Gas Installations BS

[CaptainBob]

My survey report has a recommendation that I

"Refer to BS5482 part 3 'Installation of gas appliances in yachts'"

Where can I get hold of that?

My insurance insists that I comply with all recommendations relating to the gas installation, otherwise I'm not covered for fire/explosion.... does that then mean I have to comply to the letter of the law in that BS document? Or can I "refer to it" without following it precisely?

I have no idea what it recommends, but I'm guessing it will be pretty strict and hence hard to comply with in its entirity on my old boat.

NB. I _think_ I'll probably have to lose the gas on my boat completely and go with a spirit stove or something - but I'd prefer not to have to. Hence the question.

 

[Skyva_2]

You could start with these guys:

http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/marine_gas/boat_safety_scheme.htm

 

[JerryHawkins]

You can download it from the BSI web site, but it will cost you £118 for the privilege!

Probably better to get a Corgi registered installer to check your installation and provide you with a certificate. That should keep your insurance company happy.

Peter Spreadborough at the Southampton Calor Gas centre is very good for advice - may be worth a quick call to him.

Cheers,

Jerry

 

[pete]

I find this site is very helpfull
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/2002nonprivatedownload_192.asp
part 7 is LPG . part 8 flues and ventilation.
pete

 

[Dipper]

According to the Calor Marine Shop, the Boat Safety Scheme requirements are in line with those of BS5482 part 3.

I completely replaced the gas system on my boat with a new Euro bulkhead regulator, solenoid cut off, alarm, bubbler, piping and through bulkhead fittings. The Calor Marine Shop are very helpful with advice and can put a system together for you.

If you are reasonably competent at DIY, you should be able to manage this although provision of a suitable gas locker may be awkward.

Once complete, a ‘competent person’ could check it over for you although your insurer may insist on a Corgi certificate.

 

[CaptainBob]

Blimey!

So on my shoestring budget then - if I want cover for fire/explosion - I'm going to have to lose the gas by the sound of it.

Do a lot of people just throw caution to the wind then, and forego insurance against fire/exposion? Or have most gone to the trouble and expense of getting a corgi certificate?

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Blimey!

[/ QUOTE ] I think you should down load and read part 7 of the Boat Safety Scheme and decide how easy it would be for you to comply with its requirements. Assuming you are not based on the Inland Waterways there is no reason why you should not carry out what ever work was necessary yourself and then get it tested and Certified by a CORGI registered gas fitter. (The Corgi website http://www.trustcorgi.com/consumers.htmx has a facility to find a suitably qualified Gorgi fitter in your area, if one exists.) That should satisfy your insurance company, but it would be advisable to check with them first. If not find another insurance company.

 

[Dipper]

You don’t have to spend as much as I did!

You can get away with a regulator leading to a bulkhead fitting, then copper pipe secured at the appropriate intervals to a stop tap fitted near the appliance. From here a short flexible hose leads to the appliance. I can’t remember the details but I don’t think you need a bubbler. They aren’t that expensive and provide a good test of your handiwork so well worth fitting.

I bought my copper pipe from my local Plumb Centre which was cheaper than the Calor Marine Shop. It needs to be approved to BS EN 1057 which can be found printed on the pipe at intervals.

If provision of a gas locker is difficult, some people mount them on the transom in a suitable frame.

Apart from the insurance aspect, if a gas system that does not conform to these requirements results in the death of a crew member, you could be charged with manslaughter.

Now for confession time! At my last survey (before I replaced the gas system) I knew it was not up to standard so I took the hob, regulator and bottle out of the boat before the survey. The surveyor then had nothing to comment on! Very irresponsible I know but I wanted to renew the system in my own time and not be rushed.
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I bought my copper pipe from my local Plumb Centre which was cheaper than the Calor Marine Shop

[/ QUOTE ] BES is a good source or fittings etc at reasonable prices.

 

[Bodach na mara]

Reference has been made to Corgi fitters, which may prove a problem. As the college from which I recently retired was the local centre for all gas related training, I enquired of the staff there to find out what was required for Corgi registration. I thought it may be a way of using up some of my spare time and could provide a wee sideline. I found out that there are very few fitters in Scotland holding the necessary certificates to work on boat installations. The lecturer in charge, who keeps a list of all his past students came up with a round figure of zero names and he thought I would find plenty of work. If I could find anyone to take me on to a course. The nearest provider was South Shields College and the course was not running due to lack of students.

I am afraid that DIY or the use of a Corgi fitter without the specific certification seems to be the only options. Personally I cannot see what is so tricky about following the regulations, (always a dangerous situation!) But then I have followed a career involving working with radioactive materials, high voltage equipment and occasionally pathogenic micro-organisms, all of which require attantion to safe procedures. And I did not release foot and mouth, radioactive contamination or electrocute anyone.