IGEM/UP11 Edition 3, Gas Installations For Educational Establishments

IGEM/UP/11 Edition 3 – Gas installations for educational establishments

The Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) document UP11, Edition 3, Gas installations for educational establishments.

This is a comprehensive document that covers education establishments form primary schools through to universities.

Below are some relevant extracts but please call or email for more information should you require it.

We can also provide a CIBSE certified CPD on the safe use of gas in education building.

Laboratory Gas Control

The document states under 7.2.4.1 describes that where an AIV (gas solenoid valve) is required…an automatic means of proving that downstream valves are closed shall be fitted.

The term “Where required” is explained in 7.2.3 where it says that “where it is not practicable to install a manual isolation valve in a readily accessible position, or where it is required to interlock the gas supply with other safety systems such as air flow, fire or gas detection an automatic means of isolation (AIV) shall be installed.”

This proving system should not supply more than one teaching area, this is also expanded on in section 8 stating ” For the purpose of the design standard the term “laboratories” includes “preparation rooms” and that “Laboratories should be designed as individual units with individual gas safety controls for each unit.”

The system shall be such that it can only be reset by authorized persons, by a key for example and a means to stop the system in an emergency shall be positioned near the teachers desk, main light switches or at the exit from a room.

Ventilation

Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors are to be installed and monitored by the gas proving system to ensure adequate levels of ventilation are maintained in line with IGEM UP11. UP19 and BB101.

12.1.2 “When gas fired appliances are in use CO2 levels should not exceed 2800ppm”…….” High levels of CO2 in spaces containing gas fired appliances shall cause a visual or audible alarm at 2800ppm. In addition, for new and refurbished installations, high levels of CO2 shall shut down the gas supply/appliances at 5000ppm.”

12.1.3 ….if mechanical ventilation is used to either extract the products of combustion or provide combustion air the means to monitor the correct provision of air is required. “This can be by means of environmental monitoring or CO2 level, air flow monitoring using air pressure switches or, by fan power monitoring. Failure shall lead to a shut down of the gas supply..”

12.4 Science Laboratories and Practical Spaces – Additional Requirements…..12.4.4…….”For existing installations in science laboratories, where the ventilation requirements for new installation cannot be met,  (insufficient or no mechanical ventilation) CO2 monitoring shall be fitted”  CO2 monitors shall pre-alarm at a level of 2,800PPM to warn teaching staff to increase ventilation if possible, and an automatic isolation of the gas at 5,000PPM.

Food Technology

The ventilation system shall be such to ensure that, under normal conditions with appliances operating the environment should not exceed 2800ppm CO2.

Where the ventilation requirements cannot be met, an alarm condition at not more than 2,800 ppm to warn the teaching staff to increase ventilation and an automatic shut down of the gas supply at 5,000 ppm shall occur.

For installation with multiple domestic or catering appliances the ventilation shall comply with BS6173 and be interlocked as specified in IGEM/UP/19.

“Means shall be provided to monitor the correct provision of air supplies, for example by airflow monitoring using air pressure switches; by fan power monitoring or by CO2 monitoring. Failure shall lead to the shut down of the gas supply to the cooker(s).”

Gas Detection & Carbon Monoxide Monitoring in Classrooms

7.2.5.4 and 7.2.5.5 in essence, it requires that where a plant/boiler room/enclosure/space that is connected to or is accessed from a teaching area/corridor/office or  then a flammable and CO gas detection system should also be installed which shall raise an alarm and isolate the fuel supply.

If you require any additional information on our systems to help meet these design standards or wish to discuss the standards further please don’t hesitate to contact us.