Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy

BS 6891:2015

D
TE
BSI Standards Publication

IN
PR
Specification for the
installation and maintenance
of low pressure gasEN
H
installation pipework of up
W

to 35 mm (R11⁄4) on premises
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U
Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Publishing and copyright information

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document
was last issued.
© The British Standards Institution 2015
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2015
ISBN 978 0 580 66861 6
ICS 91.140.40
The following BSI references relate to the work on this document:

D
Committee reference GSE/30
Draft for comment 13/30199128 DC

TE
Publication history
First published February 1988

IN
Second edition, April 1998
Third edition, April 2005

PR
Fourth (present) edition, November 2015

Amendments issued since publication

Date Text affected

EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U
Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Contents
Foreword iii
1 Scope 1
2 Normative references 4
3 Terms and definitions 7
4 Competence 12
5 Design and planning 13
6 Materials and components 16
7 Jointing 18

D
8 Installation 20
9 Installation of flexible hoses, tubing, assemblies and their connections 66

TE
10 Commissioning 69
11 Maintenance 72
Annexes

IN
Annex A (informative) Guide to sizing pipework installations 73
Annex B (informative) Sulfidation of natural gas installations 81

PR
Annex C (informative) Summary and principal conclusions of the Advantica
Research Project, Gas in intermediate floors, Report Number 6699 [28] 82
Annex D (informative) Protected area 84
Annex E (normative) LPG Final stage regulator and safety devices 85

EN
Annex F (informative) Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations [17], [18] 88
Bibliography 90
H
List of figures
W
Figure 1 – 2nd family gas installation with an internal meter 2
Figure 2 – 3rd family gas installation with cylinders 3
Figure 3 – 3rd family gas installation with bulk storage vessels 3
ED

Figure 4 – Selection of applicable standard(s) for gas installations 4

Figure 5 – Sizing pipework – Design maximum pressure loss for typical
installations 15
Figure 6 – Non-contact voltage detector (single pole) – Example 22
LL

Figure 7 – Use of temporary continuity bond 23

Figure 8 – Position of main protective bonding conductor connection 26
Figure 9 – Typical notification where main protective bonding conductor is
O

found not to be present 27

Figure 10 – AECV positions 28
TR

Figure 11 – Typical exterior pipework 31

Figure 12 – Notching and drilling of metal web joists and timber-engineered
joists 34
N

Figure 13 – Limits for notching and drilling of solid timber floor joists 35
Figure 14 – Pipework in concrete compartment floors 38
O

Figure 15 – Pipework in timber fire compartment floors 39

Figure 16 – Typical examples of pipework installed in solid floors 42
C

Figure 17 – Typical examples of pipework installed in solid construction

N

walls 46
Figure 18 – Typical examples of pipework installed in timber and light
U

steel-framed construction walls 50

Figure 19 – Limits for drilling of wall studding 53
Figure 20 – Buried pipework 56
Figure 21 – Cross-sectional area of duct 59
Figure 22 – Typical pipework in multi-storey buildings containing flats or
maisonettes 60
Figure 23 – Copper and steel pipe in a protected area 62
Figure 24 – Typical method of accommodating movement for pipework passing
through a masonry/timber-frame wall 65
Figure 25 – Identification of hoses, tubing and assemblies for use with LPG 67

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • i

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure A.1 – Example natural gas installation 79

List of tables
Table 1 – Pipework covered by BS 6891 2
Table 2 – Approval bodies and statutory regulations by country/territory 12
Table 3 – Competence requirements by country/territory 13
Table 4 – Maximum interval between pipework supports 32
Table 5 – Buried external pipework 55
Table 6 – Free area of ventilation openings 58
Table 7 – Operating pressure (LPG) 70
Table A.1 – Approximate natural gas pressure loss data (mbar/m) – copper

D
tube 75
Table A.2 – Approximate natural gas pressure loss data (mbar/m) – steel

TE
tube 76
Table A.3 – Approximate LPG (propane) pressure loss data (mbar/m) – copper
tube 77

IN
Table A.4 – Approximate LPG (propane) pressure loss data (mbar/m) – steel
tube 78
Table A.5 – Typical allowances for pressure loss of fittings 79

PR
Table A.6 – Sizing results 80
Table E.1 – Pressure characteristics of various regulators (LPG) 86
Table E.2 – Minimum proximity distances for relief valve vent tips
(millimetres) 88

EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 94, an inside back cover and a back cover.

ii • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Foreword
Publishing information
This British Standard is published by BSI Standards Limited, under licence from
The British Standards Institution, and came into effect on 30 November 2015. It
was prepared by Panel GSE/30/-/3, Domestic installation pipes, under the
authority of Technical Committee GSE/30, Gas Installations (1st, 2nd and 3rd
family gases). A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.

D
NOTE 1 The standard now covers the main installation requirements for 3rd family
gas installations that were previously covered by BS 5482-1.

TE
NOTE 2 The general installation requirements for 3rd family gas installations
specified in this standard also apply to gas installations supplied with LPG/air
mixtures used in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, provided:

IN
• any gas equipment being installed has been appropriately converted and is
suitable for the gas being supplied; and

PR
• the requirements of the standard do not conflict with local regulations or
authorized local custom and practice.

Supersession

EN
BS 6891:2015 supersedes BS 6891:2005+A2:2008, which is withdrawn, and
partially supersedes BS 5482-1:2005, which is partially withdrawn.
H
Information about this document
W

In this revision, the layout of the standard has been modified to follow the
systematic approach adopted in other gas installation standards. The revision
provides an update of the previous edition and has been updated to reflect
ED

changes in installation practice and legislation, and align with other appropriate
standards. A number of other safety initiatives have also been included that
have not previously been covered elsewhere in detail. The opportunity has also
LL

been taken to combine the pipework requirements for 2nd and 3rd family gas
(natural gas and LPG) installations into a single standard for use by the gas
industry.
O

Use of this document

TR

It has been assumed in the preparation of this British Standard that the
execution of its provisions will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and
experienced people, for whose use it has been produced.
N

Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the desirability of selecting
O

products for which independent quality assurance certification against the

appropriate product manufacture standard has been obtained.
C

Presentational conventions
N

The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its
U

requirements are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is

“shall”.
Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in notes
in smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • iii

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with this British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal
obligations.
Attention is drawn to the following statutory regulations:
• The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 [1];
• The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Northern Ireland)

D
Regulations 2004 [2];

TE
• The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994, as amended and
applied by the Gas Safety (Application) (Isle of Man) Order 1996 [3];
• The Health and Safety (Gas) (Guernsey) Ordinance 2006 [4];

IN
• The Building Regulations 2010 (England and Wales), as amended [5];
•

PR
The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 [6];
• The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended [7];
• The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 [8];

EN
• The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 [9].
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

iv • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies the design, installation, commissioning and
maintenance of gas installation pipework carrying 2nd and 3rd family gas of up
to 35 mm (R 11⁄4) on premises, including residential park homes (2nd
and 3rd family gas) and caravan holiday homes (2nd family gas) (see Table 1 and
examples in Figure 1 to Figure 3; see also Figure 4).
NOTE 1 The principles of the standard can also be applied to the design,
installation, commissioning and maintenance of gas installation pipework
carrying 1st family gas.

D
NOTE 2 Annex A gives a method for calculating pipe sizes. Annex B discusses the
sulfidation of natural gas installations, while Annex C summarizes the conclusions of

TE
a report on gas in intermediate floors. Guidance on determining whether an area
can be deemed a “protected area” is given in Annex D. Requirements for LPG final
stage regulator and safety devices are specified in Annex E. Annex F discusses the

IN
need for gas pipework design and installation for commercial installations to satisfy
regulatory requirements regarding explosive atmospheres.

PR
This British Standard is not applicable to:
a) service pipework and distribution systems;
b) pipework contained within an appliance;

EN
c) bulk storage vessels;
d) LPG pipework installed in leisure accommodation vehicles and for
accommodation purposes in vehicles in accordance with BS EN 1949;
H
e) boats, yachts and other vessels;
W

f) gas pipework supplying or within appliances having their own gas supply,
such as mobile heaters; or
ED

g) gas pipework supplying or within catering establishments covered by

BS 6173.
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 1

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Table 1 Pipework covered by BS 6891

Gas type Pipework Maximum Nominal

nominal operating
diameter A) pressure
mbar B)
2nd family Downstream of the primary meter installation, but not R11⁄4 steel, 21
(NG) downstream of the inlet of any appliance isolation DN 35 A)
valve or the inlet of the self-sealing connector of any
flexible connection

D
3rd family Downstream of: R11⁄4 steel, 37 (propane)
(LPG) •

TE
A)
the emergency control valve (ECV) located on the DN 35 28 (butane)
outside of the property where no meter is fitted;
or

IN
• the outlet of the final regulator where this is
located downstream of the ECV; or

PR
• the outlet of the final regulator where this is
located downstream of any cylinders and there is
no ECV; or
• the primary meter installation,

EN
but not downstream of the inlet of any appliance
isolation valve or the inlet of the self-sealing connector
of any flexible connection.
H
A)
Dependent upon material type.
B)
1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 100 kPa.
W

NOTE Unless stated otherwise:

a) the diameter for pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing refers to the inside diameter; and
ED

b) the diameter for carbon, stainless-steel tubing, copper and polyethylene (PE) refers to the outside
diameter.
LL

Figure 1 2nd family gas installation with an internal meter

O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

Key
1 Service pipe 7 Appliance isolation valve
2 Primary meter installation 8 Appliance
3 Installation pipework 9 Part of installation within the scope of BS 6891
4 Appliance connector R Regulator
5 Service isolation valve (where fitted) M Meter
6 Emergency control valve

2 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 2 3rd family gas installation with cylinders

D
TE
Key

IN
1 Service pipework 6 Appliance isolation valve
2 Installation pipework 7 Appliance

PR
3 Appliance connector 8 Part of installation within the scope of BS 6891
4 Cylinders R Regulator with over-pressure shut-off
5 Emergency control valve ACD Automatic changeover device

Figure 3
EN
3rd family gas installation with bulk storage vessels
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR

Key
1 Service pipework 6 Appliance isolation valve
2 Installation pipework 7 Appliance
N

3 Appliance connector 8 Part of installation within the scope of BS 6891

4 Bulk storage vessel(s) 9 Vessel isolation valve
O

5 Emergency control valve R Regulator with over-pressure shut-off

C
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 3

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 4 Selection of applicable standard(s) for gas installations

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N

* Industrial and commercial

O

NOTE For commercial premises less than 35 mm, IGEM/UP/2 [12] may also be utilized.
C

2 Normative references
N

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this

U

document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only
the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 21, Specification for pipe threads for tubes and fittings where pressure-tight
joints are made on the threads (metric dimensions)
BS 143 and 1256, Threaded pipe fittings in malleable cast iron and cast copper
alloy

4 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

BS 669-1, Flexible hoses, end fittings and sockets for gas burning appliances –
Part 1: Specification for strip-wound metallic flexible hoses, covers, end fittings
and sockets for domestic appliances burning 1st and 2nd family gases
BS 669-2, Flexible hoses, end fittings and sockets for gas burning appliances –
Part 2: Specification for corrugated metallic flexible hoses, covers, end fittings
and sockets for catering appliances burning 1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases
BS 864-2, Capillary and compression tube fittings of copper and copper alloy –
Part 2: Specification for capillary and compression fittings for copper tubes 1)
BS 1552, Specification for open bottomed taper plug valves for 1st, 2nd and 3rd

D
family gases up to 200 mbar

TE
BS 3016, Specification for pressure regulators for liquefied petroleum gases1)
BS 3212, Specification for flexible rubber tubing, rubber hose and rubber hose
assemblies for use in LPG vapour phase and LPG/air installations

IN
BS 4371, Specification for fibrous gland packings
BS 5114, Specification for performance requirements for joints and compression

PR
fittings for use with polyethylene pipes1)
BS 6172, Installation and maintenance of domestic gas cooking appliances
(2nd and 3rd family gases) – Specification

EN
BS 6362, Specification for stainless steel tubes suitable for screwing in
accordance with BS 21 ’Pipe threads for tubes and fittings where pressure-tight
joints are made on the threads’
H
BS 6400-1, Specification for installation, exchange, relocation and removal of gas
W
meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6 m3/h – Part 1: Low pressure
(2nd family gases)
BS 6400-2, Specification for installation, exchange, relocation and removal of gas
ED

meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6 m3/h – Part 2: Medium

pressure (2nd family gases)
BS 6400-3, Specification for installation, exchange, relocation and removal of gas
LL

meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6 m3/h – Part 3: Low and
medium pressure (3rd family gases) 2)
O

BS 6501-1, Metal hose assemblies – Part 1: Guidance on the construction and use
of corrugated hose assemblies
TR

BS 6956, Jointing materials and compounds

BS 7624, Installation and maintenance of domestic direct gas-fired tumble dryers
N

of up to 6 kW heat input (2nd and 3rd family gases) – Specification

BS 7671, Requirements for electrical installations – IET wiring regulations
O

BS 7838, Specification for corrugated stainless steel semi-rigid pipe and

C

associated fittings for low-pressure gas pipework of up to DN 50

N

BS 8537, Copper and copper alloys – Plumbing fittings – Specification for press
ends of plumbing fittings for use with metallic tubes
U

BS EN 331, Manually operated ball valves and closed bottom taper plug valves
for gas installations in buildings
BS EN 751-1, Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact
with 1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases and hot water – Part 1: Anaerobic jointing
compounds

1)
Withdrawn.
2)
This standard also gives informative references to BS 6400-3:2007.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 5

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN 751-2, Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact

with 1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases and hot water – Part 2: Non-hardening
jointing compounds
BS EN 751-3, Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact
with 1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases and hot water – Part 3: Unsintered PTFE tapes
BS EN 1057, Copper and copper alloys – Seamless, round copper tubes for water
and gas in sanitary and heating applications
BS EN 1254-1, Copper and copper alloys – Plumbing fittings – Part 1: Fittings
with ends for capillary soldering or capillary brazing to copper tubes

D
BS EN 1254-2, Copper and copper alloys – Plumbing fittings – Part 2: Fittings

TE
with compression ends for use with copper tubes
BS EN 1254-4, Copper and copper alloys – Plumbing fittings – Part 4: Fittings
combining other end connections with capillary or compression ends

IN
BS EN 1254-5, Copper and copper alloys – Plumbing fittings – Part 5: Fittings
with short ends for capillary brazing to copper tubes

PR
BS EN 1555-1, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels –
Polyethylene (PE) – Part 1: General
BS EN 1555-2, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels –

EN
Polyethylene (PE) – Part 2: Pipes
BS EN 1555-3, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels –
Polyethylene (PE) – Part 3: Fittings
H
BS EN 1775:2007, Gas supply – Gas pipework for buildings – Maximum operating
W
pressure less than or equal to 5 bar – Functional recommendation
BS EN 10216-1, Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes – Technical delivery
conditions – Part 1: Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature
ED

properties
BS EN 10216-2, Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes – Technical delivery
conditions – Part 2: Non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated
LL

temperature properties
BS EN 10216-5, Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes – Technical delivery
O

conditions – Part 5: Stainless steel tubes

BS EN 10217-1, Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes – Technical delivery
TR

conditions – Part 1: Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature

properties
N

BS EN 10217-2, Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes – Technical delivery

conditions – Part 2: Electric welded non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified
O

elevated temperature properties

BS EN 10217-7, Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes – Technical delivery
C

conditions – Part 7: Stainless steel tubes

N

BS EN 10226-1, Pipe threads where pressure tight joints are made on the
threads – Part 1: Taper external threads and parallel internal threads –
U

Dimensions, tolerances and designation

BS EN 10241, Steel threaded pipe fittings
BS EN 10242 (all parts), Threaded pipe fittings in malleable cast iron
BS EN 10255, Non-alloy steel tubes suitable for welding and threading –
Technical delivery conditions
BS EN 10312, Welded stainless steel tubes for the conveyance of aqueous liquids
including water for human consumption – Technical delivery conditions

6 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

BS EN 12864, Low-pressure, non adjustable regulators having a maximum outlet

pressure of less than or equal to 200 mbar, with a capacity of less than or equal
to 4 kg/h, and their associated safety devices for butane, propane or their
mixtures 3)
BS EN 13349, Copper and copper alloys – Pre-insulated copper tubes with solid
covering
BS EN 13785, Regulators with a capacity of up to and including 100 kg/h, having
a maximum nominal outlet pressure of up to and including 4 bar, other than
those covered by EN 12864 and their associated safety devices for butane,
propane or their mixtures3)

D
BS EN 13786, Automatic change-over valves having a maximum outlet pressure

TE
of up to and including 4 bar with a capacity of up to and including 100 kg/h,
and their associated safety devices for butane, propane or their mixtures3)
BS EN 15069, Safety gas connection valves for metal hose assemblies used for

IN
the connection of domestic appliances using gaseous fuel
BS EN 15266, Stainless steel pliable corrugated tubing kits in buildings for gas

PR
with an operating pressure up to 0,5 bar
BS EN 16129, Pressure regulators, automatic change-over devices, having a
maximum regulated pressure of 4 bar, with a maximum capacity of 150 kg/h,

EN
associated safety devices and adaptors for butane, propane, and their mixtures
BS EN 16436-1, Rubber and plastics hoses, tubing and assemblies for use with
propane and butane and their mixture in the vapour phase – Part 1: Hoses and
H
tubings
W
BS EN ISO 228-1, Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are not made on the
threads – Part 1: Dimensions, tolerances and designation
BS EN ISO 10380, Pipework – Corrugated metal hoses and hose assemblies
ED

ISO 7-1, Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are made on the threads –
Part 1: Dimensions, tolerances and designation
LL

3 Terms and definitions

O

For the purposes of this British Standard, the following terms and definitions
apply.
TR

3.1 additional emergency control valve (AECV)

valve, not being the emergency control valve (ECV), for shutting off the supply
N

of gas in an emergency, intended for use by a gas consumer

NOTE An AECV might not isolate all the gas consumer’s gas installation.
O

3.2 appliance isolation valve

C

manual valve to shut off the gas supply to an individual appliance

N
U

3)
Current, though superseded by BS EN 16129.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 7

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

3.3 basement
part of a building that is partly or wholly underground
NOTE For the purposes of this definition, a room which is built into a hillside is not
considered partially underground if at least one (outside) wall of the room is at the
same level or at a higher level than the area outside. Additionally, the area outside
should not itself be considered to be at a lower level than the wider topography.
The ultimate test should be that if an LPG leak occurred in such a room, it could
disperse safely to outside (and away) rather than build up either in the room, in
other areas of the building or in the immediate area outside the room.

D
3.4 bulk storage vessel
permanently-installed vessel for the storage of LPG under pressure, which is

TE
filled in situ

3.5 caravan holiday home

IN
transportable leisure accommodation vehicle that does not meet the
requirements for construction and use of road vehicles, that retains means for
mobility and is for temporary or seasonal occupation

PR
[SOURCE: BS EN 1949:2011+A1:2013, 3.4]

3.6 compartment floor

EN
floor that separates one dwelling from the rest of the building

3.7 concrete slab

cast in situ concrete which forms the structural load bearing part of a floor
H
3.8 cylinder
W

portable and refillable cylinder/vessel containing LPG under pressure

3.9 duct
ED

enclosed space specifically designed and constructed for the passage of building
services
LL

3.10 electrofusion joint

joint formed between polyethylene components using fittings which have an
integrated electric heating element
O

[SOURCE: BS EN 1775:2007, 3.4.5]

TR

3.11 emergency control valve (ECV)

valve, not being an additional emergency control valve (AECV), for shutting off
N

the supply of gas in an emergency, intended for use by a gas consumer and
installed at the end of a service or service pipework
O

3.12 fire compartment

C

building or part of a building comprising one or more rooms, spaces or storeys,

constructed to prevent the spread of fire to or from another part of the same
N

building
U

NOTE A roof space above the top storey of a fire compartment is included in the
compartment where the walls of that compartment extend up to the roof line.

3.13 floor screed

mix of, typically, sand and cement used as a non-structural floor finish/topping

3.14 installation pipework

pipework or fitting from the outlet of the primary meter installation or, for LPG
installations where no meter is fitted, the outlet of the ECV to points at which
appliances/equipment are to be connected

8 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

NOTE This definition varies from that given in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
Regulations 1998 [1]. This term does not refer to:
• a service (pipe) or distribution main or other pipeline;
• a pipe or fitting forming part of a gas appliance;
• a pipe or fitting within a primary meter installation; or
• any valve attached to a storage container or cylinder.
Hereafter referred to as “pipework”.

D
3.15 intermediate floor
floor that separates one living space from another living space in the same

TE
dwelling
NOTE This is not a compartment floor that separates one dwelling from another
part of the building.

IN
3.16 leisure accommodation vehicle

PR
unit of living accommodation for temporary or seasonal occupation
NOTE Such vehicles might meet the requirements of the Road Vehicles
(Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended [13], and include touring
caravans, motor caravans and caravan holiday homes.

3.17 limited relief valve

EN
device which is part of the regulator and which limits, in the event of a failure,
the pressure rise above a predetermined value without shutting off the flow of
H
gas
W

3.18 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

commercial butane or commercial propane
ED

NOTE BS 4250 specifies requirements for commercial butane and commercial

propane.

3.19 LPG supplier

LL

person or organization who provides LPG to a gas consumer, either by means of

the filling or refilling of a storage vessel, or in refillable cylinders
O

3.20 mechanical joint

TR

joint in which gas tightness is achieved by compression with or without a seal

and which can be disassembled and reassembled
[SOURCE: BS EN 1775:2007, 3.4.3]
N

3.21 meter installation

O

installation that comprises a primary meter, valves, filter, meter regulator and
associated safety devices, pliable connector, interconnecting pipework, fittings
C

and support
N

NOTE 1 A meter installation commences at the outlet of the ECV. Depending on

the type of meter installation it terminates at:
U

• the outlet connection of the meter;

• the outlet of the meter outlet adaptor if fitted; or
• in the case of a semi-concealed meter with a pliable connector downstream of
the meter, the outlet of the meter box outlet adaptor.
[SOURCE: BS 6400-3:2007, 3.23, modified]
NOTE 2 A typical installation with pipework is shown in Figure 1.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 9

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

3.22 multi-occupancy building

building that contains multiple domestic dwellings or a building that contains
both multiple domestic dwelling(s) and commercial unit(s)

3.23 nominal operating pressure (NOP)

pressure under which the appliance(s) operates in nominal condition when
supplied with the corresponding reference gas

3.24 operating pressure

pressure at which a gas system operates under normal conditions

D
3.25 over-pressure shut-off (OPSO)

TE
shut-off device, triggered by an excess outlet pressure, which causes the
complete shut-off of the flow of gas for all values of inlet pressure
NOTE This device is normally an integral part of the regulator. It may also be

IN
referred to as a “slam shut valve” or “over-pressure cut-off” (OPCO).
[SOURCE: BS 6400-3:2007, 3.25.1, modified]

PR
3.26 permanent dwelling
structure of a permanent nature used primarily for domestic purposes

EN
3.27 pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing
tubing of stainless steel, capable of being bent easily by hand a limited number
of times and covered with an outer sheath by the manufacturer at the time of
H
production
NOTE The term is sometimes abbreviated to corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST)
W

or pliable tubing (PLT). This product should not be confused with the pliable
connectors referred to in BS 6400, which are not covered by an outer sheath and
have factory-fitted end connections.
ED

3.28 power-floated floor

floor finish formed by powered rotary metal blades passed over a partly cured
LL

concrete floor slab to form a monolithic structure, which avoids the need for a
separate screed to provide the floor finish
O

3.29 precast flooring

factory-produced concrete flooring system that provides the structural load
TR

bearing part of the floor

EXAMPLES
N

Concrete plank or concrete beam and block suspended flooring systems.

O

3.30 press end joint

joint in which tightness is achieved by using an appropriate tool for either
C

compressing a fitting to form the joint or expanding a pipe to enable forming

the joint
N

NOTE Such a joint cannot be disassembled and reused.

U

3.31 primary meter

meter nearest to and downstream of a service pipe or service pipework for
ascertaining the volume of gas supplied through that pipe by a gas supplier

3.32 protected area

ventilated space containing gas pipework, and isolated from other parts of a
building within fire-resisting construction, which includes:
a) a common stairway, corridor or lobby that provides an escape route from a
building to a place of safety and access for firefighting purposes (referred to

10 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

within Building Regulations [5], [6], [7] as a “protected shaft”, “protected

stairway”, “protected corridor/lobby” or “protected zone”); and
b) a service shaft/duct, which can also contain electrical and water services
NOTE Fire-resisting is the ability of a component or construction of a building to
satisfy for a stated period of time some or all of the appropriate criteria specified in
the relevant part of BS 476. Additional guidance on determining whether an area
can be deemed a “protected area” or otherwise is given in Annex D.

3.33 range-rated appliance

appliance that has the facility for an operative to adjust the heat input of the

D
appliance within a narrow range of minimum and maximum heat inputs stated
by the manufacturer to suit the actual heat requirements of the system

TE
NOTE The range between minimum and maximum heat inputs is in the region
of 3 kW.

IN
3.34 regulator
device that controls the pressure at its outlet within predetermined parameters

PR
3.35 residential park home
caravan used for permanent residence

EN
NOTE Such caravans do not meet all of the requirements of the Road Vehicles
(Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended [13]. These are covered by
BS 3632. “Permanent residence” is defined in the Caravan Sites and Control of
Development Act 1960 [14] and the Caravans Sites Act 1968 [15].
H
3.36 service pipe
W

pipe for distributing gas to premises from a distribution main, being any pipe
between the distribution main and the outlet of the first emergency control
valve
ED

3.37 service pipework

pipe for supplying gas to premises from a gas storage vessel, being any pipe
LL

between the gas storage vessel and the outlet of the ECV

3.38 sleeve
O

protective pipe forming an annulus embedded in the structure through which

pipework can be inserted and withdrawn
TR

3.39 threaded joint

joint in which gas tightness is achieved by metal-to-metal contact within threads
N

with the assistance of a sealant

[SOURCE: BS EN 1775:2007, 3.4.2]
O

3.40 under-pressure shut-off (UPSO)

C

device integral to the regulator, which causes the complete shut-off of the gas
N

flow when the outlet pressure is below a predetermined value

[SOURCE: BS 6400-3:2007, 3.25.2]
U

3.41 void
enclosed space not specifically designed for the passage of building services

3.42 variable-rated appliance

appliance that has the facility for an operative to set the heat input of the
appliance within a wide range of heat inputs stated by the manufacturer to suit
the actual heat requirements of the system

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 11

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

4 Competence
Persons carrying out work that will have an impact on work covered by the
scope of this standard shall ensure that they have the competence relevant for
the task such as not to compromise the requirements/recommendations of this
standard and in particular the safe installation, commissioning and operation of
gas equipment.
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 4
Competence requires sufficient knowledge, practical skill and experience to carry out
the job in hand safely, with due regard to good working practice. The installation

D
should also be left in a safe condition for use. Knowledge should be kept up to date
with changes in law, technology and safe working practice.

TE
It is a statutory requirement in Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland and
Guernsey (see Table 2) that all “gas work” be carried out by a business or

IN
self-employed person(s) that is a member of a “class of persons” registered with a
registration body which has been approved by an approval body (see Table 2) to
operate and maintain such a register.

PR
At the time of publication, the only body with approval to operate and maintain a
register of individuals/businesses who are “members of a class of persons” is the Gas
Safe Register. Thus, it is essential that all businesses or self-employed gas engineers
are registered with the Gas Safe Register.

EN
The qualifications which persons need to have to be deemed competent to carry out
gas work are given in Table 3.
H
Table 2 Approval bodies and statutory regulations by country/territory
W

Country/territory Approval body Statutory regulations

Great Britain Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
ED

Regulations 1998 [1]

Isle of Man Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
(HSWI) Regulations 1994, as amended and applied by
the Gas Safety (Application) (Isle of Man)
LL

Order 1996 [3]

Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive Northern Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
Ireland (HSENI) (Northern Ireland) 2004 [2]
O

Guernsey Health and Safety Executive for the Health and Safety (Gas) (Guernsey)
TR

States of Guernsey [HSE (Guernsey)] Ordinance 2006 [4]

N
O
C
N
U

12 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Table 3 Competence requirements by country/territory

Qualifications Great Britain Northern Guernsey

and Isle of Man Ireland
Current certificate(s) of competence in the type ✓ ✓ ✓
of gas work to be conducted, issued by an
awarding body accredited by the United
Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) (ACS
certification)
National/Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ ✓ ✓ ✓

D
accredited by Ofqual), which is aligned in
matters of gas safety

TE
National/Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ ✓ ✓ ✘
accredited by Ofqual), which is aligned under the
HSC ACoP arrangement A) as approved with the

IN
registration body
Any other scheme recognized by the gas ✓ ✓ ✓
registration body for registration purposes

PR
A)
Guidance on the individual competence required for gas work is given in IGEM/IG/1: Standards of training in gas
work [16].

EN
5 Design and planning
5.1 Exchange of information and time schedule
H
5.1.1 At the initial stages of building/installation design and planning it shall be
W

verified that the pipework will be adequate for the known requirements.
NOTE Gas pipework design and installation for commercial installations undertaken
ED

in accordance with this British Standard need to account for any requirements
imposed by DSEAR [17], [18]. Additional information can be found in Annex F.

5.1.2 All necessary information regarding the routing of pipework and positions
LL

of valves and termination points to serve the appliances shall be made available
by means of drawings, specifications and consultations, as appropriate.
O

NOTE Any drawings should include:

a) the positions of voids, shafts, ducts and channels when pipework is to be
TR

concealed;
b) special requirements of a precautionary nature, e.g. limitations on proximity to
other services or effects of differential movement due to the building
N

construction; and
O

c) sizes, materials and positions of all pipework and fittings.

C

5.1.3 Any pipework installed shall be tested for gas tightness in accordance
with 10.2 before being buried, covered, painted or wrapped.
N

5.2 Sizing
U

5.2.1 When designing an installation, the size of all pipework shall be such that
the gas is at a suitable pressure at the inlet of any gas appliance to ensure that
it meets the required appliance heat input.
Where any sections of the pipework supply gas to multiple appliances, the heat
input of all appliances fed by that section of pipework shall be taken into
account.
NOTE Annex A gives a method for calculating pipe sizes in a system.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 13

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

5.2.2 The design maximum pressure loss for all pipework shall not exceed that
specified in 5.3.2 or 5.4.2 in the following circumstances:
a) new installations;
b) pipework modification or extension to existing installations;
c) before any new appliance is fitted to a new or existing installation; and
d) increasing any appliance heat input.
NOTE The design pressure loss of existing installations that are not subject to the
modifications listed in b), c) or d) should conform to the standard that was

D
applicable at the time of installation, for example previous editions of BS 6891 for
natural gas and BS 5482-1 for LPG.

TE
5.2.3 For range-rated appliances, the installer shall use the maximum heat input
to ensure the pipework is sized to meet the requirements of 5.2.1 and 5.2.2.

IN
NOTE For combination boilers where the maximum heat input is different for the
hot water and heating modes, the higher of the two heat inputs should be used.

PR
5.2.4 For variable-rated appliances, the installer shall establish the heat input
necessary to meet the requirements of the system and shall use this value to
ensure the pipework is sized to meet the requirements of 5.2.1 and 5.2.2.

EN
NOTE For combination boilers where the maximum heat input is different for the
hot water and heating modes, the higher of the two heat inputs should be used.

5.3 Natural gas installations

H
5.3.1 Meter installation
W

The meter and other meter installation components shall be of sufficient

capacity for the installation design load.
ED

NOTE Further information on meter installations is given in BS 6400-1 and

BS 6400-2, IGEM/GM/6 [10] or IGE/GM/8 [11], as appropriate.

5.3.2 Pipework
LL

The design pressure loss between the outlet of the primary meter installation
and the point to be connected on any appliance inlet shall not exceed 1 mbar at
O

the design installation flow rate (see 5.2.3 and 5.2.4).

TR

NOTE See Figure 5 for illustrative examples.

5.4 LPG installations

N

5.4.1 Storage vessels, service pipework, regulators and meter

O

installation
The storage vessel(s), service pipework, regulators, meter (where applicable) and
C

other supply equipment installed shall be of sufficient capacity for the

N

installation.
NOTE Further information on meter installations is given in BS 6400-3. Further
U

information on storage vessel(s), service pipework and regulators (where no meter is

fitted) is given in UKLPG Codes of Practice 1 and 22 [19], [20].
Requirements for LPG final stage regulator and safety devices are specified in
Annex E.

14 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 5 Sizing pipework – Design maximum pressure loss for typical installations

a) Typical natural gas installation

D
TE
b) Typical LPG installation incorporating a meter

IN
PR
EN
c) Typical LPG cylinder installation incorporating an automatic changeover device and ECV
H
W
ED
LL

d) Typical LPG bulk storage vessel installation with low pressure service pipework
O
TR
N
O
C

e) Typical LPG bulk storage vessel installation with medium pressure service pipework
Key
N

1 Emergency control valve (ECV) R Meter regulator

U

2 First and final stage regulators (upstream M Meter

of ECV) • Point to be connected on an appliance
3 First stage regulator (upstream of ECV) ACD Automatic changeover device
4 Final stage regulator (downstream of ECV) (incorporating regulator)

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 15

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

5.4.2 Pipework
The design pressure loss between the outlet of the primary meter installation, or
where no meter is installed, the outlet of the ECV or the outlet of the final
stage regulator when fitted after the ECV and the point to be connected on any
appliance inlet shall not exceed 2 mbar at the design installation flow rate
(see 5.2.3 and 5.2.4).
NOTE See Figure 5 for illustrative examples. For LPG/air installations the typical
operating pressure loss allowed for in the design calculations is 2 mbar.

5.5 Purge points

D
Where it is not possible to purge through an appliance with an open burner,

TE
purge points shall be provided to enable the installation to be adequately
purged (see IGEM/UP/1 series of standards [21], [22], [23]).

IN
6 Materials and components

PR
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 6
When selecting materials for use as pipework, consideration should be given to
strength, appearance and the need for protection against corrosion. The Gas Safety
(Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 [1] prohibit the installation of lead or lead

EN
alloy pipes supplying gas. However, historically, lead pipes were used to install gas
meters, and lead alloy pipes (known as lead composition pipes) were installed as
pipework and can still be found in old housing stock. Provided this material is in
H
good condition, sound, well-supported and of adequate size, connection can be
made to steel or copper pipework using appropriate fittings (see Clause 7).
W

6.1 General
Materials used for pipework and fittings shall conform to 6.2, 6.3, 6.4,
ED

6.5 and/or 6.6, as appropriate.

6.2 Steel
LL

6.2.1 Steel tubes shall conform to:

• BS EN 10216-1 and BS EN 10217-1 and/or BS EN 10216-2;
O

• BS EN 10217-2; or
TR

• BS EN 10255.

6.2.2 Rigid stainless-steel tubes shall conform to:

N

• BS 6362;
O

• BS EN 10216-5;
•
C

BS EN 10217-7; or
• BS EN 10312.
N

6.2.3 Pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing shall conform to:

U

• BS 7838; or
• BS EN 15266.

6.2.4 Steel fittings shall confirm to BS EN 10241.

16 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

6.3 Malleable iron and cast copper alloy

Malleable iron and cast copper alloy fittings shall conform to:
• BS 143 and 1256; and/or
• BS EN 10242 (all parts).

6.4 Copper
6.4.1 Copper tube shall conform to:
• BS EN 1057; or

D
• BS EN 13349.

TE
6.4.2 Capillary and mechanical fittings shall conform to:
• BS EN 1254-1;

IN
• BS EN 1254-2;

PR
• BS EN 1254-4; or
• BS EN 1254-5.

6.4.3 Copper and copper alloy press end connections shall conform to BS 8537,

EN
Type 2.
NOTE Sometimes referred to as “press-fit fittings”.
COMMENTARY ON 6.4
H
Brazed joints should be made in accordance with BS EN 14324, using BS EN 1044
W
filler metals.
Soft solder should conform to BS EN 29453.
ED

Sulfidation of the gas supplies can be a problem in some areas of the United
Kingdom. See Annex B for further information.

6.5 Polyethylene
LL

6.5.1 Polyethylene tubes shall conform to:

O

• BS EN 1555-1; or
• BS EN 1555-2,
TR

as appropriate.

6.5.2 Polyethylene fittings shall conform to:

N

• BS 5114; or
O

• BS EN 1555-3,
C

as appropriate.
N

6.6 Jointing materials and compounds

U

Jointing materials and compounds shall conform, as appropriate, to the

applicable parts of:
• BS 4371;
• BS 6956; or
• BS EN 751,
as appropriate.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 17

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

NOTE Fibrous materials such as hemp conforming to BS 4371 should be used with
the appropriate jointing compound (see 7.6).

6.7 Valves
6.7.1 Valves shall conform, as appropriate, to:
• BS 1552; or
• BS EN 331; or
• PRS1/E [24]; or

D
• GIS/V7-3 [25].

TE
6.7.2 Lubricants used in valves shall be of a type suitable for use with the gas.

6.7.3 For LPG installations, plug valves shall be spring-loaded.

IN
6.8 Self-sealing sockets

PR
Only self-sealing sockets conforming to BS 669-1, BS 669-2 or BS EN 15069, as
appropriate, shall be used for gas installations. These shall be installed in
accordance with BS 6172 or BS 7624.

6.9 Flexible hoses, tubing, assemblies and their connections

• BS 3212; or
EN
6.9.1 LPG hoses, tubing and assemblies shall conform to:
H
• BS 6501-1; or
W

• BS EN 16436-1; or
• BS EN ISO 10380.
ED

6.9.2 LPG hoses and tubing connections (including nozzles and adaptors) shall
conform to:
LL

• BS 3212; or
• BS EN 16129.
O

6.9.3 Natural gas hoses, tubing and assemblies shall conform to:
TR

• BS 6501-1; or
• BS EN ISO 10380.
N

7 Jointing
O

7.1 General
C

7.1.1 All joints shall be made in such a manner as to avoid undue stress on the
N

fitting.
U

7.1.2 All pipework ends shall be square-cut and deburred, as appropriate, and
finished joints shall be visually examined for defects.

7.1.3 All joints shall be mechanically strong and gas-tight.

7.2 Capillary fittings

7.2.1 Finished joints shall be visually examined to confirm that the solder has run
completely around the joint.

18 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

7.2.2 Any flux selected for use shall only remain active during the heating
process. All flux residues shall be wiped from the pipework and fittings when
the joint has cooled.

7.2.3 It is important that pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing is not

contaminated in any way with flux or solder, either internally or externally. Any
soldering on adjacent copper pipework shall be completed, and the soldered
component thoroughly cleaned of flux, before any connection to pliable
corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing is made.
NOTE Copper pipework can be jointed without conventional fittings by the use of

D
purpose-made tools that form the pipework ends in accordance with BS EN 1254-1
or BS EN 1254-5.

TE
7.3 Mechanical joints
7.3.1 Any mechanical joint shall be located in a readily accessible position that

IN
allows the fitting to be tightened to make a gas-tight joint.

PR
7.3.2 Union joints shall be of the ground-faced or compression type.

7.4 Press end connections

7.4.1 All press end connections shall be assembled in accordance with the

EN
manufacturer’s instructions.

7.4.2 The installer shall instruct the gas consumer/responsible person to ensure
H
that the fittings are not painted with oil or solvent-based paints unless
otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
W

NOTE The yellow colour of the bodies of press end connections should remain
visible after installation.
ED

7.5 Pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing and fittings

Pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing and fittings shall be assembled in
accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
LL

7.6 Screwed joints

O

7.6.1 Threads shall conform to:

TR

• BS 21;
• BS 864-2;
• BS EN 1254-4;
N

• BS EN 10226-1;
O

• BS EN ISO 228-1; or
C

• ISO 7-1.
N

7.6.2 All threads shall be cleaned prior to the application of any jointing
material.
U

7.6.3 Fibrous materials such as hemp shall not be used on any threaded joint,
except in conjunction with jointing compounds for existing long screw back-nut
seals.

7.6.4 Jointing compounds and tapes shall conform to BS EN 751-1 (compounds),

BS EN 751-2 (anaerobic sealants) or BS EN 751-3 (tapes), as appropriate, and shall
be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 19

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

COMMENTARY ON 7.6
When jointing compounds are used they should only be applied to the external
threads, and any excess paste should be removed on completion of the joint.
Jointing compound should not be used in conjunction with
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) materials.
It is important that any cutting oil residue is removed from the inside and outside of
the pipework.

7.7 Lead composition pipework

D
When lead composition pipework is encountered and any connection joint has
to be made, then only a soldered cup joint onto copper pipework or a suitable

TE
brass union fitting shall be made. Compression fittings designed for jointing
water weight lead pipework shall not be used.

Electrofusion joints

IN
7.8
Relevant information shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the PE

PR
pipe/fittings.
NOTE Solvent welding is not acceptable (see 8.15).

EN
8 Installation
8.1 General
H
8.1.1 Where pipework is liable to mechanical damage, it shall be physically
W
protected. While installation work is in progress, precautions shall be taken to
prevent the ingress of dirt, water, etc., into pipework.

8.1.2 The bore of any pipework shall not be restricted by kinks, burrs, foreign
ED

matter or in any other way.

8.1.3 Pipework shall be installed so as not to impair the structural stability, fire
LL

resistance, damp-proof course, or thermal and sound insulation of the building.

8.1.4 Pipework shall be situated such that, in the event of a gas escape, gas is
O

not capable of entering cavities.

8.1.5 Pipework shall not be installed in any location where, if there is a

TR

requirement to gain access to the pipe in the future, this could affect the
structural stability of the building.
N

8.1.6 For LPG installations, pipework entries to, and exits from, buildings shall
always be above ground.
O

8.1.7 Pipework shall not be installed in a position where it is likely to be

C

exposed to a corrosive environment.

N

8.1.8 Pipework and fittings that are considered to be at risk of corrosion and
degradation shall either be manufactured from materials that are inherently
U

resistant to corrosion or shall otherwise be suitably protected against corrosion.

NOTE Examples of pipework that is likely to be susceptible to corrosion and
degradation are:
• pipework buried in solid floors (see 8.10);
• pipework buried in walls (see 8.11); and
• buried external pipework (see 8.13).

20 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.1.9 All sections of pipework considered to be at risk of corrosion and

degradation shall be protected, including any joints and fittings.

8.1.10 Any factory-finished protection shall be examined for cuts or other

defects and made good prior to use. Any damage shall be repaired in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to give at least the same level
of protection that was afforded before the damage. Any onsite protection shall
be applied to clean and dry pipework and fittings.

8.1.11 Pipework in fireplace openings shall be factory-finished protected pipe

and/or wrapped on site.

D
8.1.12 Assembled pipework shall be tested for gas tightness in accordance

TE
with 10.2 before any additional protection against corrosion and degradation is
applied on site.
COMMENTARY ON 8.1.7 TO 8.1.12

IN
Factory-finished protected pipe should be used wherever practicable.
Factory-finished protection can take the form of pre-insulation coatings, coverings,

PR
sheathings, wrapping, dipping, galvanizing or painting.
Where possible, pre-insulation coatings, coverings, sheathings and wrapping should
be coloured yellow ochre in accordance with BS 1710:1984, O8 C 35.

EN
Where it is not practicable to use or obtain factory-finished protected pipe,
protection should be applied on site and in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions where applicable. Where wrapping tape is to be used, the pipework
should be clean, dry and applied in accordance with the tape manufacturer’s
H
instructions. A minimum 55% overlap should be used to provide a layer of at least
double thickness.
W

Care should be taken to avoid damaging protective coatings during storage, when
bending and when installing.
ED

Protection of joints requires special attention; exposed threads are particularly

vulnerable to corrosion. Site protection should be suitably selected for the
application (for example, to stop the ingress of water) and can be achieved by the
LL

application of PVC wrapping tapes, self-bonding silicone tapes, grease-impregnated

tape or bituminous paints applied in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
where applicable.
O

Where pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tube fittings are used in an area

considered to be at risk of corrosion and degradation, each fitting should be
TR

assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a

liquid-proof seal is achieved between the factory-applied cover and the wall of the
fitting.
N

Some pre-insulation coatings, coverings, sheathings and wrapping tapes suffer from
colour fade and surface cracking due to the effects of ozone or when exposed to
O

direct sunlight or other ultra-violet (UV) sources. Therefore, care should be taken to
ensure a suitable material is selected.
C

Potentially corrosive environments also include coastal areas. Soot and debris in
N

fireplace openings can be highly corrosive.

U

Copper pipework with soft-soldered capillary joints should not be located where it is
liable to be subjected to temperatures in excess of 100 °C.

8.2 Connection to the meter installation

Where the meter is not securely restrained (e.g. by a meter bracket fastened to
the floor/wall), the connection to the meter installation shall be in securely-fixed
rigid pipework for at least the first 600 mm.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 21

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.3 Safety precautions

8.3.1 Prior to any work being undertaken on the pipework a risk assessment
shall be carried out. This shall include:
a) risks involved in working on installations that contain fuel gas; and
b) stray electrical currents.

8.3.2 Suitable precautions shall be taken to determine the possibility of stray

electrical voltages being present.

D
NOTE The use of a non-contact voltage detector (single pole) capable of indicating
voltages of 50 V or greater (see Figure 6 for an example) on all exposed metalwork

TE
in the work area assists in the detection of stray voltage that might be harmful. It
should be noted that such voltage detectors are not designed to respond to current
flow and should be used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Where
any doubt about the electrical installation exists, the advice of a competent

IN
electrician should be sought.

PR
Figure 6 Non-contact voltage detector (single pole) – Example

EN
H
W
ED

8.3.3 Where an installation is temporarily isolated to allow work to be

undertaken on it, the risks involved in working on an installation that contains
fuel gas shall be assessed.
LL

8.3.4 During any work that necessitates removal of a meter, breaking into the
gas supply, or connection or disconnection of any metal pipework, a temporary
O

continuity bond shall be fixed securely to the pipework either side of any
intended connection or disconnection point or between the pipework and any
TR

fitting to be installed or removed. Such a temporary continuity bond shall

always be used irrespective of any permanent protective bonding that is
installed (see Figure 7).
N

COMMENTARY ON 8.3.4
O

A recommended temporary continuity bond comprises at least 1.2 m of single-core

insulated flexible cable or equivalent of at least 250 V ac rating. The cable should
C

have a cross-sectional area of not less than 10 mm2 and be of multi-strand flexible
construction, generally in accordance with BS 6004, BS 6007 or BS 6231, and with a
N

robust clip or clamp firmly attached at each end.

The recommended disconnection procedure is as follows.
U

a) Isolate the electrical connection of associated gas appliances from the electricity
supply.
b) Clip or clamp a temporary continuity bond to each side of the union, fittings or
complete section to be removed or connected, ensuring that good, secure,
metallic contact is made (see Figure 7).

22 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

c) Leave the bond in position until after the work is completed and metallic
continuity re-established. Where pipework is to be removed, ensure that both
sections of pipework left are bonded before removing the temporary electrical
continuity bonding conductors.

Figure 7 Use of temporary continuity bond

D
TE
IN
PR
a) At pipe

EN
H
W
ED
LL

b) At meter
Key
O

1 Pipework to be cut out

TR

2 Temporary continuity bond

3 Meter to be temporarily removed
N

8.3.5 Before any work is commenced on an installation, or section of an

installation, where there is a risk of any gas within the pipework being ignited
O

and constituting a danger (for example, when using a blowlamp) the following
precautions shall be taken.
C

a) Conduct a tightness test in accordance with IGEM/UP/1 [21], IGEM/UP/1A [22]

N

or IGEM/UP/1B [23], as appropriate, on the installation or section of the

installation, in particular to verify that there is no let-by from the valve used
U

to isolate the gas supply. Where a leak or let-by is found, rectify this before
proceeding.
b) Disconnect the gas supply to the installation or section of the installation.
c) Remove any meter, where fitted in the section to be worked upon, from the
installation or section of the installation.
d) Immediately seal all exposed gas ways, for example open ends on the
pipework and/or meter, with an appropriate fitting.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 23

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

e) Increase natural ventilation in the work area where possible.

Oxy-gas flame cutting equipment shall not be applied to any pipework or fitting
containing gas. When working with a naked flame or other source of heat in
the vicinity of combustible material, precautions shall be taken to avoid a fire
hazard.
COMMENTARY ON 8.3.5
These are safety precautions that might reduce the risk of any gas being
inadvertently ignited and constituting a danger. Where it is considered that, even
when having taken these measures there could still be a risk of gas igniting, the gas

D
operative may choose to purge the installation of any gas. Additional guidance on
purging installations of any gas (decommissioning) can be found in IGEM/UP/1 [21],

TE
IGEM/UP/1A [22] and IGEM/UP/1B [23].
It is difficult to specify an exact set of parameters that indicate when an installation
will or will not need to be decommissioned prior to working on it due to the

IN
diversity of installations that might be encountered.

8.3.6 All open ends of the pipework shall be sealed with an appropriate fitting

PR
before any work is left unattended.

8.3.7 Where work is in progress on the pipework that exposes the gas ways, for
example open ends on the pipework, sources of ignition shall be kept away

EN
from the exposed gas ways.

8.3.8 When work has been completed, the open ends of pipework shall be
sealed with an appropriate fitting that will facilitate purging the installation, for
H
example suitably plugged or capped.
W

8.3.9 When any installation is to be decommissioned (for example, prior to the

installation removal or property demolition), a risk assessment shall be carried
out to determine whether there is a requirement to purge any fuel gas from the
ED

installation (see IGEM/UP/1 [21], IGEM/UP/1A [22] and IGEM/UP/1B [23]).

NOTE It is difficult to specify an exact set of parameters that state when an
installation should or should not be purged of fuel gas (decommissioned) due to the
LL

diversity of installations that can be encountered.

Where the meter is removed BS 6400 should be consulted.
O

8.3.10 Where any pipework is no longer required, the pipework shall be

TR

disconnected as close to the point of connection to the live gas supply as

practicable. In all circumstances, any exposed gas ways shall be sealed with an
appropriate fitting and any part of the installation that might contain gas shall
be labelled as such.
N

8.3.11 Precautions shall be taken to avoid damage to any electrical conductor

O

when installing pipework.

C

8.4 Interrelation with other services

N

8.4.1 General
U

8.4.1.1 Pipework shall be located or electrically insulated such that it does not
touch metallic fitments that could promote electrolytic corrosion.

8.4.1.2 Pipework shall:

a) not be installed in a ventilation or air-conditioning duct (see 8.1.11
and 8.1.12 for pipework in the fireplace opening); and
b) be physically spaced from other services, such as water, electricity,
telecommunications and drainage.

24 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.4.1.3 Pipework shall not be buried in floors together with electrical underfloor
heating, unless the underfloor heating has been physically and permanently
disconnected.

8.4.2 Separation of pipework from electrical services

8.4.2.1 Where installation pipework is not separated from electrical equipment
or cables by an insulating enclosure, dividing barrier, trunking or conduit, it shall
be spaced as follows:
a) at least 150 mm away from electricity supply equipment, such as metering

D
equipment, main service cut-outs or supplier (main) isolation switches, and
distribution boards or consumer units; or

TE
b) at least 25 mm away from electrical switches, sockets and electricity supply
and distribution cables.

IN
8.4.2.2 The installation pipework shall not be positioned in a manner that
prevents the operation of any electrical accessory, i.e. a switch or socket outlet.

PR
NOTE Where these spacing requirements are impracticable the pipework should
either be sheathed with an electrical insulating material rated at 230 V ac or more,
or a panel of electrical insulating material should be interposed.

8.4.3 Main protective bonding conductor

EN
8.4.3.1 A gas installation within a property with an electrical supply shall have a
main protective bonding conductor connecting the pipework to the electrical
H
installation’s main earth terminal, as specified in BS 7671.
W
COMMENTARY ON 8.4.3.1
The purpose of protective bonding is to create a zone in which voltage differences
through differing earth potentials are eliminated, and therefore hazards from
ED

electric shocks are minimized. This is achieved by connecting separate conductive

components, such as the various metallic building services and structural steelwork,
together with a main protective bonding conductor at the main earth terminal.
LL

It is possible for stray currents to be transmitted through the gas pipework.

Therefore, to avoid electric shock or a spark which could ignite the gas, it is
important to maintain electrical continuity in the pipework at all times.
O

8.4.3.2 The main protective bonding conductor (main equipotential bonding

TR

connection) shall be connected to the gas consumer’s fixed rigid pipework on

the outlet of any primary meter installation, if fitted:
a) as near as is practicable to the point of entry into the premises;
N

b) before any branch in the pipework;

O

c) in a position where it is accessible and can be visually inspected and fitted

with a warning label stating “Safety electrical connection. Do not remove.”;
C

and
N

d) by a mechanically and electrically sound connection which is not subject to

corrosion.
U

The main protective bonding conductor (main equipotential bonding

connection) shall not be directly connected to any pliable corrugated
(stainless-steel) tube or pliable connectors from the outlet of the primary meter
installation.
COMMENTARY ON 8.4.3.2
The main protective bonding conductor on the gas pipework should be made using
cable with minimum cross-sectional area of 10 mm2 cable with green and yellow
insulation, construction reference 6491X conforming to BS 6004.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 25

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

For internal meters, for verification purposes the bonding connection should be
within 600 mm of the meter outlet union.
For meters in outside meter boxes/compartments, the bonding connection should
preferably be inside the premises and within 600 mm of the point of entry of the
pipework into the premises.
Alternatively, the connection can be made within the box/compartment, but it is
essential that the bonding cable does not interfere with the integrity of the
box/compartment and the sealing of any sleeve (see Figure 8).
For guidance on equipotential bonding in multi-dwelling buildings see

D
IGEM/GM/5 [26].
When relocating a meter, an existing main protective bond conductor might be

TE
satisfactory as found, or it might need to be altered. Where the bonding conductor
requires altering, any alterations should be carried out by an electrically competent
person, and inspected and tested in accordance with BS 7671. The bonding

IN
connection may be considered satisfactory if the requirements of 8.4.3.1 are met.
Further guidance on the connection to installations containing pliable corrugated

PR
(stainless-steel) tube can be obtained from the product manufacturer.

Figure 8 Position of main protective bonding conductor connection

Dimensions in millimetres

EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR

a) Internal meter installation b) Meter installation in external box/

compartment
Key Key
N

1 Pipework 1 Bonding connection (non-preferred position)

2 Bonding connection 2 Pipework sleeve (sealed)
O

3 Green-yellow cable to consumer earth 3 Pipework

terminal
C

4 Bonding connection (preferred position)

N

NOTE For medium-pressure fed meter installations the main protective bonding conductor should only exit the
box as detailed in BS 6400-2 and BS 6400-3.
U

8.4.3.3 When new pipework is installed, the installer of the pipework shall,
where they are competent to do so, carry out the installation of any necessary
bonding at the time of the installation.

26 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

COMMENTARY ON 8.4.3.3
Regulation 18(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 [1]
requires that any person who connects any installation pipework to a primary meter,
in any case where equipotential bonding might be necessary, has to inform the
responsible person for the premises that such bonding should be carried out by a
competent person.
A typical form of notification is a letter or card, an example of which is given in
Figure 9.
On existing installations where a main protective bonding conductor might be

D
necessary, the operative should pass such notification to the responsible person.

Figure 9 Typical notification where main protective bonding conductor is found not to be

TE
present

MAIN PROTECTIVE BONDING CONDUCTOR

IN
Most electrical installations are required to be fitted with a main protective
bonding conductor, which consists of the electrical connection of the internal

PR
gas and water pipes to the installation’s main earthing terminal in accordance
with the requirements of BS 7671, Requirements for electrical installations
(IET Wiring Regulations).
The gas installation pipework fitted in your premises does not appear to have

EN
the necessary main protective bonding conductor.
I am required by The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to tell
you that any necessary main protective equipotential bonding should be
H
carried out by a competent person.
W
I advise you to have this checked by a competent electrical operative.
If you are the tenant of this property, please bring this matter to the
attention of the owner or their agent as soon as possible.
ED

8.4.4 Electro-osmotic damp-proofing

LL

Where electro-osmotic damp-proofing has been installed in a property, all

metallic gas pipework shall be located above ground floor level.
COMMENTARY ON 8.4.4
O

This type of damp-proofing system is designed to be installed in older properties

TR

built without a proprietary damp-proofing membrane. It consists of a titanium wire

running around the base of the walls, with platinized electrodes embedded in the
walls at intervals and a copper earth rod buried near the centre of the building. A
small positive voltage applied to the titanium wire is claimed to interfere with the
N

natural potential in the walls, thereby altering the mechanics of water flow.
O

Perforation of metallic pipework can occur whenever it is in contact with the fabric
of the building below the level of the titanium wire, i.e. where a conductive path
C

was provided between the two materials by the moisture in the wall. The copper
pipework might corrode preferentially because titanium is the more “noble” (resists
N

chemical action) material and because the induced voltage increases the potential
differences and could produce very rapid corrosion.
U

8.5 Valves
8.5.1 Additional emergency control valves (AECV)
8.5.1.1 An additional emergency control valve (AECV) shall be fitted where the
emergency control valve (ECV) is located remotely from the dwelling/building it
serves (see Figure 10).

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 27

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 10 AECV positions (1 of 2)

D
TE
IN
PR
a) External meter to single dwelling

EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N

b) External meters on multi-occupancy dwelling c) External meter on multi-occupancy dwelling

U

Key
1 Test point A Appliance
2 AECV M Meter

28 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 10 AECV positions (2 of 2)

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N

d) Internal meters on multi-occupancy dwelling

U

Key
1 Test point M Meter
2 AECV

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 29

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.5.1.2 Every AECV shall:

a) be located as near as practicable to the point of entry of the installation
pipework into the dwelling/building;
b) be labelled or marked to show its open and closed position;
c) be fitted in a readily accessible position;
NOTE An appropriate height for an AECV is between 450 mm and 1 450 mm
above floor height.
d) be easy to operate;

D
e) be securely fitted with a suitable handle or other permanent means of

TE
operation; and
f) where the lever moves in the vertical plane, move to the “off” position in a
downward direction.

IN
8.5.1.3 A permanent notice shall be attached to the valve giving the following
information:

PR
a) advice that the valve is an “emergency control for gas consumers’ use”;
b) details of the parts of the installation isolated by the valve;

EN
c) the telephone number of the National Gas Emergency Call Service or the
LPG supplier Emergency Service, as appropriate; and
d) advice to the gas consumer on actions to be taken if they think they can
H
smell gas.
W
8.5.2 External pipework isolation valves
Where the pipework is taken from inside a building to supply an appliance
situated externally (see Figure 11), a valve shall be installed in an accessible
ED

position where the pipework leaves the building.

NOTE It is preferable that the valve be fitted externally. Appliances such as patio
heaters and barbecues are fitted externally.
LL

8.6 Pressure test points

O

8.6.1 A pressure test point shall be fitted for the purpose of gas tightness
testing. Where there is no meter installed that includes a test point, a test point
TR

shall be fitted not more than 300 mm downstream of the ECV or any AECV.
NOTE Careful consideration should be given to the positioning of the test point to
allow for ease of tightness testing.
N

8.6.2 Where a suitable test point is not provided with the appliance, a test point
O

shall be fitted at the point to be connected on any fixed appliance inlet.

C

NOTE This test point can be incorporated into the appliance isolation valve.
N

8.7 Sleeves
U

8.7.1 Pipework passing through a wall or a floor, whether or not it contains a

cavity, shall pass through a sleeve.

8.7.2 All sleeves shall be of a material:

a) resistant to corrosion;
b) impermeable to gas, e.g. copper, steel, PE or polyvinyl chloride (PVC); and
c) capable of protecting the pipework against failure caused by movement of
the structure.

30 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 11 Typical exterior pipework

D
TE
IN
PR
Key
1 Gas supply to external location 5 EN
Pipe sleeve
H
2 House wall 6 External pipework isolation valve
3 Leisure point 7 Pipework
W

4 Barbecue

8.7.3 No sleeve shall have joints along its length.

ED

COMMENTARY ON 8.7.1, 8.7.2 AND 8.7.3

Factory-applied coatings or covers on pipe do not fulfill the purpose of a sleeve as
LL

defined in 3.38.
Consideration should be given to the selection of the material for a sleeve to ensure
O

that it has no detrimental effect on the pipework installation, such as electrolytic

corrosion caused by dissimilar metals.
TR

8.7.4 Any sleeve shall pass through the full width of the wall or the full
thickness of the floor. The outside of the sleeve shall be secured and sealed at
each end to the structure of the building with a suitable building material,
N

e.g. cement mortar or flexible sealant.

O

8.7.5 Any sleeve shall not impair the structural stability, fire resistance, or
thermal and sound insulation of a building. The annular space between the
C

pipework and the sleeve shall be sealed at one end to the pipework with a
flexible fire-resistant compound. Where a sleeve passes through an exterior wall,
N

the sealing of the annular space between the pipework and the sleeve shall be
on the inside of the wall. However, for a sleeve that forms part of a
U

low-pressure fed meter installation sited in a meter housing, the seal shall be
inside the housing.
NOTE The internal diameter of any sleeve should allow for an annular space
around the pipework to enable satisfactory insertion and withdrawal of the
pipework and allow adequate sealing between the pipework and the sleeve.

8.7.6 Screwed, quick-release and mechanical joints and press end connections
shall not be located on the pipework within a sleeve.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 31

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.8 Pipework support

8.8.1 All pipework shall be adequately supported in accordance with specific
manufacturers’ instructions or, in the absence of such instructions, with Table 4.

8.8.2 All pipework supports shall be suitable for the environment in which they
are installed and shall be designed to remain stable for the lifetime of the
installation, e.g. for external use corrosion resistant or UV-stabilized plastic.

8.8.3 Where pipework is installed in protected areas (see 8.19 and Annex D), all
supports shall be fire-resistant, e.g. of metallic construction.

D
8.8.4 The supports used shall be designed to prevent the pipework coming into

TE
contact with surfaces of the structure which are likely to cause corrosion.
NOTE Timber is a notable example of a material with which contact is unlikely to
cause corrosion. Other acceptable types of support include those made from metal

IN
(see BS 1494-1) and plastic materials.

PR
Table 4 Maximum interval between pipework supports

Material Nominal size Interval for vertical run Interval for horizontal run
m m

EN
Steel (rigid) Up to DN 15 (R1⁄2) 2.5 2.0
DN 20 (R3⁄4) 3.0 2.5
DN 25 (R1) 3.0 2.5
H
DN 32 (R11⁄4) 3.3 2.7
W
Copper Up to 15 mm 2.0 1.5
22 mm 2.5 2.0
28 mm 2.5 2.0
ED

35 mm 2.5 2.5
Pliable DN 15 1.2 1.2
corrugated DN 20/22 1.8 1.8
LL

(stainless- DN 25/28 1.8 1.8

steel)
DN 32 2.5 2.5
O

8.9 Pipework laid in joisted floors and roof spaces (including

TR

compartment floors)
8.9.1 Where pipework is to be installed in joisted floors and roof spaces it shall
N

run either in the direction of the joists or at 90° to the joist direction. Diagonal
runs of pipework shall not be installed.
O

8.9.2 Where pipework is installed parallel to or at 90° to joists in floors,

C

intermediate floors or roof spaces, it shall be supported in accordance

with Table 4.
N

8.9.3 The flanges of timber-engineered joists and metal web joists shall not be
U

notched, drilled, altered or damaged (see Figure 12).

32 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.9.4 Where pipework is installed at 90° to timber-engineered joists with I-beam

construction, the pipework shall be installed through the web of joists in
accordance with the joist manufacturer’s guidance (see Figure 12).
Where pipework is installed at 90° to laminated timber joists with a rectangular
cross section, the pipework shall be installed in accordance with the joist
manufacturer’s guidance.

8.9.5 Where pipework is installed at 90° to metal web joists with timber flanges,
the pipework shall pass between the metal webs with pipework supported on
the wooden flanges and not in contact with the metal structure of the joist

D
(see Figure 12).
Where pipework is installed at 90° to metal web joists with metal flanges, the

TE
pipework shall pass between the metal webs with pipework supported in such a
manner that it is not in direct contact with the metal of the joist structure.

IN
NOTE Additional guidance might be available from the joist manufacturer.

8.9.6 Where pipework is laid across solid timber joists fitted with flooring, the

PR
pipework shall be located in purpose-made notches or circular holes. Notches
and holes shall conform to Figure 13.

8.9.7 Solid timber joists with a depth less than 100 mm or greater than 250 mm

EN
shall not be notched, unless this has been confirmed as acceptable by a
structural engineer.

8.9.8 Where pipework is installed within roof spaces, roof rafters, purlins,
H
trussed rafters, bracing, etc., shall only be notched, drilled or cut away with the
approval of a structural engineer.
W

8.9.9 Where pipework is installed in a void under a floor, unless there is

sufficient adventitious ventilation available, ventilation shall be provided in
ED

accordance with 8.16.1, Table 6. For LPG and LPG/air mixtures this ventilation
shall be at the lowest point. Alternatively, the gas pipework shall be contained
within a vented duct where it passes through the void.
LL

NOTE Additional guidance on LPG gas installations under the floor of a residential
park home or dwelling manufactured to BS 3632 is given in HSE report RR945 [27].
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 33

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 12 Notching and drilling of metal web joists and timber-engineered joists

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W

a) Restrictions on notching and drilling metal web joists

ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

b) Restrictions on notching and drilling timber-engineered joists

34 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 13 Limits for notching and drilling of solid timber floor joists (1 of 2)

Dimensions in millimetres

D
TE
IN
PR
a) Limits for notching top of joist where drilling and notching occur

EN
H
W
ED
LL
O

b) Alternative limits for notching top of joist where drilling and notching occur
TR
N
O
C
N
U

c) Limits for drilling of joists where drilling and notching occur

Key
1 Min. 100 mm between notch and hole 2 Holes not closer than 3 × diameter
NOTE 1 The notching can occur at both ends, either on top or bottom, without a design check.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 35

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 13 Limits for notching and drilling of solid timber floor joists (2 of 2)

D
TE
IN
Key
1 Positions within which notching can occur 2 Clear span simply supported joist (not a

PR
on the bottom without a design check. trimmer, trimming joist or beam)
Minimum 100 mm between the notch
and any holes [see Figure 13a)].
NOTE 2 The notching can occur at both ends, either on top or bottom, without a design check.

EN
d) Limits for notching bottom of joist where drilling and notching occur
H
W
ED
LL

NOTE 3 The notching can occur at both ends on the bottom without a design check.
e) Alternative limits for notching: bottom of joist where drilling and notching occur
O
TR
N
O
C
N

f) Alternative drilling zone where no notching occurs

U

Key
1 Drilling zone where no notching occurs
2 Holes not closer than 3 × diameter of largest hole and a maximum of 8 × 30 mm holes can be
accommodated within each drilling zone. No notching is permitted.

36 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.9.10 Where pipework is installed within intermediate joisted floors, unless

there is sufficient adventitious ventilation available, ventilation shall be provided
in accordance with 8.16.1, Table 6. For LPG and LPG/air mixtures this ventilation
shall be at the lowest point.
COMMENTARY ON 8.9.10
General
Prior to running pipework below floors, a visual inspection should be carried out to
note the position of any electrical cables, junction boxes and ancillary equipment, in
order that accidental damage or injury does not occur when inserting pipework.

D
Where it is necessary during installation or retrofitting to remove a section of floor
boarding or decking, the section should be reinstated to the same standard as that

TE
before removal. Any cut edge of a floor decking should be supported by noggings
fixed between the joists.

IN
Care should be taken when fixing flooring or ceilings to prevent damage to the
pipework by nails or screws. Where possible, the flooring should be appropriately
marked to warn others. Where possible, the design should remove the need for

PR
notching solid timber joists.
Natural gas
For natural gas, research undertaken by Advantica [28] (see Annex C) on behalf of

EN
the Gas Industry Safety Group (GISG) has proved that, where gas pipework is
installed in intermediate floors in dwellings, there is sufficient adventitious
ventilation of the floor construction to safely disperse any minor leakage of gas,
i.e. natural ventilation via cracks/openings in the structure is sufficient to ensure any
H
minor escapes of gas do not present a danger.
W
Therefore, there is no requirement to install purpose-provided ventilation to floors
of this construction in conventional masonry, timber frame or light steel frame
buildings. A summary of the research project and its principal conclusions can be
ED

found in Annex C. The results and conclusions of this report should not be applied
to compartment floors between dwellings, for example in the floors which separate
one flat or apartment from another. The results and conclusions of this report apply
to natural gas installations only and should not, therefore, be applied to installations
LL

supplied with LPG or LPG/air gas mixtures.

8.9.11 Pipework shall not be installed within any fire compartment floor that
O

separates one dwelling from another part of the building, except as shown in
Figure 14 and Figure 15.
TR

8.9.12 Roof spaces utilizing vapour permeable underlay without specific

ventilation, such as soffit board vents, shall be treated as unventilated voids for
the purpose of gas pipework and appliance installations. Where it is necessary to
N

install pipework in such locations, additional ventilation shall be applied having

O

at least two ventilators per space, each with a free area of at least 50 cm2. For
LPG and LPG/Air mixtures, this shall be at low level; for natural gas this shall be
C

at high level.
N

8.9.13 Pipework shall not be laid below or within roof space insulation material.
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 37

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 14 Pipework in concrete compartment floors

D
TE
IN
a) Typical concrete compartment floor with suspended ceiling and topping of timber decking on

PR
battens

EN
H
W
ED

b) Alternative screed topping c) Alternative timber floating floor topping (No

pipework to be installed in this type of floor
topping)
Key
LL

1 Pipework within vented ducting extended above floor level and sealed to floor deck with
flexible sealant
O

2 Floor decking on battens on resilient bearers/pads

3 Ducted pipework can be above or below any resilient quilt laid between floor battens with no
TR

fixings used to secure the ducting penetrating or damaging the quilt

4 Structural floor slab
5 Pipework within vented ducting located within suspended ceiling void and sealed to ceiling
N

board
O

6 Suspended ceiling
7 Pipework with factory-finished protection laid in screed above resilient overlay A)
C

8 Screed
9 Resilient sound-proofing overlay
N

10 Structural floor slab

U

11 Floating floor
A)
Exposed metallic pipework, for example at joints, shall be further protected on site (see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12).

38 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 15 Pipework in timber fire compartment floors

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
a) Typical suspended timber compartment floor
H
W
ED
LL
O

b) Typical suspended timber compartment floor incorporating resilient quilt

TR

Key
1 Floor decking on battens on resilient bearers/pads
N

2 Pipework within vented ducting extended above floor level and sealed to floor deck with
flexible sealant
O

3 Structural deck
4 Timber joist
C

5 No pipework in this void

N

6 Ceiling fixed to resilient bars

7 Ducted pipework can be above or below any resilient quilt laid between floor battens with no
U

fixings used to secure the ducting penetrating or damaging the quilt

8 Floor deck

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 39

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.10 Pipework installed in solid floors

8.10.1 Where pipework is to be installed in solid floors it shall run parallel or
at 90° to the walls.

8.10.2 Pipework shall not be buried in structural elements of the floor, such as
concrete slabs or structural toppings. Pipework shall not be buried in
power-floated floors that form part of the structure.

8.10.3 Pipework in acoustic floors shall only be installed with the agreement of
the building designer.

D
8.10.4 Rigid stainless-steel pipework shall not be buried in floor screeds.

TE
8.10.5 Pipework that is to be buried in a solid floor shall be suitably protected
against corrosion and degradation (see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12). Galvanized or painted
pipework shall not be buried without additional onsite protection being applied

IN
(see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12).

PR
8.10.6 Pipework installed in solid floors shall be protected against failure caused
by movement.
COMMENTARY ON 8.10.6

EN
Pipework installed in solid floors should, where practical, be in one length without
any joints. Where necessary, the use of fittings should be kept to a minimum and,
where aesthetically and practicably acceptable, bends should be used in preference
to elbows.
H
Suitable methods of protection are as follows:
W

a) pipework laid on top of concrete slabs/precast flooring and subsequently

covered by a floor screed (see also 8.1.7 to 8.1.12);
b) steel or copper pipework installed into preformed ducts with protective covers;
ED

and
c) steel or copper pipework fitted with additional soft, non-permeable covering
material. The coverings should be soft and thick enough to provide movement,
LL

yet resilient enough to support the floor screed while it is setting. The covering
should be at least 5 mm thick and resistant to concrete ingress which would
O

negate its ability to allow movement.

Reference should also be made to 8.1.7 to 8.1.12 for the application of adequate
TR

corrosion protection.

8.10.7 Where pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tube is to be buried in floor

screed, it shall be:
N

a) directly buried pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tube which:

O

1) conforms to 6.2.3;
C

2) the manufacturer’s instructions specifically allow direct burial;

N

3) is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and

U

4) has a factory-applied cover with a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm,

manufactured from a non-chlorinated material of a synthetic polymer
or elastomer with a total chloride content not exceeding 50 ppm; or
b) laid inside a buried outer pipe conforming to 8.7.1 or a covered channel
which terminates either above floor level or with suitable inspection points
which permit periodic inspection.
NOTE Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the desirability of
selecting products for which independent quality assurance certification against the
appropriate product manufacture standard has been obtained.

40 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.10.8 Where pipework is to be buried in magnesium-oxy-chloride cement or

magnesite flooring, it shall be:
a) directly buried pre-insulated copper tube with solid covering conforming to
BS EN 13349; or
b) directly buried pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tube which:
1) conforms to 6.2.3;
2) the manufacturer’s instructions specifically allow direct burial;
3) is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and

D
4) has a factory-applied cover with a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm,

TE
manufactured from a non-chlorinated material of a synthetic polymer
or elastomer with a total chloride content not exceeding 50 ppm; or
c) laid inside a buried outer pipe conforming to 8.7.1 or a covered channel

IN
which terminates either above floor level or with suitable inspection points
which permit periodic inspection.

PR
NOTE Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the desirability of
selecting products for which independent quality assurance certification against the
appropriate product manufacture standard has been obtained.

8.10.9 All buried pipework shall be inspected for damage immediately prior to

EN
the tube being buried in the flooring material. Any damage shall be repaired in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to give at least the same level
of protection that was afforded before the damage.
H
NOTE The inspection should take account of any factory-finished protection or
W
protection applied on site.

8.10.10 Where pipework is installed in solid floors, joints shall be kept to a

minimum. Mechanical fittings and press end connections shall not be buried in
ED

solid floors, floor screeds or a concrete slab.

8.10.11 Pipework passing vertically through solid floors shall take the shortest
LL

practicable route and shall be sleeved (see 8.7).

8.10.12 Where pipework is buried in a floor screed there shall be a minimum

O

of 25 mm of cover above the pipework.

8.10.13 Pipework in solid floors shall be installed in accordance with Figure 16.
TR
N
O
C
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 41

 Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy

42
Figure 16 Typical examples of pipework installed in solid floors 
PG


•
U Dimensions in millimetres
N
C
BS 6891:2015

O
N
TR
O

© The British Standards Institution 2015

LL
a) Ground bearing concrete floors
ED
Key
1 Pipework laid in preformed duct 5
W Concrete slab
2 Pipework with factory-finished protection laid in screed A) 6 Insulation
3 Pipework fitted with soft sleeving and laid in screed 7 H Damp-proof membrane
4 Screed 8 Hardcore and sand blinding
A)
Exposed metallic pipework, for example at joints, shall be further protected on site (see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12).
EN
PR
IN
TE
D
BRITISH STANDARD
 Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy
Figure 16 Typical examples of pipework installed in solid floors
U (2 of 3)
Dimensions in millimetres
N
C
O
N
BRITISH STANDARD

TR
O
LL
ED
W
b) Suspended concrete floor
H
Key
EN
1 Chipboard or floor screed over insulation 4 Precast beam and block
2 Insulation 5 Ventilated void
3 Damp-proof membrane 6 Pipework (corrosion protected as necessary)
PR
IN
TE

© The British Standards Institution 2015

•
D
BS 6891:2015

43
 Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy

44
Figure 16 Typical examples of pipework installed in solid floors (3 of 3)

•
U Dimensions in millimetres
N
C
BS 6891:2015

O
N
TR
O

© The British Standards Institution 2015

LL
c) Concrete rafts

Key
ED
1 Pipework laid in insulation layer (corrosion-protected as necessary) 5 Damp-proof membrane
2 Chipboard over insulation 6
W Concrete raft
3 Screed over insulation 7 Pipework with factory-finished protection laid in screed A)
4 Insulation H
A)
Exposed metallic pipework, for example at joints, shall be further protected on site (see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12).
EN
PR
IN
TE
D
BRITISH STANDARD
Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.11 Pipework installed in walls

8.11.1 General
8.11.1.1 Where pipework is to be installed into the building fabric of a wall it
shall, where possible, be vertical and shall be placed in ducts with convenient
access points or placed in pipework chases.

8.11.1.2 Any pipework installed within the building fabric of a wall shall take
the shortest practicable route, horizontally or vertically. Diagonal runs of
pipework shall not be installed.

D
8.11.1.3 Pipework in acoustic walls shall only be installed with the agreement of

TE
the building designer.

8.11.1.4 Pipework that is to be buried in walls shall be suitably protected against

IN
corrosion and degradation (see 8.1.7 to 8.12). Galvanized or painted pipework
shall not be buried without additional onsite protection being applied
(see 8.1.7 to 8.12).

PR
8.11.1.5 Pipework installed in walls shall be protected against failure caused by
movement.

EN
8.11.1.6 All pipework shall be inspected for damage immediately prior to the
tube being encased in building material. Any damage shall be repaired in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to give at least the same level
of protection that was afforded before the damage.
H
NOTE The inspection should take account of any factory finished protection or
W
protection applied on site.

8.11.1.7 Where pipework is installed in walls, joints shall be kept to a minimum.

Mechanical fittings and press end connections shall not be installed in walls.
ED

8.11.1.8 The pipework shall be secured.

NOTE Typical methods of installing pipework in walls are shown in Figure 17.
LL

Where pipework is permitted to be installed in acoustic walls it might need to be

installed in special ducts to ensure no loss of acoustic performance.
O

8.11.2 Cavity walls

TR

Pipework shall not be placed within the cavities of cavity walls. Pipework
passing through a cavity wall shall take the shortest practicable route from one
side to the other and shall be sleeved (see 8.7).
N

8.11.3 Dry lined solid construction walls

O

8.11.3.1 Pipework installed behind dry lining shall be suitably encased by

C

building material to avoid gas tracking behind the plaster board.

N

8.11.3.2 Where thin wall metal pipework, for example copper and pliable
corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing, is run between battens and within 50 mm of
U

the decorative face of the plasterboard, it shall be protected suitably against

penetration, for example with a steel plate of thickness 1 mm.
NOTE Suitable methods include continuous adhesive dabs or timber studs, as shown
in Figure 17b) and Figure 17c).

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 45

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 17 Typical examples of pipework installed in solid construction walls (1 of 3)

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N

a) Brick and block plastered

U

Key
1 Pipework set in chase 3 Pipework set into chase in plastered wall
2 Depth of chase Maximum depth of chase: T/6 horizontal; T/3 vertical

46 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 17 Typical examples of pipework installed in solid construction walls (2 of 3)

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N

b) Brick and block with dry lining on dabs

U

Key
1 Individual adhesive dabs
2 Continuous adhesive dabs to surround pipework
3 Pipework

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 47

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 17 Typical examples of pipework installed in solid construction walls (3 of 3)

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N

NOTE The joints between the wall and studs should be sealed with mastic in order to avoid gas tracking around
U

the studs.
c) Brick and block dry lined on battens
Key
1 Timber battens
2 Pipework
3 Steel plate of min. 1 mm thickness

48 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.11.4 Timber-frame and light steel-framed walls

8.11.4.1 Pipework installed within the walls of timber-frame and light
steel-framed construction shall be run within purpose-designed channels
[see Figure 18a)] or ducts.

8.11.4.2 Pipework shall be installed such that any fixing cannot penetrate the
pipework, for example plasterboard fixings, screws or shot-fired nails which are
typically up to 50 mm long. This can be achieved by ensuring that the pipework
is installed more than 50 mm from the front face of the plasterboard.

D
If this cannot be achieved, where thin wall metal pipework, for example copper
and pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing, is run within 50 mm of the

TE
decorative face of the plasterboard, it shall be protected suitably against
penetration, for example with a steel plate of minimum thickness 1 mm
(see Figure 18).

IN
8.11.4.3 If it is necessary to drill or notch the bottom plate of the wall frame
and/or the sole plate, as little timber as possible shall be removed, and not more

PR
than one third of the width of the bottom plate or sole plate shall be removed.

8.11.4.4 Where pipework is installed within timber and light steel construction
walls it shall be located in purpose-made holes conforming to Figure 19. Where

EN
holes are to be drilled to permit routing of gas pipework, they shall be as small
as possible but allow for movement. Timber-framed wall studs, rails or noggings
shall not be notched.
H
8.11.4.5 Where horizontal pipework runs are necessary, holes shall be drilled as
near as possible to the centre line of the timber member.
W

8.11.4.6 Any cut, notched or drilled surface of bottom plates or sole plates shall
be treated with an appropriate preservative to maintain the protection
ED

originally given to the timbers before construction.

8.11.4.7 Where it is unavoidable to have live electrical cable in the same channel
as the gas pipework, the cable shall be routed and clipped away from the
LL

pipework, maintaining the required minimum separation distance (see 8.4.2).

Any points of channel penetration shall be sealed with a flexible fire-resistant
compound.
O

8.11.4.8 Where a gas supply point is to be positioned on a separating or

TR

compartment (party) wall, any pipework shall rise in front of the finished
plasterboard face.
NOTE Further guidance on the fire resistance for separating or compartment walls
N

is given in the appropriate standards or approved documents, for example Approved

Document B in England [29].
O

8.11.4.9 Provision shall be made for pipework to accommodate any normal

C

differential movement or shrinkage of timber construction walls.

N

COMMENTARY ON 8.11.4
U

Typical methods of installing pipework in timber construction walls are shown in

Figure 18.
This principle of applying penetration protection applies to an external or internal
wall, but note that pipework in an internal wall can be within 50 mm of both sides
of the wall.
Additional guidance on differential movement or shrinkage in timber-framed
buildings can be found in IGEM/UP/7 [30].

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 49

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 18 Typical examples of pipework installed in timber and light steel-framed construction walls

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

NOTE The joints between the studs should be sealed with mastic in order to avoid gas tracking around the
studs.
a) Pipework passing through timber-frame wall
Key
1 Timber stud 5 Pipework
2 Pipework 6 Plasterboard
3 Timber stud blocking piece 7 Steel plate of min. 1 mm thickness
4 Timber stud 8 Vapour barrier

50 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 18 Typical examples of pipework installed in timber and light steel-framed construction walls

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W

NOTE The joints between the studs should be sealed with mastic in order to avoid gas tracking around the
studs.
ED

b) Pipework installed in a timber-framed wall

Key
1 Timber stud
LL

2 Pipework
3 Steel plate of min. 1 mm thickness
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 51

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 18 Typical examples of pipework installed in timber and light steel-framed construction walls

Dimensions in millimetres

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED

NOTE Pipework to be located in a channel formed by timber studs of the same depth as the timber frame [the
LL

principles for which are shown in Figure 18a) and b)]. Timber studs should be sealed with mastic.
c) Pipework entering a timber-framed/light steel-framed building from a meter box
O

Key
TR

1 Insulation 10 Air space between back of box and breather

2 Meter box wall membrane
3 Plasterboard 11 Breather membrane carried down behind meter
N

4 Rear spigot box

5 Pipework (protected by a steel plate 12 Floor screed
O

of min. 1 mm thickness as necessary) 13 Pipework from meter notched through sole plate
C

6 Vapour control layer Preservative treatment to sole plate made good

7 Mastic sealing 14 Concrete
N

8 Timber sheathing 15 Service pipe or service pipework, as appropriate

9 Timber stud
U

52 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 19 Limits for drilling of wall studding

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

Key
1 Allowable zones for drilling. Maximum 2 Notching NOT acceptable in wall studding
diameter of hole = T × 0.25

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 53

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.12 Above-ground external pipework

8.12.1 Above-ground external pipework shall be protected against the risk of
mechanical damage, e.g. in car ports.
NOTE Due to the inherent monetary value of metallic pipework, in particular
copper, the risk associated with the potential theft of the pipework needs to be
considered when determining the route of the pipework.

8.12.2 Above-ground external pipework shall be protected against corrosion and

degradation (see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12).

D
NOTE Where copper pipework is exposed to external weather conditions, it does
not normally require further protection unless subjected to an additional corrosive

TE
source.

8.13 Buried external pipework

IN
8.13.1 Buried external pipework shall be inherently resistant to, or otherwise
adequately protected against, corrosion and degradation (see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12).

PR
Steel tubes conforming to 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 shall not be buried.

8.13.2 When routing pipework, consideration shall be given to the soil type in
which it is to be laid and its likely corrosion impact over time.

EN
8.13.3 Whatever material is chosen, the design shall make allowance for any
additional loading or constraint imposed by backfill or location.
H
8.13.4 Buried metallic pipework (other than proprietary systems intended for
underground use) shall only be installed when appropriate and where:
W

a) a risk assessment has been carried out; and

b) an inspection strategy has been developed and provided to the gas
ED

consumer.

8.13.5 Where metallic pipework is to be buried in the ground, it shall be:

LL

a) directly buried pre-insulated copper tube with solid covering conforming to

BS EN 13349; or
O

b) directly buried pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tube which:

1) conforms to 6.2.3;
TR

2) the manufacturer’s instructions specifically allow direct burial;

3) is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and
N

4) has a factory-applied cover with a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm,

O

manufactured from a non-chlorinated material of a synthetic polymer

or elastomer with a total chloride content not exceeding 50 ppm; or
C

c) laid inside a buried outer pipe conforming to 8.7.1 or a covered channel

which terminates either above ground or in a suitable inspection pit, such as
N

to prevent the accumulation of water in the outer pipe or duct, while still
U

enabling periodic inspection.

NOTE Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the desirability of
selecting products for which independent quality assurance certification against the
appropriate product manufacture standard has been obtained.

8.13.6 Exposed metallic pipe, for example at joints, shall be further protected on
site (see 8.1.7 to 8.1.12).

54 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

8.13.7 All buried pipework shall be inspected for damage immediately prior to
backfilling. Any damage shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions to give at least the same level of protection that was afforded
before the damage.
NOTE The inspection should take account of any factory-finished protection or
protection applied on site.

8.13.8 Joints shall be kept to the absolute minimum in buried sections of

pipework.

8.13.9 Unless of a type specifically designed for direct burial, mechanical joints

D
shall not be directly buried below ground. Press end connections shall not be

TE
directly buried below ground.

8.13.10 Unless of a type specifically designed for direct burial, mechanical joints
in underground pipework shall be readily accessible for inspection, e.g. in an

IN
appropriate inspection chamber. Press end connections shall not be installed in
underground pipework.

PR
8.13.11 Routes shall be chosen that minimize the length of pipework required
and create minimal disturbance of other underground services, e.g. existing
pipework or cables.

EN
8.13.12 Pipework shall have a minimum depth of cover as given in Table 5.

Table 5 Buried external pipework

H
Location of pipework Minimum depth of cover
mm
W

Private gardens including pathways (no 375

vehicular traffic)
ED

Private drives with light vehicular traffic 450 A)

Private drives where there is a likelihood of 600 A)
heavy traffic (such as LPG road tankers)
LL

Fields and agricultural land 1 100

Other private ground 600 A)
A)
Where, due to ground conditions, it is not possible to excavate a trench to give the
O

specified depth of cover, additional mechanical protection shall be provided above the
pipe, such as burying concrete slabs below ground level at approximately 100 mm
TR

above the pipework.

8.13.13 The trench shall be excavated to firm ground at least 75 mm below the
N

required depth. The pipework shall be laid on cohesive or granular materials

that are free from sharp stones rocks, bricks or concrete (see Figure 20).
O

8.13.14 If appropriate, topsoil or surface materials shall be kept separate from

C

the excavated subsoil for subsequent replacement.

N

8.13.15 The trench can be backfilled prior to tightness testing, but all joints and
connections shall be left exposed until a satisfactory test is completed.
U

8.13.16 The backfill shall be carried out progressively in layers from one end of
the pipework installation and carefully consolidated to provide firm lateral
support between the pipework and the trench.

8.13.17 The backfill at the sides and immediately above the pipework shall be
the same as that used for the bedding. A minimum of 75 mm of cohesive or
granular material shall be backfilled above the pipework.

8.13.18 The use of wet clay shall be avoided immediately adjacent to the
pipework. Fill such as hard chalk shall not be used as backfill material.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 55

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 20 Buried pipework

Dimensions in millimetres

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W

Key
1 Minimum spade width (allow wider for 3 Gas marker tape 100 mm to 300 mm above pipe
ED

branch connections) where necessary

2 Minimum depth of cover 4 Cohesive or granular materials (such as sand or
other fine material)
LL

8.13.19 Where cathodic protection is used, backfilling shall be carried out

O

carefully to avoid strain being placed on electrical connections and damage to

wiring between cathodic protection anodes and the pipework.
TR

8.13.20 To facilitate future repair and maintenance, a minimum clearance

of 250 mm shall be maintained between pipework, foundations and the known
position of other utilities (including electric cables, etc.), unless this is not
N

reasonably practicable (e.g. crossovers).

O

8.13.21 Pipework shall not be installed under the foundations of a building or in

the ground under the base of a wall or footings, unless adequate steps are
C

taken to prevent damage to the pipework in the event of the movement of

those structures or the ground.
N

COMMENTARY ON 8.13
U

External buried pipework should, where practical, be in one length without any
joints. Where necessary, the use of fittings should be kept to a minimum and, where
aesthetically and practicably acceptable, bends should be used in preference to
elbows.
Reference should also be made to:
a) HSG47, Avoiding danger from underground services [31]; and
b) National Joint Utilities Group Guidelines On The Positioning of Utilities
Apparatus For New Development Sites [32].

56 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Further information on pipework is given in UKLPG Code of Practice 22 [20] and

IGEM/TD/4 [33].

8.14 Identification of buried external pipework

A yellow plastic indicator tape (marked “gas”) shall be laid between 100 mm
and 300 mm above the pipework, unless:
a) the route of the pipework is adequately recorded or marked, or is obvious;
or
b) other means are available for pipework location.

D
NOTE Where employed, it is preferential for the indicator tapes for polyethylene
pipework to incorporate a metallic core wire to permit the pipework route to be

TE
identified by a suitable instrument.

8.15 Additional requirements for the installation of

IN
polyethylene (PE) pipework

PR
NOTE The requirements of this subclause are additional to those of
8.12, 8.13 and 8.14.

8.15.1 PE pipework and fittings shall only be used for external pipework.

EN
8.15.2 PE pipework and fittings shall not be subjected to prolonged exposure to
sunlight or other ultraviolet (UV) sources.

8.15.3 PE pipework and fittings shall not be used above ground, except to rise
H
vertically to allow the transition to metallic pipework, which shall be as close as
practicable to the external ground level.
W

8.15.4 PE pipework and fittings above ground level shall be shrouded from
sunlight and other ultraviolet (UV) sources and mechanical damage. Where PE
ED

pipework and fittings are installed above ground, provision shall be made to
protect the pipe from such sources, for example by enclosing the pipe in a
glass-reinforced plastic sleeve, a steel sleeve or another sleeve manufactured
LL

from a UV-stabilized material.

8.15.5 Solvent welding shall not be used.

O

COMMENTARY ON 8.15
TR

Additional information on the installation of PE pipework can be found in the

Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers publication IGEM/TD/4 [33].
The use of PE pipework and fittings could be beneficial where it is necessary for
N

installation pipework to be run underground externally from one location to

another.
O

It is preferable to use metal gas pipework entries into buildings. The Gas Safety
(Installation and Use) Regulations [1] require that where PE pipework is used to
C

enter the building, that part of it within the building is placed within a metal sheath
which is constructed and installed so as to prevent, as far as practicable, gas escaping
N

into the building if the pipework fails.

U

It is essential that care be taken to ensure that pipework designed for carrying water
is not used for gas installations. Also, plastics pipes designed to distribute water in
both domestic hot/cold water and central heating systems, whether or not they
contain a metallic barrier, are not suitable for use for gas installations.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 57

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.16 Pipework in ducts

8.16.1 Ventilation
8.16.1.1 Vertical and horizontal ducts containing pipework shall be ventilated to
ensure that minor gas leakage does not cause the atmosphere within the duct
to become unsafe.

8.16.1.2 Any ventilation opening shall be located such that air movement can
occur within the duct.

D
8.16.1.3 Any ventilation opening shall lead to a safe place, preferably to outside
air.

TE
8.16.1.4 Ducts shall be sealed from any cavity, wall or floor void through which
they pass.

IN
COMMENTARY ON 8.16.1
The duct can run freely through a number of storeys or take the form of an

PR
enclosure at each storey level. Where ducts are continuous, ventilation can normally
be achieved by the provision of openings sized in accordance with Table 6
[see Figure 22a)].
A duct, or an isolated section of duct contained solely within a room or space,

EN
can be ventilated within that room or space, provided the room or space is
ventilated to normal occupational standards.
H
Table 6 Free area of ventilation openings
W
Cross-sectional area Minimum free area of each opening A)
m2 m2
Not exceeding 0.01 0
ED

0.01 and not exceeding 0.05 Cross-sectional area

0.05 and not exceeding 7.5 0.05
Exceeding 7.5 1/150 of the cross-sectional area
LL

A)
For vertical shafts and ducts the required openings should be provided at both high
and low level. For horizontal ducts and ceiling voids the required openings should be
provided at either end.
O

Additional information is given in BS 8313.

TR

Ducts having a small cross-sectional area and volume (i.e. 0.01 m2 or less with a total
volume of less than 0.1 m3) are considered to be adequately ventilated by
adventitious means and no additional openings are required.
N

The level of ventilation is not intended to clear a major gas escape arising from
O

damage or failure of gas pipework

Cross-sectional area is as indicated in Figure 21.
C

8.16.2 Fire resistance

N

The fire resistance of any duct containing pipework shall have a fire rating equal
U

to or greater than any void through which it passes.

NOTE See Approved Document B to the Building Regulations [29] for further
guidance.

58 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 21 Cross-sectional area of duct

D
TE
IN
NOTE Cross-sectional area of duct is measured perpendicular to its longest length:
0.075 m × 0.195 m = 0.0146 m2

PR
8.17 Multi-occupancy buildings
Where pipework passes through an individual dwelling/commercial unit other

EN
than the one it supplies, it shall be located in a purpose-provided duct designed
and constructed to prevent damage to the pipework [see Figure 22b)].
NOTE The Building Regulations [5], [6] and [7] also contain provisions for the
H
design and construction of such ducts.
W
8.18 Fire stopping
For buildings containing flats and/or maisonettes, pipework shall be fire-stopped
as it passes from one floor to another, unless it is installed in its own protected
ED

shaft that is ventilated top and bottom to outside air. When pipework from a
protected shaft enters a flat or maisonette, it shall be fire-stopped at the point
of entry [see Figure 22a)].
LL

COMMENTARY ON 8.18
When pipework passes through the protecting structure (i.e. compartment walls or
O

floors) all openings should be kept as small, and as few in number, as practicable,
and should be suitably fire-stopped in such a manner as to allow thermal movement
TR

of the pipework and ensure the fire resistance is not impaired. To prevent
displacement, materials used for fire stopping should be supported by, or reinforced
with, materials of limited combustibility. Any proprietary fire stopping should, when
N

tested in accordance with the applicable part of BS 476, achieve the relevant periods
of fire resistance for the structure in respect of load bearing capacity, integrity and
O

insulation.
C
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 59

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Figure 22 Typical pipework in multi-storey buildings containing flats or maisonettes (1 of 2)

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

a) Ventilated duct
Key 1 Ventilation 6 Flat 1 ECV Emergency control valve
2 Appliance 7 Meter room AECV Additional emergency control valve
3 Fire stop 8 Meter room ventilation IIV Inlet isolation valve
4 Flat 3 9 Ground level M Gas meter
5 Flat 2 10 Gas service TP Test point

60 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 22 Typical pipework in multi-storey buildings containing flats or maisonettes (2 of 2)

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

b) Fire stopped pipework and ventilated enclosed area

Key 1 Appliance 6 Meter room 11 Enclosure
2 Fire stop 7 Meter room ventilation ECV Emergency control valve
3 Flat 3 8 Ground level AECV Additional emergency control valve
4 Flat 2 9 Gas service IIV Inlet isolation valve
5 Flat 1 10 Vent M Gas meter
TP Test point

NOTE Vents are to communicate with an area that is ventilated in accordance with the Building
Regulations [5], [6], [7].

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 61

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.19 Gas pipework inside a protected area (see Annex D)

8.19.1 In addition to the requirements for fire resistance (see 8.16.2) and fire
stopping (see 8.18) any pipework carrying gas installed in, or passing through, a
protected area shall be:
a) steel pipework with screwed joints;
b) steel pipework with welded joints;
c) continuous length of copper (no joints); or
d) continuous length of pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing

D
manufactured to withstand fire test A of BS EN 1775:2007, Annex A.

TE
NOTE See Figure 23. Pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing manufactured to
BS 7838 meets fire test A. For pliable corrugated tubing manufactured to
BS EN 15266 the manufacturer should be consulted.

IN
Figure 23 Copper and steel pipe in a protected area

PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C

Key
N

1 Vent direct to outside air (see 8.19.2).

U

2 Pipe not conforming to 8.19.1, e.g. jointed copper gas installation pipe, within its own fire-rated
duct which is ventilated in accordance with 8.19.
3 Pipe conforming to 8.19.1, e.g. steel pipe with screwed joints.

8.19.2 Other than the exceptions described in 8.19.3 to 8.19.5, a protected area
containing pipework shall be ventilated at high and low levels direct to the
outside air. Sizes of ventilation openings shall be in accordance with Table 6.
Mechanical ventilation shall not be used to achieve the required ventilation
levels.

62 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

COMMENTARY ON 8.19.1 AND 8.19.2

Pipework is not considered to be contained within a protected area if the pipework
is completely separated from that protected area by fire-resisting duct, which itself is
ventilated direct to outside air, e.g. a service shaft.
Ventilation grilles (including intumescent grilles) are not to be provided in fire doors
or partitions dividing one protected area from another, such as between a
corridor/lobby and stairway, as this could lead to smoke leakage into the escape
stairway in the event of a fire.
The fire/acoustic performance of a suspended ceiling should be confirmed with the

D
building designer or the local building control body.
Further guidance on protected areas is given in the appropriate Building

TE
Regulations [5], [6], [7] and other applicable building standards.
Subclauses 8.19.1 and 8.19.2 do not normally apply to one or two storey domestic
dwellings.

IN
8.19.3 Pipework within a protected corridor/lobby, including any suspended

PR
ceiling void above the protected area, can be contained within a duct which is
vented to outside air either directly or indirectly via another ventilated area.
Any ducting shall be of fire-resisting construction to the level of the fire
resistance of the protected area it passes through or of an alternative material

EN
with fire stopping where the duct passes through the compartment walls/floors.

8.19.4 Pipework that is continuous or welded and meets the requirements of

8.19.1b), c) or d) can be installed within a protected corridor/lobby which is not
H
ventilated direct to outside air, provided the protected corridor/lobby is normally
occupied. If the pipework is installed above a suspended ceiling, which does not
W

form part of the required fire/acoustic performance of the compartment floor,

the ceiling void can be vented into the normally occupied protected
corridor/lobby via vents inserted through the ceiling. These vents shall be sized
ED

and installed in accordance with 8.16.1 and Table 6.

NOTE The term “normally occupied” means an area in which it is reasonably
expected that passers-by will be in the vicinity, e.g. regularly used common corridors
LL

or common lobbies.

8.19.5 Pipework conforming to 8.19.1a) installed above a suspended ceiling

O

which does not form part of the required fire/acoustic performance of the
compartment floor can be vented into the corridor via vents inserted through
TR

the ceiling, provided the corridor is ventilated direct to outside air. These vents
shall be sized and installed in accordance with 8.16.1 and Table 6.

8.19.6 If the gas pipework is within a duct and any inspection hatch or door
N

opens from that duct into a protected area, that hatch or door shall be of at
O

least the same fire rating as the protected area in which it is fitted and suitably
sealed on all edges to contain any gas escape within the duct.
C

NOTE The seals to be used should enable the hatch or door to be opened without
compromising the integrity of the seal when the hatch or door is closed.
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 63

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

8.20 Additional requirements for pipework inside timber-framed

and light steel-framed buildings
8.20.1 If the pipework is being run within the inner leaf of an external
timber-framed or light steel-framed wall, the pipework shall be installed in
accordance with 8.11.4 and routed as close as possible to the plasterboard side
and in a channel within the timber frame, i.e. on the warm side of the
insulation.

8.20.2 Where installing pipework through a vapour control layer (VCL), any hole
cut in the VCL shall be as small as possible to accommodate the pipework/sleeve.

D
Where the VCL is a polythene membrane, the hole in the VCL shall be 10 mm

TE
smaller than the pipework/sleeve so that it makes a tight interference fit
around. Any perforations of the VCL shall be made good with an adhesive tape.

8.20.3 The plasterboard shall be made good with plaster or flexible fire-resistant

IN
compound so that there is no route for air movement into the inner leaf
framework.

PR
8.20.4 When forming channels in previously constructed walls the channel shall
be re-instated so that the insulation, VCL and plasterboard are to the same
standard as the rest of the wall.

EN
8.20.5 Provision shall be made for pipework to accommodate any normal
differential movement or shrinkage of the building, with special attention being
given to buildings of multi-storey construction.
H
COMMENTARY ON 8.20
W
Additional guidance on differential movement or shrinkage in timber-framed and
light steel-framed buildings can be found in IGEM/UP/7 [30] and IGEM/G/5 [34].
A suitable method of accommodating movement for gas pipework passing through
ED

a masonry wall is given in Figure 24.

LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

64 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Figure 24 Typical method of accommodating movement for pipework passing through a

masonry/timber-frame wall

D
TE
IN
PR
a) As installed: before movement of timber

EN
H
W
ED
LL

b) After relative movement of timber

Key
O

1 Timber frame
TR

2 Masonry external wall or wall of internal riser duct

3 Sealant between sleeve and wall
4 Flexible pipe sleeving
N

5 Flexible sealant on one end of sleeve only, preferably external side to prevent water ingress
6 Rigid pipe
O

7 Transition fitting from rigid pipework to pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing

C

8 Pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing

9 Bend not to exceed manufacturer’s recommendation
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 65

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

9 Installation of flexible hoses, tubing, assemblies

and their connections
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 9
This clause does not cover the requirements for hoses, tubing, assemblies and their
connections that are used as the final connections to moveable gas appliances. These
are covered by the appropriate appliance installation standards.

9.1 General

D
9.1.1 Flexible hoses, tubing and associated assemblies shall only be used for:

TE
a) LPG cylinder-mounted regulator connections – the connection between a
cylinder-mounted regulator and the fixed pipework installation; and
b) residential park home and caravan holiday home connections – the

IN
connection between an ECV, AECV, meter or a regulator/changeover device
sited remotely from a residential park home or caravan holiday home on a

PR
standpipe/upstand and the fixed pipework installation.
NOTE For details on the requirements for the installation of high-pressure hoses,
tubing, assemblies and their connections between a cylinder vapour valve and a
regulator/changeover device, see BS 5482-1, BS 5482-2 or UKLPG Code of

EN
Practice 24 [35]. For details on the requirements for the installation of
standpipe/upstands, see IGEM/G/6 [36].

9.1.2 Where a flexible pipework connection is used it shall be of one continuous

H
length and be as short as practicable to provide the flexibility for which it is to
be utilized. The length of the flexible pipework connection shall be sufficient to
W

prevent excessive strain on it or its end connections and to allow smooth swept
bends without kinking (see 9.2 and 9.3).
ED

9.1.3 Where necessary, flexible pipework connections shall be supported.

9.1.4 Flexible pipework connections shall not be used if, when inspected, they
show any signs of any physical damage, environmental deterioration or service
LL

failure.
NOTE Examples include:
O

• physical damage, such as cuts or abrasion, cracking, stretching, flattening,

kinking and, where fitted, missing/worn sealing washers, damaged cylinder
TR

connections;
• environmental deterioration, such as stiffening, cracking, delamination of outer
N

covering, chemical degradation, i.e. softening of outer coating by contact with

oil; and
O

• service failure, such as blistering, soft spots, rupture and, for preassembled end
fittings, corrosion or loosening of swaged fittings attaching hose.
C

9.1.5 Where flexible pipework connections are used, electrical continuity shall be
N

maintained where applicable.

U

9.1.6 Flexible pipework connections shall not be used where they could be
subjected to temperatures in excess of 50 °C, unless specifically designed for that
application.

9.1.7 Flexible pipework connections shall not pass through walls, floors, ceilings
or other partitions.

66 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

9.1.8 Flexible hoses, tubing and their associated assemblies conforming to

BS 3212, BS EN 1763-1 or BS EN 16436-1 shall be marked in accordance with the
appropriate standard.
NOTE Examples of typical marking on hoses and tubing manufactured to these
standards is illustrated in Figure 25.

Figure 25 Identification of hoses, tubing and assemblies for use with LPG

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
a) Typical BS 3212 hose type identification H
W
ED
LL
O
TR

b) Typical BS EN 16436-1, Class 1 tube type identification

9.1.9 Flexible tubing conforming to BS EN 16436-1 shall not be used after the
N

declared expiry date.

O

COMMENTARY ON 9.1.9
Whilst no expiry date, specific service life or exchange interval is specified for flexible
C

hoses, tubing and associated assemblies in BS 3212 or BS EN 1763-1, it is unlikely that

the service life would exceed 10 years and therefore replacement at this age is
N

recommended. For hoses conforming to BS EN 16436-1 (class 2 and 3) no expiry date,

specific service life or exchange interval is currently specified and it is unlikely that
U

the service life would exceed 10 years, so replacement at this age is recommended.
Requirements relating to expiry date for these class 2 and 3 hoses will be given in
BS EN 16436-2 (when published).

9.1.10 Flexible hose or tubing shall only be connected to an appropriate and

suitably-sized fitting or nozzle.
NOTE Traditional nozzles used on LPG installations, such as the “Fulham Nozzle”,
are known to have high-pressure losses across them, and these pressure losses along
with the internal diameter of any flexible hose or tube need to be considered in the
design process specified in Clause 5.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 67

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

9.1.11 Flexible hose or tubing with an internal diameter of 8 mm or greater and

operated at a pressure of up to, but not exceeding, 50 mbar shall be secured
using either crimp clips or swaged fittings or worm drive clips. Only crimp clips
of the correct size for the hose or tubing shall be used. Worm drive clips shall
secure hose or tubing but shall not be over-tightened.

9.1.12 Flexible hose or tubing with an internal diameter of less than 8 mm and
hose operated at a pressure exceeding 50 mbar shall always be secured by crimp
clips or swaged fittings. Worm drive clips shall not be used.

9.2 LPG cylinder-mounted regulator connections

D
For installations other than those specified in 9.3, the length of the flexible

TE
pipework connection between the cylinder regulator and the fixed pipework
shall be limited to a maximum length of 500 mm.

Residential park home and caravan holiday home connections

IN
9.3

9.3.1 The flexible pipework connection between the standpipe/upstand-mounted

PR
ECV, AECV, meter or regulator/changeover device and the fixed pipework
installation shall only be made once the residential park home or caravan
holiday home has been fully sited.

EN
9.3.2 Movement of the residential park home or caravan holiday home due to
settlement, thermal expansion, structural flexing or wind loading, and its
potential effects on the gas pipework and attached equipment, shall be
accommodated by installing an appropriate flexible pipework connection with a
H
minimum length 300 mm between any standpipe/upstand installation and the
fixed pipework installation. The length of the flexible pipework connection shall
W

be limited to the minimum possible exceeding 300 mm, with a maximum length
that shall not exceed 2 m (see the exception in 9.3.5).
ED

NOTE Usually, a caravan holiday home or residential park home is designed to be

stable, with limited vertical movement with respect to the ground.
Any standpipe/upstand is required to be sited as close as practicable to, and not
LL

further than 1 m from, the residential park home and caravan holiday home it
serves. See IGEM/G/6 [36].
O

9.3.3 Flexible pipework connections shall not be used with the intention to
increase the distance of a residential park home or caravan holiday home from
TR

its connection to a standpipe/upstand-mounted ECV, AECV, meter or

regulator/changeover device.

9.3.4 Where flexible hoses, tubing and associated assemblies conforming to

N

BS 3212, BS EN 1763-1 or BS EN 16436-1 are used, they shall be armoured

against rodent attack.
O

9.3.5 Where a flotation device is fitted to a residential park home or caravan

C

holiday home so that a longer flexible pipework connection might be required,

the length of flexible pipework connection shall be sufficient to accommodate
N

the movement of the home permitted by the flotation device.

U

9.3.6 Where the residential park home or caravan holiday home is not
sufficiently anchored, any uncontrolled release of gas caused by movement or
overturning through high winds or flooding shall be limited by including a quick
release, self-sealing coupling with an integral anchored release sleeve.
NOTE The length of pipework and number of fittings between any quick release
coupling and the flexible connection should be minimized. IGEM/UP/2 [12] contains
the detail of an acceptable coupling for this purpose.

68 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

10 Commissioning
10.1 General
Where the appliance input is range or variable-rated, the installer shall
permanently mark on the appliance the actual heat input at which the
appliance is to be set.

10.2 Gas tightness testing and purging

Upon completion, the installation shall be tested for gas tightness and purged in

D
accordance with the appropriate standard.

TE
NOTE For the majority of installations the appropriate standard is IGEM/UP/1B [23],
but alternatively IGEM/UP/1 [21] or IGEM/UP/1A [22], as appropriate, can be utilized.

10.3 Meter, regulator and safety devices

IN
10.3.1 Natural gas meter installations shall be installed and commissioned in

PR
accordance with BS 6400-1 and BS 6400-2, IGEM/GM/6 [10] or IGE/GM/8 [11], as
appropriate.

10.3.2 LPG meter installations shall be installed and commissioned in accordance

with BS 6400-3.

EN
10.3.3 On LPG installations that do not incorporate a meter immediately
downstream of the regulator, the regulator shall be installed in accordance with
H
Annex E and commissioned in accordance with a) and b).
NOTE 1 Many LPG regulators and associated safety devices are factory-preset to
W

deliver the required pressures and operate within specific tolerances. They should
not require further adjustment during their service life on site. Adjustments of such
regulators and associated safety devices might affect their safe operation and
ED

invalidate any warranties.

a) The installer shall ensure the operating pressure at the outlet of the
regulator is within the tolerances indicated in Table 7 at a flow rate not
LL

exceeding the maximum flow rate of the regulator.

NOTE 2 When checking a regulator on site, it is important that a sufficient gas
O

flow rate is obtained. Where appliances have already been installed and
commissioned, this can be achieved by operating all appliances at full gas flow
TR

rate. Where no appliances are installed and commissioned, this can be achieved
by using a device that allows a flow rate of at least 0.5 m3/h.
At low flow rates the operating pressure can tend towards the higher values in
N

Table 7 and at high flow rates operating pressure can tend towards the lower
values.
O

b) The installer shall ensure that the regulator locks up at a pressure not
C

exceeding the values given in Table 7, with no flow through the installation.
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 69

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Table 7 Operating pressure (LPG)

Fuel Nominal Minimum Maximum Maximum

outlet outlet outlet lock-up
pressure pressure pressure pressure
(above set
pressure)
mbar mbar mbar mbar
BS 3016 – Cylinder single stage regulator
set pressures:

D
Butane 28 23 33 +10

TE
Propane 37 32 42 +15
BS 3016 – Final (second) stage regulator
set pressures (low pressure):

IN
Propane 37 32 42 +10
BS 3016 – Cylinder automatic changeover
device set pressures (low pressure):

PR
Propane 37 32 42 +15
BS EN 12864 or BS EN 16129 – Cylinder
single stage regulator set pressures:

EN
Butane 29 22 35 40
Propane 37 27 A) 45 50
BS EN 13785 or BS EN 16129 – Final stage
H
regulator set pressures (low pressure):
Propane 37 32 B) 45 50
W

BS EN 13786 or BS EN 16129 – Cylinder

automatic changeover device set pressures
(low pressure):
ED

Butane 29 22 35 40
Propane 37 27 A) 45 50
A)
Value is the minimum outlet pressure specified in the regulator standard to align with BS EN 437. However, it is
LL

recommended that for the UK market the minimum operating pressure for propane regulators is 32 mbar.
B)
Due to the UK-agreed UPSO range the minimum outlet pressure for regulators manufactured for the UK market
is taken as 32 mbar NOT the 27 mbar declared in BS EN 13785 or BS EN 16129.
O

10.3.4 The functional operation of the relief valve, the under-pressure

TR

shut-off (UPSO) and the over-pressure shut-off (OPSO) shall be tested in

accordance with the manufacturer’s testing procedures where the manufacturer
provides such instruction.
N

COMMENTARY ON 10.3.4
O

The operational set pressures for the relief valve, the UPSO and the OPSO, are
factory-preset and tested by the manufacturer in accordance with the appropriate
C

manufacturing standard on specific test rigs. Functional onsite tests to confirm

setting pressures for these controls is not normally practical unless specified by the
N

manufacturer with a supporting testing procedure. It is only deemed necessary to

test the functional operation of these controls if the control manufacturer provides a
U

supporting procedure. In these situations the controls should be tested in accordance

with the manufacturer’s instructions provided.
See also 10.3.3.

70 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

10.3.5 If any of the checks or tests in 10.3.4 or 10.3.6 are outside the acceptable
range and/or are unsuccessful:
a) if the regulator and associated safety devices are of a type that can be
adjusted, they shall be adjusted by a person authorized by the LPG supplier
in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions; or
b) if the regulator and associated safety devices are of a type that cannot be
adjusted, the complete regulator and/or associated safety devices shall be
replaced.
COMMENTARY ON 10.3.5

D
Regulation 14(6)(b) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 [1]

TE
requires that no person except the LPG supplier, or a person authorized to act on
the supplier’s behalf, is to break a seal on a regulator controlling the pressure of gas
from a gas storage vessel.

IN
See also 10.3.3.

10.3.6 The installer shall ensure that the regulator and safety device(s) are sealed

PR
to prevent their settings from being interfered with without the seal being
broken.

10.4 Confirmation of adequacy of pipework sizing

EN
When appliances are connected, it shall be confirmed that the pipework is
adequate to ensure that all appliances connected operate at their required heat
input in accordance with the appliance manufacturers’ instructions.
H
COMMENTARY ON 10.4
W

Due to the overall inaccuracies inherent in typical methods of onsite testing, to

confirm that the design pressure loss is achieved, a physical check of actual pressure
losses between two specified points on an installation is not required.
ED

Where there is a concern that there might be an excessive pressure loss, the
operating pressure at the primary meter outlet or, where no meter is fitted, the
regulator outlet should be checked to confirm that this is within acceptable
LL

tolerances. Where a meter is installed, a check should then be carried out to confirm
that the individual appliance(s) heat input is in accordance with the appliance
manufacturer’s specification. Where multiple appliances are installed, this check
O

should be repeated with all appliances in operation to confirm the total of all
appliance heat inputs is achieved. Where no meter is installed on an LPG installation,
TR

it is necessary to confirm the appliance(s) operating pressure is in accordance with

the appliance manufacturer’s specification with all appliances in operation or to
consult the HSE Certificate of Exemption No.1 2008, for which further guidance is
given in Technical Bulletin 021 [37] (available via the Gas Safe Register website 4)).
N

In addition to confirming the appliance operating pressure or heat input or, where
O

necessary, both, the combustion performance of the appliance should be checked

with a suitable combustion performance analyser and confirmed to be within the
C

tolerances laid down in the appliance manufacturers’ instructions (where available)

or BS 7967.
N
U

4)
www.gassaferegister.co.uk [viewed: 28 October 2015].

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 71

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

11 Maintenance
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 11
The maintenance of the pipework after commissioning is the duty of the responsible
person.

11.1 The maintenance of pipework, including safety devices, shall ensure the
continued safety of the installation.

11.2 Any redundant pipework shall be disconnected and, where practicable,

removed. Any redundant pipework that has not been removed shall be isolated

D
and sealed at each end with an appropriate fitting.

TE
11.3 Where filters have been installed on the pipework, these shall be
periodically checked and cleaned (see also Annex B).

IN
11.4 Where flexible pipework connections have been installed, they shall be
periodically checked and replaced as necessary (see 9.1.2, 9.1.8 and 9.1.9).

PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

72 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Annex A Guide to sizing pipework installations

(informative)
A.1 General
Basic flow analysis problems can be solved readily using a computer program or
a hand-held disc calculator.
To assist in providing an example of a method for designing an installation and
calculating the required size of a pipework installation, Tables A.1, A.2, A.3,
A.4 and A.5 are provided for information only.
Due to the diversity of variables that need to be considered when sizing a

D
pipework installation, such as changes in pipework manufacture standards over
the years and the changes to pipework bores, etc., it is impossible to cover every

TE
possible scenario. Therefore, a number of reasonable assumptions have been
made in these tables, which are also provided for information only.

IN
Operatives should obtain accurate pressure loss data from the pipework
manufacturer when undertaking the design process specified by 5.2.

PR
A.2 Theories and other reasonable assumptions utilized in
formulating Tables A.1, A.2, A.3 and A.4
The following formula has been used in calculating the values in Tables A.1, A.2,

EN
A.3 and A.4.

Q 5 57.1×10−5[pd5(sLf)21]0.5 (A.1)
H
where:
W

Q is the gas flow rate (m3/h);

p is the pressure loss (mbar);
ED

d is the internal pipe diameter (mm);

s is the density of gas relative to air;
LL

L is the length of pipe (m); and

f is the friction factor.
O

The density of gas relative to air (s) is taken to be:

TR

• 0.6 for natural gas; and

• 1.5 for LPG.
N

The friction factor, f, is very difficult to predict with accuracy. It is dependent on

O

a number of variables, including pipe roughness, velocity and Reynolds number.

For the smooth pipe law a reliable value can, however, be obtained from:
C

f < fsp⁄e2 (A.2)

N
U

where:

fsp = (14.7519 + 3.5657X + 0.0362X2)–2 and is the smooth pipe friction

factor (dimensionless), where:
X = log10 Re – 5, where:
Re is the Reynolds number: and
e is the efficiency factor (assumed as 0.86 for steel tube, 0.95 for
copper tube and 0.97 for PE pipe).

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 73

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

In the UK, the Reynolds number is taken to be equivalent to:

• 25 043 × Q/d for natural gas; and
• 83 955 × Q/d for LPG.
The preceding formulae are not valid for pliable corrugated (stainless-steel)
tubing conforming to BS EN 15266 or BS 7838. Further information should be
obtained from the manufacturer.
The calorific value utilized to determine heat inputs (gross) contained in
Tables A.1, A.2, A.3 and A.4 is:

D
• 38.9 MJ/m3 for natural gas; and
•

TE
93.1 MJ/m3 for LPG.
The ratio of gross:net heat input is approximately 1.11:1 for natural gas,
1.09:1 for propane and 1.08:1 for butane. Whilst the conversion of rated input

IN
between gross and net values strictly depends on the calorific value of gas used,
in practical terms a common factor 1.1 has been used.

PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

74 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Table A.1 Approximate natural gas pressure loss data (mbar/m) – copper tube (1 of 4)

Flow Heat input Nominal pipe size (mm/R) A)

rate Gross Net 8 10 12 15 22 28 35
3
(m /h) (kW) (kW) (6) (8) (10) (13) (19) (25) (32)

0.25 2.70 2.46 0.2675 0.0710 0.0255 0.0077 0.0014 0.0004 0.0001
0.50 5.40 4.91 0.8348 0.2188 0.0777 0.0231 0.0040 0.0011 0.0004
0.75 8.10 7.37 – 0.4285 0.1514 0.0447 0.0077 0.0022 0.0007
1.00 10.81 9.82 – 0.6940 0.2444 0.0719 0.0123 0.0035 0.0011

D
1.25 13.51 12.28 – – 0.3553 0.1042 0.0178 0.0050 0.0016
1.50 16.21 14.73 – – 0.4833 0.1414 0.0240 0.0067 0.0021

TE
1.75 18.91 17.19 – – 0.6276 0.1832 0.0311 0.0086 0.0027
2.00 21.61 19.65 – – 0.7877 0.2296 0.0388 0.0108 0.0034

IN
2.25 24.31 22.10 – – 0.9630 0.2804 0.0473 0.0131 0.0042
2.50 27.01 24.56 – – – 0.3353 0.0565 0.0156 0.0049
2.75 29.72 27.01 – – – 0.3945 0.0663 0.0183 0.0058

PR
3.00 32.42 29.47 – – – 0.4577 0.0769 0.0212 0.0067
3.25 35.12 31.93 – – – 0.5249 0.0880 0.0243 0.0077
3.50 37.82 34.38 – – – 0.5960 0.0998 0.0275 0.0087

EN
3.75 40.52 36.84 – – – 0.6709 0.1123 0.0309 0.0097
4.00 43.22 39.29 – – – 0.7496 0.1253 0.0345 0.0108
4.25 45.92 41.75 – – – 0.8321 0.1390 0.0382 0.0120
H
4.50 48.63 44.20 – – – 0.9182 0.1533 0.0421 0.0132
4.75 51.33 46.66 – – – – 0.1681 0.0462 0.0145
W

5.00 54.03 49.12 – – – – 0.1836 0.0504 0.0158

5.25 56.73 51.57 – – – – 0.1996 0.0548 0.0172
ED

5.50 59.43 54.03 – – – – 0.2162 0.0593 0.0186

5.75 62.13 56.48 – – – – 0.2334 0.0640 0.0200
6.00 64.83 58.94 – – – – 0.2511 0.0688 0.0215
LL

6.25 67.53 61.40 – – – – 0.2694 0.0738 0.0231

6.50 70.24 63.85 – – – – 0.2882 0.0789 0.0247
6.75 72.94 66.31 – – – – 0.3076 0.0842 0.0263
O

7.00 75.64 68.76 – – – – 0.3275 0.0896 0.0280

TR

7.25 78.34 71.22 – – – – 0.3480 0.0952 0.0297

7.50 81.04 73.67 – – – – 0.3690 0.1009 0.0315
7.75 83.74 76.13 – – – – 0.3905 0.1068 0.0333
N

8.00 86.44 78.59 – – – – 0.4126 0.1128 0.0352

8.25 89.15 81.04 – – – – 0.4352 0.1189 0.0371
O

8.50 91.85 83.50 – – – – 0.4583 0.1252 0.0390

C

9.00 97.25 88.41 – – – – 0.5060 0.1381 0.0431

9.50 102.65 93.32 – – – – 0.5559 0.1517 0.0473
N

10.00 108.06 98.23 – – – – 0.6077 0.1657 0.0516

U

11.00 118.86 108.06 – – – – 0.7173 0.1955 0.0608

12.00 129.67 117.88 – – – – 0.8348 0.2273 0.0707
13.00 140.47 127.70 – – – – 0.9600 0.2612 0.0812
14.00 151.28 137.53 – – – – – 0.2972 0.0923
15.00 162.08 147.35 – – – – – 0.3351 0.1040
16.00 172.89 157.17 – – – – – 0.3750 0.1164
A)
There are a number of internal bores available for the given nominal pipe sizes. For the purpose of this table the
assumed internal bore utilized for calculation of pressure loss values documented is shown in brackets.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 75

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Table A.2 Approximate natural gas pressure loss data (mbar/m) – steel tube (2 of 4)
Flow Heat input Nominal pipe size (mm/R) A)
rate Gross Net 8/R1/4 10/R3/8 15/R1/2 20/R3/4 25/R1 32/R11/4
3
(m /h) (kW) (kW) (8.6) (12.1) (15.8) (21.3) (26.9) (35.6)

0.25 2.70 2.46 0.0621 0.0130 0.0039 0.0010 0.0004 0.0001

0.50 5.40 4.91 0.1908 0.0393 0.0115 0.0029 0.0010 0.0003
0.75 8.10 7.37 0.3731 0.0761 0.0221 0.0056 0.0019 0.0005
1.00 10.81 9.82 0.6037 0.1225 0.0354 0.0089 0.0030 0.0008

D
1.25 13.51 12.28 0.8792 0.1777 0.0512 0.0128 0.0043 0.0012
1.50 16.21 14.73 – 0.2414 0.0693 0.0172 0.0058 0.0016

TE
1.75 18.91 17.19 – 0.3130 0.0897 0.0222 0.0075 0.0020
2.00 21.61 19.65 – 0.3924 0.1123 0.0278 0.0094 0.0025

IN
2.25 24.31 22.10 – 0.4793 0.1370 0.0338 0.0114 0.0031
2.50 27.01 24.56 – 0.5735 0.1637 0.0404 0.0136 0.0037
2.75 29.72 27.01 – 0.6748 0.1924 0.0474 0.0159 0.0043

PR
3.00 32.42 29.47 – 0.7831 0.2230 0.0549 0.0184 0.0050
3.25 35.12 31.93 – 0.8982 0.2556 0.0628 0.0210 0.0057
3.50 37.82 34.38 – – 0.2901 0.0712 0.0238 0.0064

EN
3.75 40.52 36.84 – – 0.3264 0.0801 0.0268 0.0072
4.00 43.22 39.29 – – 0.3645 0.0893 0.0299 0.0080
4.25 45.92 41.75 – – 0.4044 0.0991 0.0331 0.0089
H
4.50 48.63 44.20 – – 0.4461 0.1092 0.0364 0.0098
4.75 51.33 46.66 – – 0.4896 0.1198 0.0400 0.0107
W

5.00 54.03 49.12 – – 0.5347 0.1307 0.0436 0.0117

5.25 56.73 51.57 – – 0.5816 0.1421 0.0474 0.0127
ED

5.50 59.43 54.03 – – 0.6302 0.1539 0.0513 0.0137

5.75 62.13 56.48 – – 0.6804 0.1661 0.0553 0.0148
6.00 64.83 58.94 – – 0.7323 0.1787 0.0595 0.0159
LL

6.25 67.53 61.40 – – 0.7859 0.1917 0.0638 0.0171

6.50 70.24 63.85 – – 0.8410 0.2050 0.0682 0.0182
6.75 72.94 66.31 – – 0.8978 0.2188 0.0727 0.0195
O

7.00 75.64 68.76 – – 0.9562 0.2329 0.0774 0.0207

TR

7.25 78.34 71.22 – – – 0.2474 0.0822 0.0220

7.50 81.04 73.67 – – – 0.2623 0.0872 0.0233
7.75 83.74 76.13 – – – 0.2776 0.0922 0.0246
N

8.00 86.44 78.59 – – – 0.2933 0.0974 0.0260

8.25 89.15 81.04 – – – 0.3093 0.1027 0.0274
O

8.50 91.85 83.50 – – – 0.3257 0.1081 0.0288

C

9.00 97.25 88.41 – – – 0.3595 0.1193 0.0318

9.50 102.65 93.32 – – – 0.3948 0.1309 0.0349
N

10.00 108.06 98.23 – – – 0.4316 0.1430 0.0381

U

11.00 118.86 108.06 – – – 0.5093 0.1687 0.0449

12.00 129.67 117.88 – – – 0.5925 0.1961 0.0521
13.00 140.47 127.70 – – – 0.6811 0.2253 0.0598
14.00 151.28 137.53 – – – 0.7751 0.2562 0.0680
15.00 162.08 147.35 – – – 0.8744 0.2889 0.0766
16.00 172.89 157.17 – – – 0.9788 0.3233 0.0857
A)
There are a number of internal bores available for the given nominal pipe sizes. For the purpose of this table the
assumed internal bore utilized for calculation of pressure loss values documented is shown in brackets.

76 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Table A.3 Approximate LPG (propane) pressure loss data (mbar/m) – copper tube (3 of 4)

Flow Heat input Nominal pipe size (mm/R) A)

rate Gross Net 8 10 12 15 22 28 35
3
(m /h) (kW) (kW) (6) (8) (10) (13) (19) (25) (32)

0.25 6.47 5.88 0.4413 0.1148 0.0405 0.0119 0.0021 0.0006 0.0002
0.50 12.93 11.76 1.4367 0.3705 0.1298 0.0379 0.0064 0.0018 0.0006
0.75 19.40 17.63 – 0.7421 0.2590 0.0753 0.0127 0.0035 0.0011
1.00 25.86 23.51 – 1.2194 0.4246 0.1231 0.0206 0.0057 0.0018

D
1.25 32.33 29.39 – 1.7959 0.6243 0.1807 0.0302 0.0083 0.0026
1.50 38.79 35.27 – – 0.8565 0.2474 0.0412 0.0113 0.0035

TE
1.75 45.26 41.14 – – 1.1200 0.3231 0.0537 0.0147 0.0046
2.00 51.72 47.02 – – 1.4137 0.4074 0.0676 0.0185 0.0058

IN
2.25 58.19 52.90 – – 1.7369 0.5001 0.0829 0.0227 0.0071
2.50 64.65 58.78 – – – 0.6009 0.0995 0.0272 0.0085
2.75 71.12 64.65 – – – 0.7097 0.1174 0.0320 0.0100

PR
3.00 77.58 70.53 – – – 0.8264 0.1365 0.0372 0.0116
3.25 84.05 76.41 – – – 0.9508 0.1569 0.0428 0.0133
3.50 90.51 82.29 – – – 1.0827 0.1786 0.0486 0.0151

EN
3.75 96.98 88.16 – – – 1.2222 0.2014 0.0548 0.0170
4.00 103.44 94.04 – – – 1.3690 0.2254 0.0613 0.0191
4.25 109.91 99.92 – – – 1.5230 0.2506 0.0682 0.0212
H
4.50 116.38 105.80 – – – 1.6843 0.2770 0.0753 0.0234
4.75 122.84 111.67 – – – 1.8527 0.3045 0.0827 0.0257
W

5.00 129.31 117.55 – – – – 0.3332 0.0905 0.0281

5.25 135.77 123.43 – – – – 0.3630 0.0985 0.0305
ED

5.50 142.24 129.31 – – – – 0.3939 0.1069 0.0331

5.75 148.70 135.18 – – – – 0.4259 0.1155 0.0358
6.00 155.17 141.06 – – – – 0.4590 0.1245 0.0385
LL

6.25 161.63 146.94 – – – – 0.4932 0.1337 0.0414

6.50 168.10 152.82 – – – – 0.5284 0.1432 0.0443
6.75 174.56 158.69 – – – – 0.5648 0.1530 0.0473
O

7.00 181.03 164.57 – – – – 0.6022 0.1631 0.0505

TR

7.25 187.49 170.45 – – – – 0.6406 0.1735 0.0537

7.50 193.96 176.33 – – – – 0.6801 0.1841 0.0569
7.75 200.42 182.20 – – – – 0.7206 0.1950 0.0603
N

8.00 206.89 188.08 – – – – 0.7622 0.2062 0.0637

8.25 213.35 193.96 – – – – 0.8048 0.2177 0.0673
O

8.50 219.82 199.84 – – – – 0.8484 0.2295 0.0709

C

9.00 232.75 211.59 – – – – 0.9386 0.2538 0.0784

9.50 245.68 223.35 – – – – 1.0329 0.2792 0.0862
N

10.00 258.61 235.10 – – – – 1.1312 0.3056 0.0943

U

11.00 284.47 258.61 – – – – 1.3394 0.3616 0.1115

12.00 310.33 282.12 – – – – 1.5632 0.4218 0.1300
13.00 336.19 305.63 – – – – 1.8022 0.4860 0.1498
14.00 362.06 329.14 – – – – – 0.5543 0.1707
15.00 387.92 352.65 – – – – – 0.6265 0.1929
16.00 413.78 376.16 – – – – – 0.7025 0.2162
A)
There are a number of internal bores available for the given nominal pipe sizes. For the purpose of this table the
assumed internal bore utilized for calculation of pressure loss values documented is shown in brackets.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 77

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Table A.4 Approximate LPG (propane) pressure loss data (mbar/m) – steel tube (4 of 4)
Flow Heat input Nominal pipe size (mm/R) A)
rate Gross Net 8/R1/4 10/R3/8 15/R1/2 20/R3/4 25/R1 32/R11/4
3
(m /h) (kW) (kW) (8.6) (12.1) (15.8) (21.3) (26.9) (35.6)

0.25 6.47 5.88 0.0999 0.0203 0.0059 0.0015 0.0005 0.0001

0.50 12.93 11.76 0.3217 0.0647 0.0186 0.0046 0.0016 0.0004
0.75 19.40 17.63 0.6437 0.1288 0.0368 0.0091 0.0030 0.0008
1.00 25.86 23.51 1.0569 0.2107 0.0600 0.0147 0.0049 0.0013

D
1.25 32.33 29.39 1.5558 0.3094 0.0878 0.0215 0.0072 0.0019
1.50 38.79 35.27 – 0.4239 0.1201 0.0294 0.0098 0.0026

TE
1.75 45.26 41.14 – 0.5538 0.1567 0.0382 0.0127 0.0034
2.00 51.72 47.02 – 0.6985 0.1974 0.0481 0.0160 0.0043

IN
2.25 58.19 52.90 – 0.8575 0.2421 0.0589 0.0196 0.0052
2.50 64.65 58.78 – 1.0307 0.2908 0.0707 0.0235 0.0063
2.75 71.12 64.65 – 1.2176 0.3432 0.0834 0.0277 0.0074

PR
3.00 77.58 70.53 – 1.4180 0.3994 0.0970 0.0321 0.0086
3.25 84.05 76.41 – 1.6317 0.4594 0.1114 0.0369 0.0098
3.50 90.51 82.29 – 1.8584 0.5229 0.1267 0.0420 0.0112

EN
3.75 96.98 88.16 – – 0.5900 0.1429 0.0473 0.0126
4.00 103.44 94.04 – – 0.6606 0.1599 0.0529 0.0140
4.25 109.91 99.92 – – 0.7347 0.1778 0.0588 0.0156
H
4.50 116.38 105.80 – – 0.8123 0.1965 0.0649 0.0172
4.75 122.84 111.67 – – 0.8933 0.2159 0.0713 0.0189
W

5.00 129.31 117.55 – – 0.9776 0.2362 0.0780 0.0207

5.25 135.77 123.43 – – 1.0652 0.2573 0.0849 0.0225
ED

5.50 142.24 129.31 – – 1.1562 0.2791 0.0921 0.0244

5.75 148.70 135.18 – – 1.2504 0.3018 0.0995 0.0263
6.00 155.17 141.06 – – 1.3478 0.3252 0.1072 0.0284
LL

6.25 161.63 146.94 – – 1.4485 0.3494 0.1152 0.0305

6.50 168.10 152.82 – – 1.5524 0.3743 0.1234 0.0326
6.75 174.56 158.69 – – 1.6594 0.4000 0.1318 0.0348
O

7.00 181.03 164.57 – – 1.7695 0.4264 0.1405 0.0371

TR

7.25 187.49 170.45 – – 1.8828 0.4536 0.1494 0.0395

7.50 193.96 176.33 – – 1.9992 0.4815 0.1586 0.0419
7.75 200.42 182.20 – – – 0.5102 0.1680 0.0443
N

8.00 206.89 188.08 – – – 0.5395 0.1776 0.0469

8.25 213.35 193.96 – – – 0.5696 0.1875 0.0495
O

8.50 219.82 199.84 – – – 0.6005 0.1976 0.0521

C

9.00 232.75 211.59 – – – 0.6642 0.2185 0.0576

9.50 245.68 223.35 – – – 0.7308 0.2403 0.0633
N

10.00 258.61 235.10 – – – 0.8002 0.2631 0.0693

U

11.00 284.47 258.61 – – – 0.9474 0.3112 0.0819

12.00 310.33 282.12 – – – 1.1053 0.3630 0.0955
13.00 336.19 305.63 – – – 1.2741 0.4182 0.1100
14.00 362.06 329.14 – – – 1.4533 0.4768 0.1253
15.00 387.92 352.65 – – – 1.6430 0.5388 0.1416
16.00 413.78 376.16 – – – 1.8430 0.6042 0.1587
A)
There are a number of internal bores available for the given nominal pipe sizes. For the purpose of this table the
assumed internal bore utilized for calculation of pressure loss values documented is shown in brackets.

78 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Table A.5 Typical allowances for pressure loss of fittings

Nominal pipe size Equivalent length, m

Bends Fittings
Steel Copper 45° 90° 90° Tee A) Tee A)
elbow (flow entering (flow exiting into
from a branch) a branch)

D
≤15 mm ≤R1⁄2 ≤15 mm 0.15 0.20 0.40 0.75 1.20
20 mm R ⁄4
3 22 mm 0.20 0.30 0.60 1.20 1.80

TE
25 mm R1 28 mm 0.25 0.40 0.80 1.50 2.30
32 mm R11⁄4 35 mm 0.30 0.50 1.00 2.00 3.00
A)
Use the largest connection size on the fitting that is not necessarily the branch size.

IN
NOTE For pressure losses associated with press end fittings, pliable corrugated (stainless-steel) tubing fittings,
flexible connections, secondary meters, check valves, regulators, etc., reference needs to be made to the

PR
manufacturer’s data.

A.3 Example natural gas pipework installation design

EN
Figure A.1 gives an example of a typical natural gas copper tube installation
showing the lengths of pipework and the heat input of the appliances. The
pipework has been sized using Table A.1 and Table A.5. The results of the design
exercise are shown in Table A.6.
H
Figure A.1 – Example natural gas installation
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C

Key
N

1 Meter 4 Combination boiler (30 kW net)

2 Cooker (11 kW net) 5 Fire (5 kW net)
U

3 Tumble dryer (4 kW net)

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 79

 Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy

80
Table A.6 Sizing results

•
Pipework
U
Maximum heat Maximum Estimated Pipe
Fittings allowance B)
Adjusted Pressure Pressure loss C)
section input A)
N flow rate A) pipe size length Equivalent length loss/metre
Type
length
kW m3/h mm/DN m m m mbar/m mbar
C
BS 6891:2015

O Elbow × 1 0.80
A–B 50 (net) – 28 1 Tee 3.3 0.0548 0.19
1.50
N (Enter) × 1
90°
B–C 5 (net) – 15 1 0.40 1.4 0.0447 0.07
Bend × 2
B–D 45 (net) – 28 3 N/A 0 3.0 0.0462 0.14
TR
Tee
2.30
(Exit) × 1
D–E 30 (net) – 22
O 1
Elbow × 1 0.60
3.9 0.0880 0.35

© The British Standards Institution 2015

D–F 15 (net) – 22 1.5 N/A 0 1.5 0.0311 0.05
LL
Tee
1.80
F–G 11 (net) – 15 1 (Exit) × 1 3.2 0.1042 0.34
Elbow × 1 0.40
ED
F–H 4 (net) – 15 3 Elbow × 1 0.40 3.4 0.0231 0.08
Pressure loss to points to be connected on each appliance W
Maximum
Pipework sections and associated pressure loss Total pressure loss Satisfactory?
Appliance heat input
kW (net) mbar
H mbar
A–B B–D D–F F–G
Cooker 11 0.72 Yes
0.19 0.14 0.05 0.34
EN
A–B B–D D–F F–H
Tumble dryer 4 0.46 Yes
0.19 0.14 0.05 0.08
A–B B–D D–E –
Combination boiler 30 0.68 Yes
0.19 0.14 0.35 –
PR
A–B B–C – –
Fire 5 0.26 Yes
0.19 0.07 – –
A)
IN
Either “maximum heat input” or “maximum flow rate” can be specified for the purpose of the design calculations.
B)
Many appliances have horizontal connections, so in practice an additional elbow might be required at each point, and this should be considered in the design
process.
C)
TE
All pressures have been rounded up to 2 decimal places.
D
BRITISH STANDARD
Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

When designing a pipework installation, it is essential that consideration is given

to the permissible pressure loss in each section of the installation.
For example, the pressure loss between A and H in Figure A.1 should not
exceed 1 mbar. This section, A to H, is made up of four sections of pipework,
A–B, B–D, D–F and F–H. Each section has a different heat input/flow rate
requirement and needs to be sized separately.
For this installation, for given heat inputs/flow rates and pipework sizes, the
pressure losses per metre length of tube are given in Table A.1. These pressure
losses are utilized with the adjusted length [actual length + equivalent length
allowance(s) for fittings] to provide a design pressure loss for each given section

D
of the pipework installation. Where the exact heat input/flow rate is not

TE
documented, the next heat input/flow rate upwards should be utilized.
When the design pressure loss for each section of this pipework installation has
been calculated, the total pressure loss between the meter outlet and the point

IN
to be connected on each appliance inlet should be determined. The total
pressure loss at each point to be connected on each appliance inlet should not
in this example exceed 1 mbar.

PR
If the design pressure loss at any of the appliance inlets exceeds the maximum
allowed, in this case 1 mbar, then it is necessary to re-estimate the proposed
pipework size(s) for one or more of the sections that supply any affected

EN
appliance(s). The design process should then be repeated for all of the sections
affected by the revision to the proposed pipework size, and the results
re-evaluated. This process should be repeated until the design pressure loss at all
of the appliance inlets does not exceed the maximum allowed.
H
W

Annex B Sulfidation of natural gas installations

(informative)
Sulfidation (“black dust”) is produced by a reaction between trace amounts of
ED

hydrogensulfide (H2S) in gas and domestic copper pipework. The thin, shiny,
black flakes of copper sulfide (Cu2S) break off to be carried along the pipework
and into gas appliances, where they accumulate in valves, filters and injectors.
LL

In some gas installations, sulfidation forms a black film on the inner surface of
copper gas supply pipework. The thickness of the coating depends on the
amount of H2S in the gas and the thicker the coating, the less stable it becomes,
O

often flaking off and breaking down to form black dust. The maximum amount
of H2S concentration permitted in gas throughout the United Kingdom (UK) is
TR

controlled by the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations [8], [9].

Although copper sulfide is described as dust, when first formed it has the
N

appearance of small platelets with a metallic sheen. The platelets are quite
brittle and easily break down to become dust, particularly in a fast moving gas
O

stream, where it builds up in and blocks gas valves, filters and injectors. This can
result in gas valves failing to operate and reductions in appliance performance.
C

In some extreme cases the build-up can completely block the gas pipework.
N

The actual rate of production of copper sulfide is dependent upon a number of

factors, including:
U

• size of pipework contributing to high velocity of the gas;

• temperature and configuration of the copper pipework;
• concentration of H2S in the gas supply;
• oxygen concentration in the gas supply; and
• amount of water vapour in the gas supply.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 81

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

What remedies are available?

Fit filters to appliances and label to indicate that the appliances have such
filters. Change pipework material, e.g. copper to steel or pliable corrugated
(stainless-steel) tubing.

Annex C Summary and principal conclusions of the

(informative)
Advantica Research Project, Gas in intermediate
floors, Report Number 6699 [28]

D
NOTE The results and conclusions of this report apply to natural gas installations
only and should not, therefore, be applied to installations supplied with LPG or

TE
LPG/air gas mixtures.

C.1 Introduction

IN
Regulation 19(6) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations [1] requires
adequate ventilation to be present when pipework is located within voids,

PR
shafts and ducts.
With the general use of board materials (chipboard, oriented strand board,
plywood) as the decking there was concern regarding the level of potential gas

EN
build-up within the voids between joists of intermediate floors associated with
minor gas leaks.

C.2 Rationale for specification of a minor leak

H
In developing the specification for this research, it was determined that a minor
W
gas leak is an escape equal to or less than 19 mL/min under the conditions
specified in IGEM/UP/1B [38] based upon the following information.
a) Regulation 19(6) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations [1]
ED

states, “Where any installation pipework is not itself contained in a

ventilated duct, no person shall install any installation pipework in any
shaft, duct or void which is not adequately ventilated.”
LL

b) BS 6891:1998 (incorporating Amendment Nos. 1 & 2), 8.7.1, interpreted

“adequate ventilation” as “ventilated to ensure that minor gas leakage
O

does not cause the atmosphere to become unsafe.”

c) The C&R to BS 6891:1998 (incorporating Amendment Nos. 1 & 2), 8.7.1,
TR

advised that minor gas leakage is “that which would remain undetected by
normal soundness testing techniques” and further “the level of ventilation
is not intended to clear a major gas escape arising from damage or failure
N

of a gas pipe.”
O

d) IGE/UP/1 [39], IGE/UP/1A [40] and IGEM/UP/1B [38] explained that, “A gas
tightness test is a test undertaken to ensure that the leakage rate of an
C

installation is below a level which could be considered to form a hazard

assuming adequate ventilation has been provided.”
N

e) IGEM/UP/1B [38] allowed a pressure drop for a domestic gas installation with
U

appliance(s) connected of 4 mbar over a 2 min period. This is based on an

average sized installation of 10 L (this includes a U6 meter and pipework).
Different volumes (e.g. with different sized meters) allow different pressure
drops.
f) The allowable pressure drop equates to an escape rate of 19 mL/min. The
smallest leak that can be detected by smell is 1 mL/min; the smallest leak
that can be ignited is 14 mL/min.

82 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

C.3 Test conditions

Whilst recognizing that there is a wide range of possible test floor layouts and
gas leak rates, a project specification was developed to provide data on gas
build-up arising from a minor gas leak in a:
a) typical new-build floor;
b) a floor covered to represent a more sealed arrangement; and
c) a floor, including a skirting arrangement and stud walling.
Advantica undertook an experimental study [28], commissioned by the Gas

D
Industry Safety Group (GISG), to make gas concentration measurements within,
above and below this representative 3 m2 floor cassette with typical openings

TE
for plumbing and electrical services. The tests were performed using a fixed
orifice opening and a range of gas supply pressures to vary the gas leak rate.

IN
C.4 Conclusions
The experimental study reached the following conclusions.

PR
a) In the event of a gas leak from pipework in the floor void, a modern floor
construction allows passage of gas across joists and the voids created as a
consequence of the installation of electrical and plumbing services.

EN
b) The profiles for gas build-up and decay within the floor compartments and
the upper and lower volumes (constructed to represent habitable spaces
above and below the floor void) were consistent with theoretical
H
approaches.
c) Adding floor covering above the floor and painting the ceiling under the
W

floor alters the characteristics of the gas concentration build-up within the
floor. The more sealed nature of the test results in higher gas concentrations
within the floor assembly.
ED

d) The trends in gas concentration across the test floor were always in the
order F1 > F2 > F3, F4 and F5. This was expected as the gas leak was in
compartment F1 and F2 is the next compartment in the sequence.
LL

NOTE 1 The test floor assembly comprised five compartments 3 m long,

600 mm wide and 241 mm deep with knock outs removed from the I-joists to
O

allow transfer of air and gas from one compartment into adjacent
compartments. These compartments were assigned designations F1, F2, F3,
TR

F4 and F5, with F1 containing the gas leak.

e) Gas concentrations in compartments F3, F4 and F5 were often similar and
reflected the fact that penetrations were added to mimic the effect of
N

plumbing and electrical services penetrating into the floor void. Increased
ventilation and leakage were thus possible from these three compartments.
O

However, in the most sealed floor condition F3 was greater that F4 and F5.
C

f) Measured gas concentrations in the upper (i.e. above the test floor) and
lower (i.e. below the test floor) polythene shrouded volumes were typically
N

lower than those in the floor cassette assembly, reflecting the increased
volume of the enclosure and potentially increased ventilation rates through
U

the tape sealed joints. The measured values were often around the
threshold levels for odorant detection.
NOTE 2 The polythene shrouded volumes above and below the test floor were
to simulate the location of the floor within a home.
g) The measured gas concentration in the lower volume was greater than the
upper for all test cases except where the floor had the saw-cut and skirting
added.
h) For a gas leak rate of 19mL/min the build-up of gas within the test floor did

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 83

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

not produce a gas concentration greater than 2.5% gas in air, irrespective of
floor condition, i.e. the degree of ventilation of the floor void.
i) As anticipated, for gas leakage rates considerably in excess of
(e.g. 30 mL/min) a minor gas leak, the build-up of gas within the test floor
did produce increased gas in air concentrations within the floor void. These
concentrations were also affected by the degree of ventilation of the floor
void.
A copy of the full report may be obtained from Advantica, Ashby Road,
Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3GR; Telephone 01509 282000;
Facsimile 01509 283131, quoting Advantica Report Number 6699 “GAS PIPES IN

D
INTERMEDIATE FLOORS”. Any questions on the research project and its

TE
conclusions should be addressed to Advantica.

Annex D Protected area

IN
(informative)
For the purposes of this standard the term “protected area” is used in relation
to fire safety, and is a ventilated space containing gas pipework and isolated

PR
from other parts of the building within fire-resisting construction.
NOTE Fire resistance is the ability of a component or construction of a building to
satisfy for a stated period of time some or all of the appropriate criteria specified in

EN
the relevant part of BS 476.
The Building Regulations (England and Wales) 2010, as amended [5], the Scottish
Building Standards Technical Handbook 2 [41] and Northern Ireland Technical
H
Booklet E [42] provide the following definitions in relation to fire protected
areas.
W

England
a) Protected corridor/lobby. A corridor or lobby which is adequately protected
ED

from fire in adjoining accommodation by fire-resisting construction.

b) Protected entrance hall/landing. A circulation area consisting of a hall or
space in a flat, enclosed within fire-resisting construction (other than any
LL

part which is an external wall of a building).

NOTE For each individual flat, depending on the size of accommodation, its
O

height above ground level, the availability of escape windows and its fire
separation from the common stair from which it is accessed, there might be a
TR

need under the Building Regulations [5], [6], [7] to provide a protected entrance
hall/landing within the flat. In such cases the doors and walls between the
entrance hall/landing and the rooms that it serves (normally excluding
bathrooms and WCs) would need to be fire resisting. In most circumstances this
N

could be achieved with FD20 fire doors and 30-minute fire-resisting partitions.
O

In such cases it might be permissible for a pipe/sleeve up to 40 mm internal

diameter to pass through the fire-resisting wall/ceiling without further
C

protection, provided it is sealed to the wall/ceiling construction. Any pipe/vented

sleeve/vented ducting of larger diameter could require intumescent collars to
N

maintain the required fire protection. The building control body should be
consulted for further advice.
U

c) Protected stairway. A stair discharging through a final exit to a place of

safety (including any exit passageway between the foot of the stair and the
final exit) that is adequately enclosed within a fire-resisting construction.
d) Compartment floor wall or floor. A fire-resisting wall or floor used in the
separation of one fire compartment from another protected shaft.

84 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Scotland
a) Compartment. A part of a building (which might contain one or more
rooms, spaces or storeys and includes, where relevant, the space above the
top storey of the compartment) constructed so as to prevent the spread of
fire to or from another part of the same building, and “compartmented”
and “compartmentation” should be construed accordingly.
b) Compartment wall. A wall with the fire resistance required to ensure
compartmentation.
c) Compartment floor. A floor with the fire resistance required to ensure

D
compartmentation.

TE
d) Protected enclosure in a dwelling means a circulation area constructed to
resist fire in adjoining accommodation. It includes a hall, landing or private
stair or ramp but not a room.

IN
e) Protected lobby. A lobby within a protected zone but separated from the
remainder of the protected zone so as to resist the movement of smoke
from the adjoining accommodation to the remainder of the protected zone.

PR
f) Protected zone. That part of an escape route which is within a building, but
not within a room, and to which access is only by way of a protected door
and from which there is an exit directly to a place of safety.

Annex E
(normative) EN
LPG Final stage regulator and safety devices
H
E.1 General
W

E.1.1 The installation shall include a regulator, an over-pressure shut-off (OPSO)

device and limited relief valve upstream of the installation pipework. These can
be incorporated into a single device. The limited relief valve shall have a
ED

maximum capacity not exceeding 5% of the regulator design capacity.

If the installation is supplied from a gas storage vessel (other than a refillable
cylinder or a cylinder or cartridge designed to be disposed of when empty), it
LL

shall incorporate an under-pressure shut-off (UPSO) device upstream of the

installation pipework.
O

COMMENTARY ON E.1.1
The purpose of the OPSO and limited relief valve is to prevent the installation
TR

pipework and gas fittings downstream of the regulator from being subjected to a
pressure greater than that for which they were designed, for example if the
regulator fails.
N

The regulator design capacity is the rated capacity of the regulator declared by the
manufacturer.
O

When specifying a regulator it is necessary to confirm that the limited relief valve
C

has a maximum capacity of not greater than 5% of the regulator design capacity.
N

The purpose of the UPSO is to prevent the installation pipework and gas fittings
downstream of the regulator from being subjected to a pressure less than that for
U

which they were designed, protecting the installation if the gas supply pressure falls
to a dangerously low level, for example because the LPG storage vessel has become
empty.
E.1.2 Pressure regulators shall be installed in accordance with the regulator
manufacturer’s instructions.
E.1.3 The design of the installation shall ensure a nominal operating pressure at
the outlet of the final stage regulator is in accordance with Table E.1.
E.1.4 The regulator and safety devices shall be preset to conform to Table E.1.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 85

 Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy

86
Table E.1 Pressure characteristics of various regulators (LPG)

•
Fuel
U Nominal
outlet
Minimum
outlet
Maximum
outlet
Maximum lock-up
pressure
Relief valve
operating
UPSO
operating
OPSO
operating
N pressure pressure pressure (above set pressure) range range range
C mbar mbar mbar mbar mbar A) mbar mbar A)
BS 6891:2015

BS 3016 – Cylinder single stage regulator set

O
pressures:
Butane N 28 23 33 +10 – – –
Propane 37 32 42 +15 – – –
BS 3016 – Final (second) stage regulator set
pressures (low pressure):
TR
Propane 37 O 32 42 +10 50 – 62 B) 25 – 32 70 – 80
BS 3016 – Cylinder automatic changeover
device set pressures (low pressure):

© The British Standards Institution 2015

Propane 37 32 42 +15 50 – 62 B) – 70 – 80
LL
BS EN 12864 or BS EN 16129 – Cylinder single
stage regulator set pressures:
Butane 29 22 35 40 48 – 150 – 48 – 150
ED
Propane 37 27 C) 45 50 60 – 150 – 60 – 150
BS EN 13785 or BS EN 16129 – Final stage W
regulator set pressures (low pressure):
Propane 37 32 D) 45 H 50 60 – 150 25 – 32 E) 60 – 150
BS EN 13786 or BS EN 16129 – Cylinder
automatic changeover device set pressures
(low pressure):
EN
Butane 29 22 35 40 48 – 150 – 48 – 150
Propane 37 27 C) 45 50 60 – 150 – 60 – 150
A)
For BS EN 13785 and BS EN 16129 regulators this operating range is the maximum and minimum values within which the device needs to activate. BS EN 16129
specifies a tolerance on the manufacturer’s declared set pressure of ±20% for a relief valve and ±15% for an OPSO.
B)
Normal setting 55 mbar.
PR
C)
Value is the minimum outlet pressure specified in the regulator standard to align with BS EN 437. However, it is recommended that, for the UK market, the
minimum operating pressure for propane regulators is 32 mbar.
D)
IN
Due to the UK-agreed UPSO range the minimum outlet pressure for regulators manufactured for the UK market is taken as 32 mbar NOT the 27 mbar declared in
BS EN 13785 or BS EN 16129.
E)
Industry-agreed figures for regulators manufactured for the UK market (not formally documented in the standards).
TE
D
BRITISH STANDARD
Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

E.2 Location
E.2.1 Regulators and automatic changeover devices shall not be sited:
a) in close proximity to any source of heat or where they might be subjected
to extremes of temperature;
b) where they might be exposed to accidental damage;
c) where they might cause an obstruction;
d) where they might be affected by a corrosive atmosphere;

D
e) where they will constitute a danger to any person;
f) any nearer to electrical wiring, switchgear, etc., than the distances specified

TE
in 8.4.2;
g) in a basement or cellar; or

IN
h) at such a low level that there is a significant risk of them being submerged
in the event of flooding.

PR
E.2.2 Regulators incorporating a limited relief valve shall not be sited in a
covered passageway or car port except where the passageway or car port has at
least two open and unobstructed sides to ensure the area is ventilated.

EN
E.2.3 Regulators and automatic changeover devices connected to cylinders shall
be located so that the inlet to the regulator is at or above the level of the
cylinder outlet valve connection. They shall not be sited in a covered passageway
or car port.
H
E.2.4 Where there is a regulator downstream of an ECV/AECV, the inlet of the
W
regulator and its safety devices shall be connected as near as practicable to the
outlet of that ECV/AECV.
E.2.5 The regulator and limited relief valve vent tip shall be located away from
ED

any source of ignition, and in a location and manner not subject to fouling,
blockage, water ingress or interference by unauthorized persons.
E.2.6 Diaphragm vent holes and limited relief valves in regulators shall be
LL

carefully orientated or otherwise protected against the possible ingress of water

or substances which could cause blockage, and also to allow for drainage.
O

E.2.7 Regulators incorporating a limited relief valve shall not be located within a
building.
TR

E.2.8 Regulators incorporating a limited relief valve shall be located so that the
limited relief valve vent is terminated in accordance with Table E.2.
N

E.2.9 Where a regulator incorporating a limited relief valve is located inside an

enclosure external to the building, the limited relief valve shall be piped in
O

order to terminate in a safe location in accordance with Table E.2. The tip of any
vent pipe shall be securely fixed so it protrudes out of the enclosure by at
C

least 25 mm and points downwards.

N

NOTE Where the minimum clearances from a limited relief valve tip that is integral
to the regulator cannot be achieved, the limited relief can be piped in order to
U

terminate in a safe location in accordance with Table E.2.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 87

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Table E.2 Minimum proximity distances for relief valve vent tips (millimetres)

Semi-concealed Meter housing other Meter housing to Vent tip to Vent tip to electrical
meter box to than semi-concealed to electrical opening D) equipment E)
opening A) opening B) equipment C)
1 000 180 330 570 850
A)
This is the distance from the meter box to any un-trapped drain, gully, balanced flue terminal or low-level
opening into the building, such as doors or air bricks which are below 250 mm from ground level.
B)
This is the distance from the meter housing to any opening into the building, such as opening windows, doors, air
bricks and balanced flue terminals.

D
C)
This is the distance from any meter housing to any electrical equipment.
D)
This is the distance from any relief valve vent tip to any opening into the property or un-trapped drain or gully.

TE
E)
This is the distance from the relief valve vent tip to any electrical equipment.

NOTE 1 The limited relief valve has a capacity of not greater than 5% of the regulator design capacity.

IN
NOTE 2 Minimum proximity distances are aligned with those in BS 6400-2 for 2nd family gases and have been
confirmed by Calor Gas Limited in accordance with BS EN 60079-10.

PR
E.2.10 The internal diameter of any vent pipe shall not change the performance
of the regulator and shall be of sufficient size to vent at the maximum relief
valve discharge capacity of the regulator.
NOTE A long vent pipe might require a larger diameter in order to maintain the

EN
maximum relief valve discharge capacity and avoid undue back-pressure on the
pressure control and protection system.
H
Annex F Dangerous Substances and Explosive
W
(informative)
Atmospheres Regulations [17], [18]
Gas pipework design and installation for commercial installation undertaken in
ED

accordance with this standard has to account for any requirements imposed by
DSEAR [17], [18]. However, it is acknowledged that a DSEAR risk assessment
might be undertaken by others some time later on the completed installation.
LL

Such an assessment could identify issues with the gas installation, which could
have arisen as a result of subsequent work undertaken by others on the site
after completion of the gas installation or of site-specific risks subsequently
O

identified. It is acknowledged that such issues cannot be assessed at the design

or installation stage.
TR

DSEAR principally concerns risks to the safety of workers, rather than risks to
property, equipment or business continuation.
N

DSEAR applies to all businesses where:

a) there is work being carried out by an employer or self-employed person;
O

b) a dangerous substance is present or is liable to be present at the workplace;

C

and
c) the dangerous substance presents a risk to human safety.
N

The very wide definition of “workplace” covers any premises or part of premises
U

used for work. “Premises” includes all industrial and commercial premises,
land-based and offshore installations, as well as vehicles and vessels. Common
parts of shared buildings, private roads and paths on industrial estates, and
business parks are also “premises”, as are schools, hospitals, restaurants, houses
and other domestic dwellings. Basically, if there is a work activity in “premises”
as defined then it is a workplace for DSEAR purposes.

88 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

The HSE has prepared the following guidance on interpreting DSEAR.

1) L138 Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmospheres. Approved Code of
Practice and guidance [43]; and
2) Fire and Explosion – how safe is your workplace? INDG 370 [44].
IGEM has prepared the following guidance on interpreting DSEAR:
i) IGEM/UP/2 [12];
ii) IGEM/UP/16 [45]; and
iii) IGEM/SR/25 [46].

D
The Energy Institute has prepared the following guidance on interpreting

TE
DSEAR: EI IP-MCSP-P15 [47].

IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 89

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

Bibliography
Standards publications
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 476 (all parts), Fire tests on building materials and structures
BS 1494-1, Specification for fixing accessories for building purposes – Part 1:
Fixings for sheet, roof and wall coverings

D
BS 1710:1984, Specification for identification of pipelines and services
BS 3632, Residential park homes – Specification

TE
BS 4250, Specification for commercial butane and commercial propane
BS 5482-1:2005, Domestic butane- and propane- gas-burning installations –

IN
Part 1: Installations at permanent dwellings, residential park homes and
commercial premises, with installation pipework sizes not exceeding DN 25 for

PR
steel and DN 28 for corrugated stainless steel or copper 5)
BS 5482-2, Domestic butane- and propane- gas-burning installations –
Part 2: Installations in caravans and non-permanent dwellings

EN
BS 6004, Electric cables – PVC insulated, non-armoured cables for voltages up to
and including 450/750 V, for electric power, lighting and internal wiring
BS 6007, Electric cables – Single core unsheathed heat resisting cables for
H
voltages up to and including 450/750 V, for internal wiring
BS 6173, Specification for installation of gas-fired catering appliances for use in
W

all types of catering establishments (2nd and 3rd family gases)

BS 6231, Specification for PVC-insulated cables for switchgear and control gear
ED

wiring
BS 7967, Guide for the use of electronic portable combustion gas analysers for
the measurement of carbon monoxide in dwellings and the combustion
LL

performance of domestic gas fired appliances

BS 8313, Code of practice for the accommodation of building services in ducts
O

BS EN 437, Tests gases – Test pressures – Appliance categories

TR

BS EN 1044, Brazing – Filler metals

BS EN 1763-1, Rubber and plastics tubing, hoses and assemblies for use with
commercial propane, commercial butane and their mixtures in the vapour
N

phase – Part 1: Requirements for rubber and plastics tubing and hoses 6)
O

BS EN 1949:2011+A1:2013, Specification for the installation of LPG systems for

habitation purposes in leisure accommodation vehicles and accommodation
C

purposes in other vehicles

BS EN 14324, Brazing – Guidance on the application of brazed joints
N

BS EN 29453, Soft solder alloys – Chemical composition and forms

U

BS EN 60079-10 (all parts), Explosive atmospheres – Part 10: Classification of

areas
BS EN ISO 10239, Small craft – Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems
PD 5482-3, Code of practice for domestic butane and propane gas-burning
installations – Part 3: Installations in boats, yachts and other vessels

5)
Partially withdrawn
6)
Withdrawn.

90 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

Other publications
[1] GREAT BRITAIN. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. London:
The Stationery Office.
[2] GREAT BRITAIN. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 2004. London: The Stationery Office.
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994, as
amended and applied by the Gas Safety (Application) (Isle of Man)
Order 1996. London: The Stationery Office.
[4] GUERNSEY. The Health and Safety (Gas) (Guernsey) Ordinance 2006.

D
[5] ENGLAND AND WALES. The Building Regulations 2010 (England and Wales),

TE
as amended. London: The Stationery Office.
[6] NORTHERN IRELAND. The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.
London: The Stationery Office.

IN
[7] SCOTLAND. The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended.
Edinburgh: The Stationery Office.

PR
[8] GREAT BRITAIN. The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996. London:
HMSO.
[9] NORTHERN IRELAND. The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (Northern

EN
Ireland) 1997. London: HMSO.
[10] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/GM/6 Edition 2:
Non-domestic meter installations. Standard designs. Kegworth:
H
IGEM. 2011. 7) http://shop.igem.org.uk/download/document/
W
Pages%20from%20IGEM-GM-6%20Edition%202.pdf [viewed: 28 October
2015].
[11] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGE/GM/8: Non-domestic
ED

meter installations. Flow rate exceeding 6 m3h-1 and inlet pressure not
exceeding 38 bar. Kegworth: IGEM. 2005.6)
[12] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/UP/2 Edition 2:
LL

Installation pipework on industrial and commercial premises. Kegworth:

IGEM. 2008.7)
O

[13] GREAT BRITAIN. Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as
amended. London: HMSO.
TR

[14] GREAT BRITAIN. Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.
London: The Stationery Office.
N

[15] GREAT BRITAIN. Caravans Sites Act 1968. London: The Stationery Office.
[16] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/IG/1: Standards of
O

training in gas work: Criteria and guidance in the development and delivery
of training programmes in gas work. Kegworth: IGEM. 2014.7)
C

[17] GREAT BRITAIN. Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres

N

Regulations 2002. London: The Stationery Office.

U

[18] NORTHERN IRELAND. Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres

(Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003. London: The Stationery Office.
[19] UKLPG. Code of Practice 1: Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations.
Kenilworth: UKLPG.

7)
Published and available from the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers, IGEM
House, High Street, Kegworth, Derbyshire, DE74 2DA.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 91

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

[20] UKLPG. Code of Practice 22: Design, Installation and Testing of LPG Piping
Systems. Kenilworth: UKLPG. 2011.
[21] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGE/UP/1 Edition 2:
Strength testing, tightness testing and direct purging of industrial and
commercial gas installations. Kegworth: IGEM. 2005. 8)
[22] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGE/UP/1A Edition 2:
Strength and tightness testing and direct purging of small low pressure
industrial and commercial Natural Gas installations. Kegworth: IGEM. 2005.8)
[23] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/UP/1B Edition 3:

D
Tightness testing and direct purging of small Liquefied Petroleum Gas/Air,
Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas installations. Kegworth:

TE
IGEM. 2012.8)
[24] ADVANTICA TECHNOLOGIES LTD. PRS/1E: Brass and copper fittings
(Issue 3). Loughborough: Advantica. 2002. (Available from IGEM

IN
publications.)
[25] NATIONAL GRID. Gas Industry Standard. GIS/V7-3:2008. Specification for

PR
distribution valves – Part 3: Brass bodied manually operated ball and taper
plug valves not exceeding 5 bar maximum operating pressures. National
Grid. 2008. https://www.nationalgrid.com/NR/rdonlyres/
312F5EB2-3313-4B49-A283-1D87B04EA549/30936/V7pt3DEC08.pdf [viewed:

EN
28 October 2015].
[26] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/GM/5 Edition 3:
Electronic gas meter volume conversion systems. Kegworth: IGEM. 2008.8)
H
[27] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Research Report RR945: Potential for leaks
W

of LPG from underground pipes into caravans and park homes. Buxton: HSE
Books. 2012. http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr945.pdf [viewed:
28 October 2015].
ED

[28] ADVANTICA TECHNOLOGIES LTD. Report Number 6699, Gas pipes in

intermediate floors. Loughborough: Advantica. 2007.
LL

[29] UNITED KINGDOM. The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B –

Fire Safety. London: NBS. 2011.
[30] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/UP/7 Edition 2: Gas
O

installations in timber framed and light steel framed buildings.

Kegworth: IGEM. 2006.8)
TR

[31] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. HSG47: Avoiding danger from

underground services. HSE Books. 2000.
N

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf [viewed: 28 October 2015].

[32] NATIONAL JOINT UTILITIES GROUP (NJUG). Guidelines On The Positioning Of
O

Underground Utilities Apparatus For New Development Sites (Issue 3).

London: NJUG. 2007.
C

[33] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/TD/4 Edition 4:

N

PE and steel gas services and service pipework. Kegworth: IGEM. 2007.8)
U

[34] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/G/5 Edition 2: Gas

installations in multi-occupancy buildings. Kegworth: IGEM. 2012.8)
[35] UKLPG. Code of Practice 24: Use of LPG Cylinders. Kenilworth: UKLPG.
[36] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/G/6: Gas supplies to
mobile dwellings. Kegworth: IGEM. 2009.8)

8)
Published and available from the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers, IGEM
House, High Street, Kegworth, Derbyshire, DE74 2DA.

92 • © The British Standards Institution 2015

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BRITISH STANDARD BS 6891:2015

[37] GAS SAFE REGISTER. Technical Bulletin 021. Measuring combustion

performance to satisfy the requirements of GSIUR 1998 Certificate of
Exemption No. 1 of 2008. 2010.
[38] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS: IGE/UP/1B, Tightness
testing and purging of domestic sized Natural Gas installations. Kegworth:
IGEM. 1998.9)
[39] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS: IGE/UP/1, Soundness
testing and purging of industrial and commercial gas installations.
Kegworth: IGEM. 1995.9)

D
[40] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS: IGE/UP/1A, Soundness
testing and direct purging of small low pressure industrial and commercial

TE
Natural Gas installations. Kegworth: IGEM. 1998.9)
[41] SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT. Scottish Technical Handbooks 2015: Fire.
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/

IN
publications/pubtech [viewed: 28 October 2015].
[42] DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL NORTHERN IRELAND (DFPNI).

PR
Technical Bulletin E: Fire safety. 2005.
https://www.dfpni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dfp/
DFP%20Technical%20Booklet%20E%202005%20-%20Fire%20safety.pdf
[viewed: 28 October 2015].

EN
[43] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Dangerous Substances and Explosive
Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Approved Code of Practice and guidance.
Dangerous substances and Explosive Atmospheres. L138 (Second edition).
H
2013. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l138.pdf [viewed: 28 October
W
2015].
[44] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. A brief guide to the Dangerous
Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. INDG370(rev1). 2013.
ED

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg370.pdf [viewed: 28 October 2015].

[45] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/UP/16: Design for
Natural Gas installations on industrial and commercial premises with respect
LL

to hazardous area classification and preparation of risk assessments.

Kegworth: IGEM. 2011. 9)
O

[46] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGEM/SR/25. Edition 2:

Hazardous area classification of Natural Gas installations.
TR

Kegworth: IGEM. 2011.9)

[47] ENERGY INSTITUTE. EI IP-MCSP-P15: Model Code of Safe Practice Part 15:
Area Classification Code for installations handling flammable fluids (Third
N

edition). London: Energy Institute. 2005.

O
C
N
U

9)
Published and available from the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers, IGEM
House, High Street, Kegworth, Derbyshire, DE74 2DA.

© The British Standards Institution 2015 • 93

Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy BS 6891:2015 BRITISH STANDARD

D
TE
IN
PR
EN
H
W
ED
LL
O
TR
N
O
C
N
U

94 • © The British Standards Institution 2015 This page deliberately left blank
 Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy
U
N
C
O
N
TR
O
LL
ED
W
H
EN
PR
IN
TE
D

This page deliberately left blank

 NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
Gas Safe Register Licensed Subscription Copy

British Standards Institution (BSI)

BSI is the national body responsible for preparing British Standards and other
standards-related publications, information and services.
BSI is incorporated by Royal Charter. British Standards and other standardization

D
products are published by BSI Standards Limited.

TE
IN
About us Revisions
We bring together business, industry, government, consumers, innovators Our British Standards and other publications are updated by amendment or revision.
and others to shape their combined experience and expertise into standards We continually improve the quality of our products and services to benefit your

PR
-based solutions. business. If you find an inaccuracy or ambiguity within a British Standard or other
The knowledge embodied in our standards has been carefully assembled in BSI publication please inform the Knowledge Centre.
a dependable format and refined through our open consultation process.
Organizations of all sizes and across all sectors choose standards to help Copyright
them achieve their goals. All the data, software and documentation set out in all British Standards and

EN
other BSI publications are the property of and copyrighted by BSI, or some person
Information on standards or entity that owns copyright in the information used (such as the international
We can provide you with the knowledge that your organization needs standardization bodies) and has formally licensed such information to BSI for
to succeed. Find out more about British Standards by visiting our website at commercial publication and use. Except as permitted under the Copyright, Designs
bsigroup.com/standards or contacting our Customer Services team or and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
H
Knowledge Centre. or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, photocopying, recording
or otherwise – without prior written permission from BSI. Details and advice can
W
Buying standards be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Department.
You can buy and download PDF versions of BSI publications, including British
and adopted European and international standards, through our website at Useful Contacts:
bsigroup.com/shop, where hard copies can also be purchased. Customer Services
ED

If you need international and foreign standards from other Standards Development Tel: +44 845 086 9001
Organizations, hard copies can be ordered from our Customer Services team. Email (orders): [email protected]
Email (enquiries): [email protected]
Subscriptions
LL

Subscriptions
Our range of subscription services are designed to make using standards
Tel: +44 845 086 9001
easier for you. For further information on our subscription products go to
Email: [email protected]
bsigroup.com/subscriptions.
O

With British Standards Online (BSOL) you’ll have instant access to over 55,000 Knowledge Centre
British and adopted European and international standards from your desktop. Tel: +44 20 8996 7004
TR

It’s available 24/7 and is refreshed daily so you’ll always be up to date. Email: [email protected]
You can keep in touch with standards developments and receive substantial
Copyright & Licensing
discounts on the purchase price of standards, both in single copy and subscription
format, by becoming a BSI Subscribing Member. Tel: +44 20 8996 7070
Email: [email protected]
N

PLUS is an updating service exclusive to BSI Subscribing Members. You will

automatically receive the latest hard copy of your standards when they’re
revised or replaced.
O

To find out more about becoming a BSI Subscribing Member and the benefits
of membership, please visit bsigroup.com/shop.
C

With a Multi-User Network Licence (MUNL) you are able to host standards
publications on your intranet. Licences can cover as few or as many users as you
N

wish. With updates supplied as soon as they’re available, you can be sure your
documentation is current. For further information, email [email protected].
U

BSI Group Headquarters

389 Chiswick High Road London W4 4AL UK