Since its recent arrival on the scene INTERLOCKING has been on the lips and minds of all kitchen operators. In these early days of introduction some are still reeling from the effects of its costs while a large majority are trying to avoid it. Who can blame them when the only people who can offer an explanation and any form of help appear to be trying to sell something?

The requirement to fit INTERLOCKING has been around since the introduction of the 1998 gas use regulations (REGULATION 27 [4]) (Click here to read HSE regulations>). In short, gas interlocking is required to be fitted to any potentially dangerous device and act to disable the device before it gets to any level of danger. With gas operated catering equipment the gas supply is shut off thus disabling the device.

WHEN IS INTERLOCKING A REQUIREMENT? (Read More>)

For gas operated catering equipment it is needed where there is a mechanically operated draught in a flue. A canopy is a flue and a fan is a mechanical way of creating draught. It is a requirement to fit INTERLOCKING between the draught and the gas supply.
It is a mandatory requirement to have INTERLOCKING in place when installing;

A) A complete new gas pipe-work run.
B) A completely new extraction/ventilation canopy.
C) A completely new cook-line or layout.
D) Certain types of equipment (e.g. gas deep fryers, charcoal griddles) being installed. Even to existing layouts.

So when you fit one of these...

...you need one of these...

Smart*Interlocking and iFAMS by Genesis Controls LTD

*Replacing old equipment with new or adding further devices to existing installations will not necessitate INTERLOCKING providing;

a. The new item doesn’t have the separate requirement as in (D) above.
b. The installing engineer can prove your existing extraction is adequate. (This can only be carried out by a Corgi installer skilled in being able to assess this to current operating standards).

Read HSE catering information sheet #23 "Gas safety in catering and hospitality" (click to view)

HOW DOES INTERLOCKING WORK?

Assuming that there is an extraction canopy fitted and say the fans fail, a sensor in the ducting-work detects the drop in draught and signals the gas valve to shut. This same gas valve must also have a manual means of shutting off in case of an emergency.
Generally, installing this will require qualifications to work with both electricity and gas.

THE SOLUTION

Eventually, it is expected that every commercial catering kitchen extraction and ventilation system will be fitted with this form of protection. For the user who wants to get it right first time it will require sound advice in order to have some knowledge of what INTERLOCKING does and probably more importantly, why it is there.

The fact is if the regulations say you need it, you have to fit it.
It’s the only way to put it behind you and move on.

INTERLOCKING.
INSTALL IT ONCE. INSTALL IT RIGHT.

INTERLOCKING BY

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