Getting a gas tap installed. Possible?

Watchful

I do some occasional hobby jewellery/silversmithing. I've historically done this with a portable blow torch, but this isn't really satisfactory.

I've bought a cheap mouth-blown gas torch, but it needs to plug into a gas tap (like a bunsen burner would plug into in a laboratory or school).

I've contacted a few gas fitters, but all have refused to install a gas tap, saying it's illegal. Obviously, this is complete nonsense as schools manage it.

However, I really would like this installed, and am wondering how to find an installer.

chanz4

private gas safe engineer only, you may be best looking for a commercial gas safe engineer

SailorSam

I can't see why it would be illegal, after all when you get a gas fire fitted in the lounge there's a stoptap near it.

matelodave

SailorSam wrote: »

I can't see why it would be illegal, after all when you get a gas fire fitted in the lounge there's a stoptap near it.

Yes, but most gas appliances nowadays have flame failure device which limit the amount of gas that can leak - it's not so easy with a basic gas tap. You may need other devices to limit the flow of gas or possibly a gas alarm with a shut off facility. These are probably beyond the scope of your average plumber. There also may be a problem where the OP wants it sited - in an outhouse or workshop might be fine whereas a kitchen or bedroom/workroom inside the house might not
I'm sure a bit of research via GasSafe or a look at the gas regulations would tell you what you need know and possibly put in touch with someone who knows how to do it.

penrhyn

When I was a lad we had a gas wash tub and mangle, connected to the gas tap by a rubber hose, the ironmonger sold reinforced ones as they split quite often.
...and my home chemistry set came with a bunsen burner, never managed to blow myself up!
Used to amuse ourselves in Physics digging mercury out of the cracks in the benches to make bigger blobs.
Elf and Safety eh, wicked!

kaya

I wouldn't pay too much attention to what gas safe say , took me about twenty emails to explain to them that they didn't know what they were talking about despite them being responsible for gas safety, in the end the top cheese had to admit they were wrong to me and back down but at every single opertunity they were keen to tell me how I could pay them money to be registered ( my point was that I didn't need to be registered anyway as I wasn't working for reward or payment of any type) bunch of profiteering muppets who don't know the gas regs or how to apply them. The first line of the gas regs states " any person working with gas must be a competent person" and every other reg is concerned with the responsibilities of employers and employees . It's a sad day when you have to tell gas safe they don't know what they are talking about and doesn't look good for general safety . Anybody who is a " competent person" ( there is no definition of competent within the regs ) can work perfectly legally on any gas fitting or appliances providing they are not paid or rewarded in any way . Gas safe is more about making a profit for the administrators and making people pay than ensuring the regulations are adhered to. I spent 20 years working with gas as a qualified corgi registered fitter and not once did I see a corgi inspector although every year my employer paid them a tidy sum for the privilege

southcoastrgi

As you were talking about Corgi (although it has been Gas Safe for 5 yrs)

CORGI registration requires (beside payment of fees) that gas operatives hold a certificate of competence under the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) demonstrating an appropriate level of competence and experience in particular types of gas work. The ACS replaced a number of different certification schemes in 1998.

that's how you prove you are competent, exams that are re-taken every 5 yrs, rules, regs & safety change all the time, I can't believe some people are prepared to put their lives & those of their families & neighbours just because they THINK they can do work safely

Pincher

Move to Hatton Garden, near Farringdon. They have workshops that melt gold. They are bound to have live/work apartments that are approved for light commercial use.

ollski

A gas control tap cannot be fitted without having something connected to it as it is classed as an open end. You could get a self closing bayonet style micropoint fitting if you could get a flexible hose to fit your blow torch.
These types of things are usually connected to a propane supply.