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Single Gas Cartridge Camping Stove Catering Van.

by d morris
(swansea)

Hi,

My van runs of electric for everything.

I would like to use a portable gas cartridge camping stove.

I have plenty of ventilation etc, the gas cartridges are tiny in comparison to the bigger LPG cylinders so would be carrying small amount of gas ( I think 250gram), and it wouldn't be in continuous use.

The stove has a handle, a flame failure device, is not fixed down, is not installed in anyway, there is no gas pipework whatsoever, is removed after use, it is a mobile piece of equipment.

With regards to the above, does this mean this singular piece of equipment is not counted as an LPG installation and would not require a full on LPG certificate.

I don't mind paying for periodic inspection of the stove, but if I do need an LPG certificate that would involve thousands of pounds converting my van just for one tiny camping cooker and its one tiny 250 gram gas cartridge.

Seems overkill to me if I would need to do all that, it would also push me on to the unemployment list.

Thanks if you can help in anyway.

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Jan 31, 2015
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by: D morris

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I understand your point that the bottle is next to an ignition source and accept that there is risk.

My problem is the storage of a small LPG cylinder in my van. My van has a sealed LPG compartment vented to the floor housing, however it is in the kitchen, and though not really accessible from the inside (to remove the bottle) I could slightly open the door from the inside.

I access from the outside but this involves opening the back of the van's door to access the door of the LPG storage compartment which is rear bumper facing, the problem is it also gives access to the kitchen. Not strictly a "seperate compartment from the kitchen and only accessible from the outside".

I have diesel powered hot water, inverter, generator, 12v etc...however one small single gas stove would have been really really helpful.

Making a hole in the van is not an option, so I'm stuck, hence small camping cooker.

Thanks for all your help, I enjoy reading your website.

Thanks

D morris
Dec 30, 2014
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by: Brian

All catering businesses using gas must keep records of it safety and maintenance, equipment must be rated by the manufacturer for commercial use - fit for purpose, and pass the engineer's 26/9 checks, nowhere on commercial catering regs is there provision for accepting an appliance that stores gas within close proximity to a source of ignition, appliances must be stable and secure, newly made joints must be inspectable and tested with leak spray.

Taking a step back and risk assessing the situation, you will always have difficulty proving the equipment is safe, especially where commercial use is concerned.

Councils and event organisers are justifiably risk adverse, i think you are will cause yourself problems using this machine.

If I encountered a number of traders in a food hall marquee using these, The only action I could defend to the HSE would be to stop their use due to the risks associated with the gas so close to the flame.

Regards,
Brian
Dec 30, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		d morris
by: Anonymous

Hi, yes, I understand this. Brightspark now make such a cooker that has built-in flame device failure and more importantly is approved for indoor use because of this.

It is designed for use inside boats. I'm not doing events etc, my panini van is ran like a jiffy van and I was more concerned what the council would say.

But seeing you have brought up events I may as well ask the following anyway. If the cartridge cooker is approved for indoor use by the manufacturer because of its flame failure device and is CE approved, then, does that change things.

Thanks.

D morris
Dec 30, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Camping Stove Catering Van.
by: Brian

Hello There,

The stoves you describe are designed and ce approved by the manufacturer for leisure use outdoors only.

If you use them in a catering trailer and there is an accident, you would using the equipment against manufacturers instructions.

In all circumstances the appliance would be deemed 'at risk' meaning not safe, but not immediately dangerous, guidance states at risk appliance must be turned off and made safe under the gas safety installation and use regulations, event organisers and their safety staff would be within their rights to stop you trading.

Sorry if this confirms what you have already been told.

Best,
Brian

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