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Gas news
Clearances to grease filters
By Steve Foster , Gas Safety Officer
When it comes to safe commercial kitchen installations , clearances to grease filters are a serious issue especially given the potential fire risk grease filters can represent .
The Australian Standard is very clear about the minimum clearances required between a cooking surface and the nearest part of a grease filter , spelled out in AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 , Clause 6.10.2.2 .
‘ The clearance between any part of a grease filter and the nearest part of a cooking surface or trivet shall not be less than the clearance specified in Table 6.9 [ of Clause 6.10.2.2 ]’.
The minimum clearance required by the Standard depends on the type of gas appliance , although the manufacturer ’ s instructions can override this if they require a larger clearance .
AS / NSZ 5601.1:2013 , Clause 6.10.2.2 , Table 6.9 : Clearance to Grease Filters
Gas appliance Minimum clearance ( mm )
Kebab cooker 200
Solid grill plate , deep fryer ( top of pan )
Open flame gas appliance ( hotplate burner )
Target top Chinese cooking table , griddle , barbecue , chargriller / broiler or open top flare griller / broiler
600
1050
1350
Despite the Standard ’ s clarity , many installations are found to be non-compliant . Accurately measuring the clearance is important to ensure compliance is achieved .
ESV will accept a measurement taken from the highest part of the cooking surface area to the lowest part of the grease filter ’ s air intake .
Go digital with GasTrac
By Mirna Bukic , Digital Communications Adviser
Have you registered for GasTrac ? If you ’ re yet to , head to our website , click through to GasTrac via ESVConnect , and register today .
GasTrac is ESV ’ s online gas installation acceptance system that makes managing gas applications quicker and easier .
Managing gas applications online will ensure faster turnaround times for Gas
Measuring clearances to grease filters
Keep clear : clearance measured from the highest part of the cooking surface area to the lowest part of the grease filter ’ s air intake .
Where multiple gas appliances are serviced by one extraction system , then the minimum clearance must be satisfied for each appliance . If the type of commercial catering equipment being installed is not covered by the Standard , then always refer to the manufacturer ’ s instructions .
Supply Approvals and Gas Installation Acceptances .
Key features of the online system include :
»» submit information on complex gas installation and Type B appliance »» submit exemption applications
»» check the status of active applications
»» faster turn around on acceptance and issuing of gas supply approvals .
To sign up and watch our GasTrac user instructional videos visit www . esv . vic . gov . au
Non-compliance rates high with concealed piping
By Kevin Dwyer , Gas Safety Officer , and Doug Rennie , Gas Safety Officer
The largest number of non-compliances we encounter involve concealed piping . Concealed piping can occur in any installation , from domestic jobs to high-rise buildings .
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 Clause 5.3.8 provides the requirements for piping in concealed locations , which can be complicated .
This is because the accessibility , operating pressure , ventilation of the space , pipe materials , jointing , valve location , and a variety of other variables can impact the way the Australian Standard should be applied .
Consumer piping is usually considered concealed when it is located in a space where it cannot be seen and either can or cannot be accessed for inspection or repairs .
The Australian Standard spells out the ventilation requirements for a concealed space and the acceptable pipe jointing method . »»
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013 Table 5.2 specifies if ventilation is required , the piping material and jointing method .
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Where ventilation is required , AS / NZS 5601:1:2013 , Table 5.3 , specifies the ventilation requirements . In the event of a gas leak , the ventilation should ensure there is a cross flow to minimise gas accumulating and allow the gas to vent to a safe location . Usually this requires either an opening at each end or at the top and bottom of the concealed space .
Typical examples of concealed piping that ESV identifies as non-compliant include :
»» an isolation valve installed for high and low rise apartments with mechanical fittings ( a screwed tube bush or compression fitting ) in an un-ventilated ceiling space
»» a solenoid valve with mechanical fittings ( a screwed tube bush or compression fitting ) installed in an un-ventilated ceiling space as an emergency stop ( E-stop ) for a school science room . In these cases , AS / NZS 5601:1:2013 only permits permanent jointing .
For the specific requirements for your installation , refer to the relevant clause in AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 , or contact ESV ’ s Technical Information line on 1800 652 563 or email GasTechnicalEnquiry @ energysafe . vic . gov . au for more information .