels and supply systems

This standard is about the installation and connection of gas pipework supply systems and the installation of gas storage vessels.  This does not involve constructing the support and foundations for storage vessels.  This could also apply to bulk supply vessel installations for single or multiple dwellings or for cylinder installations. Gas storage vessels and supply systems can be for any type of fuel gas.   

This standard includes selecting appropriate materials and fittings, estimating quantities of materials, surveying work area, identifying suitable location for vessel, installing storage vessels and components, connecting services to installed system and components, working in a safe methodical manner and complying with legislative requirements. 

This standard is for anyone who installs and connects gas pipework supply systems and gas storage vessels. 

1. complete risk assessments prior to starting work 

2. check storage vessels are of a suitable design and capacity for installations

3. identify locations for storage vessels that are safe, meets regulations and will allow for access and maintenance

4. identify safe locations for pipework, pressure testing points, valves and related materials

5. calculate supply pipe sizes to ensure that the storage vessel supply systems give adequate flow rate and pressure to meet installation requirements

6. install and select fittings of appropriate dimensions for storage vessels

7. use valves which are suitable for storage vessels being used

8. select and use materials which  meet operating conditions and are compatible with storage vessel and fuel type

9. estimate accurate quantities of required materials for storage vessel siting and supply pipework 

10. install valves and fittings in line with industry codes of practice and manufacturers’ instructions

11. carry out pipework jointing using methods and materials appropriate to fuel type

12. assess the requirements and feasibility for remote filling of storage vessels in accordance with industry codes of practice and regulations

13. ensure storage vessel integrity and that external surfaces of storage vessels are clean, free from rust, oil or grease and protected with appropriate surface coatings

14. check information and safety signs are clearly visible

15. fix and secure supply pipework in safe locations

16. position, fit and connect vessels, systems and components in accordance with regulatory requirements, standards and industry codes of practice 

17. connect valves and fittings in accordance with industry codes of practice and manufacturers’ instructions

18. identify type and design of storage vessels using product identification labels and vessel data plate commentary

19. conduct necessary tests to check that it is safe to fill storage vessels 

20. conduct necessary tests to check that storage vessels and associated fuel system pipework meet pressure standards

21. fill and test pipework and ancillary components in accordance with relevant regulations, standards and industry codes of practice 

22. check regulators are within parameters at appropriate times

23. check components have the right calibration for the flow rate and type of fuel  

24. report and record accurate information about all environmental and health and safety incidents to appropriate organisations without delay

1. the different type of materials used for pipework for the type of gas being used

2. appropriate forms of fitting and jointing materials, resisting compounds and insulating materials

3. fitting procedures for different sized storage vessels

4. acceptable storage vessel support

5. information found on product identification labels including fuel type, emergency service contact number

6. relevant statutory regulations, building regulations and standards, industry codes of practice, British and European standards and manufacturers' instructions applying to storage vessel construction, installation and applying to internal, external and underground storage vessel location

7. the different capacities of storage vessels in relation to system requirements and appliance ratings

8. the normal access and maintenance requirements for specific types of storage vessels

9. the uses of associated components such as electronic and manual gauges, telemetry alarms, warning devices, fill pipes, couplings, and whether those selected meet industry requirements for the design of storage vessel selected

10.  why it is important to take account of regulator position when calculating pipe sizes

11. the importance of ensuring storage vessels are situated on a flat level base

12. different types of foundation and storage vessel support 

13. the importance of getting the location right in terms of access, maintenance and meeting industry standards for specific types of storage vessels

14. appropriate environmental, health and safety requirements for storage vessel installation including fire protection standards

15. siting requirements for multi storage vessel installations

16. pressure test procedures 

17. fire prevention methods and requirements distances from fireproof boundaries requirements for siting storage vessels underground

18. relevant British and European standards for product identification systems

19. methods for reporting incidents issued by regulatory bodies