How to Use and Maintain Gas Appliances for Commercial Kitchens Properly

The gas users should pay attention to gas safety when using gas appliances for commercial kitchens. They should choose gas appliances which meet safety standards and are fitted with flame failure devices and automatic ignition systems. If the gas appliances are connected to low pressure flexible gas tubing, they must be of the types approved by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. Before using the gas appliances, the gas users should read and understand the user manuals provided by the manufacturers of the gas appliances. Moreover, the installation, testing, replacement and maintenance of the gas appliances must be carried out by Registered Gas Installers employed by Registered Gas Contractors [PDF format (2.24MB)].

In general, when gas appliances are used:

 
The gas users should
  • use of genuine parts supplied by the original gas appliance manufacturers;
  • Kitchen is fitted with a Mechanical Exhaust System make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the kitchen, e.g. open the window or turn on the exhaust fan. If the kitchen is fitted with a mechanical exhaust system, the gas user must turn on the fresh air supply system and the exhaust system in the kitchen first, and make sure that all systems operate normally and effectively. In addition, the gas user must make sure that the gas appliance that is connected to the mechanical exhaust system has been fitted with an interlocking device and that are operating normally to remove the combustion products produced by the gas appliance safely;
  • follow the instructions given in the user manuals provided by the manufacturers of the gas appliances and use cooking ware of a suitable diameter;
  • if frying pan is used, place it over and close to the centre of the burner;
  • clean and maintain the gas appliances regularly so as to avoid the accumulation of stains and food waste on the gas appliances, which may affect their safe operation; and in case something boils over, clean the burner as soon as possible;
  • make sure that detailed and clear user instructions on safe use of gas installations are affixed to all gas installations in the kitchen;
  • before commencement of work, make sure that the gas control valve of the gas appliance has been turned off before turning on the main gas supply valve. After completion of work, turn off the gas control valve of the gas appliance before switching off the main gas supply valve. The gas user must be clear about the location of the "emergency control valve" to ensure that the gas supply can be cut off immediately when an accident occurs;
  • use a proper tool to ignite the gas appliance. Light the fire immediately after turning on the gas supply valve of the gas appliance to avoid accumulation of excessive gas around the burner. If the flames of the gas appliance are stalled regularly, stop using the gas appliance immediately. Call the Registered Gas Contractor concerned for follow up action;
  • check whether the flexible gas tubing is damaged, ageing (please check the service life expiry date on the tubing) or the gas tubing connection joint has come loose. If any problem is found, arrange for a Registered Gas Contractor to replace or repair the tubing at once;
  • arrange for a Registered Gas Contractor to service the gas installations once every 12 months.
 
 
The gas users should not
  • should not place any item not supplied by the original gas appliance manufacturer (e.g. energy saving product, tinfoil covering and trivet) between the gas appliance and the cooking ware so as to avoid abnormal combustion which may cause an accident;
  • should not use cooking ware of oversize diameter to cook food, so as to avoid the heat being reflected to the surface of the gas appliance, which may result in an accident due to overheating;
  • Should not put any flammable item or container near the gas appliance should not put any flammable item or container (e.g. newspaper, pesticide, aerosol can and cigarette lighter, etc.) near the gas appliance so as to avoid the danger of causing a fire or an explosion;
  • should not continue using the gas appliance when there is inadequate ventilation in the kitchen or when the mechanical exhaust system is defective so as to avoid the occurrence of a gas accident;
  • should not leave a gas appliance in use unattended;
  • should not put obstacles around the "emergency control valve", so that when an accident occurs, the gas supply can be cut off immediately;
  • should not alter the safety devices of the gas appliances so as to avoid the occurrence of a gas accident.
 

Enquires and Contact Us

Address Gas Standards Office, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Office Hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holiday)
E-mail info@emsd.gov.hk
Hotline 1823 Call Centre
Fax 2576 5945