Nov 2022
by Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers

IGEM/UP/11 Edition 3 Supplement 1- Operation and management of gas installations within educational establishments

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This Guidance applies to the management, operation and maintenance of gas pipework, systems and appliances used for teaching purposes. It is aimed at governors, head teachers, bursars, teaching staff, technicians, premises officers and maintenance staff within educational establishments. Including, among others, schools, colleges and universities, both in the state and private sectors.

It may also be a useful reference for gas engineers. This document provides guidance on the safe use of gas in an educational establishment. It provides an accessible guidance on the regulatory aspects of the parent document IGEM/UP/11, “Gas installations in educational establishments"

 

Introduction

1.1     This Guidance supersedes IGEM/UP/1101 Edition 1, Communication 1745 which 
is obsolete. 
 
1.2 This Guidance has been drafted by an Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) Panel, appointed by IGEM’s Gas Utilisation Committee, and has been approved by IGEM’s Technical Co-ordinating Committee on behalf of the Council of IGEM. 
 
1.3 This Guidance is aimed at governors, head teachers, bursars, teaching staff, technicians, premises officers and maintenance staff within educational establishments. Including, among others, schools, colleges and universities, both in the state and private sectors. It may also be a useful reference for gas engineers. 
 
1.4     This document provides guidance on the safe use of gas in an educational establishment. It provides an accessible guidance on the regulatory aspects of the parent document IGEM/UP/11, “Gas installations for educational establishments”. 
Note:      Some teaching areas may require more comprehensive risk assessment than others either due to the use of specialised equipment or of any special needs for the students or staff.  

1.5 This Guidance document gives additional detailed information of how to respond to escapes of flammable gases, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide (see Section 13). 
 
1.6 This Guidance makes use of the terms “shall” and “should” when prescribing particular requirements. 
•    the term “shall” prescribes a requirement which, it is intended, will be complied with in full and without deviation 
•    the term “should” prescribes a requirement which, it is intended, will be complied with unless, after prior consideration, deviation is considered to be acceptable. 
 
1.7    Where support information is required, this can be obtained from IGEM by email to [email protected] or by reference to the website www.igem.org.uk . 
 
1.8    For guidance regarding good estate management for schools see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools  and for asbestos management see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asbestos-management-in-schools. 
 
1.9    This Guidance was published in November 2022. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Scope

2.1 This Guidance applies to the management, operation and maintenance of gas pipework, systems and appliances used for teaching purposes. 
    Note:     It does not apply to centres where gas operatives are trained and assessed. 

2.2 This Guidance highlights and clarifies known areas of contention and establishes legal requirements of parties involved in educational establishments and covers piped gas supplied from: 

  • gas distribution systems such as a Natural Gas (NG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)/Air distribution systems or LPG central bulk storage systems  
  • independent LPG supplies that are either a cylinder or an individual bulk storage vessel. 

2.3    Italicised text is informative and does not represent formal requirements. 
 
2.4    Appendices are informative and do not represent formal requirements unless specifically referenced in the main sections via the prescriptive terms “shall” or “should”.