We're here to keep you updated with the latest in gas safety standards. Today, we’re diving into some crucial changes from Gas Safe that every gas engineer needs to know about. In June 2024, the IGEM/G/11 Edition 2 Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP) was updated. These changes are all about making sure gas installations are as safe as possible, whether in homes or commercial properties.
Introduction
Gas Safe recently announced, "In June 2024, an updated version of IGEM/G/11 Edition 2 with amendments from July 2022 and June 2024 Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP) communication 1887, was released. This revised procedure supersedes the IGEM/G/11 Edition 2 with amendments July 2022 Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP) communication 1866, which has been withdrawn." Essentially, this means the previous guidelines are out, and the new ones are in effect right away.
Scope
This updated standard is a big deal for all competent engineers because it provides updated guidelines to follow when they come across potentially unsafe situations. The main goal? Keeping people and property safe. The standards apply to all kinds of gas installations, equipment, and appliances in both homes and businesses.
Main Document Highlights
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Expanded Scope: The new GIUSP now includes natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and hydrogen, following the definitions in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR).
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Legal Compliance: Clause 3.1 is a reminder that anyone working with gas installations must comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and GSIUR. Gas Safe explains, "IGEM/G/11 is a guidance document that provides an agreed industry approach on how those working on gas installations may comply with those requirements of law."
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Non-Metallic Pipework: There's a new note in Clause 3.3.2 about metallic pipework connected to non-metallic service pipework. It clarifies that this type of connection might not need equipotential earth bonding.
Table 1 Amendments
Table 1 lists examples of unsafe situations but encourages engineers to use their judgement for situations not explicitly covered. Here are the two main updates:
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Scenario 2.8: There's more guidance now on handling damaged meter boxes that might let gas into a property. Gas Safe advises, "Where a damaged meter box cannot be repaired or sealed, ensure the gas user/responsible person is advised and the gas supplier is informed where a pathway for gas into the property exists."
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Scenario 3.19: This update provides guidance for situations where equipotential bonding is missing or inadequate, linking back to Clause 3.3.2 for further details.
Visual Risk Assessment of Gas Appliances
Appendix 5 has been updated to clarify that visual risk assessments focus on visible defects only. Engineers don’t need to move appliances or building infrastructure unless they see something concerning. Importantly, "the expression ‘safe to use’ is not to be applied to a visual risk assessment, as this would imply that a full examination has been performed," according to Gas Safe.