If your business uses industrial heaters to warm warehouses, factories, workshops, distribution centres or other commercial premises, you may be asking whether regular servicing is required.
The short answer is that while UK law does not specifically state that every industrial heater must be serviced annually, employers and building owners have a legal duty to ensure gas appliances are maintained in a safe condition. In addition, many insurance policies require evidence of regular inspection and maintenance as a condition of cover.
What are the Insurance Requirements?
Most industrial and commercial property and business insurance policies contain conditions requiring equipment to be properly maintained. While requirements vary between insurers, many expect businesses to:
- Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules
- Keep service records
- Repair failed parts promptly
If an industrial heater causes a fire, explosion or carbon monoxide incident and there is no evidence of routine servicing, an insurer may investigate whether the business complied with policy conditions. This could potentially affect a claim outcome
For this reason, heater manufacturers, insurers and risk assessors recommend servicing the appliance at least once a year.
What Documentation Should I Keep?
To demonstrate compliance and support insurance claims, businesses should retain:
- Service reports
- Inspection certificates
- Repair records
- Gas safety documentation
- Fire safety certificates
ISO9001 compliance
Keeping a documented maintenance history can help prove that reasonable steps were taken to manage risks and maintain equipment safely. For those companies that are ISO9001 Registered, keeping clear documentation proving routine maintenance of heating equipment will demonstrate part of a company’s commitment to its staff, a requirement of ISO9001.
Fire safety inspection compliance
When it comes to fire safety inspections, records of regular heater servicing and maintenance can help demonstrate that fire risks are being effectively managed. Poor or no maintenance of heaters and related systems can increase the likelihood of faults, potentially leading to fire hazards and safety concerns.
Which Industrial Gas Heaters Should Be Serviced?
The requirement applies to all gas, LPG, oil and electric fired heating equipment used within commercial and industrial premises, including:
- Warm air heaters
- Radiant tube heaters
- Suspended unit heaters
- Electric heaters (inspections)
Associated gas pipework, flues, ventilation systems and controls should also be part of the maintenance programme.
Quick Compliance Checklist
Use the following questions to determine whether your business meets key heating and gas safety requirements:
Is your heating system fit for purpose?
Can it consistently maintain temperatures between 13°C and 20°C across the workspace during winter months?
Is your heating system serviced regularly?
Do you have an annual service schedule and an ongoing maintenance agreement with a qualified provider?
Is your service provider Gas Safe registered?
Have you verified the engineer’s gas safe certification?
Do you keep up-to-date Gas Safety records?
Following each service, your engineer should provide a detailed report outlining all work completed.
If you answered “No” or “Not sure” to any of the above, it's important to address the issue as soon as possible… contact us now!
Stay compliant with your industrial heating system
Harry Taylor HVAC Ltd helps businesses meet their gas heating compliance requirements with a complete range of services, including system inspections, servicing, maintenance, repairs and new installations.
Our experienced engineers work across the UK mainland, supporting warehouses, factories, workshops and commercial premises with safe, reliable and energy-efficient heating systems. We help ensure equipment is maintained in line with relevant regulations, industry standards and supporting ongoing compliance.
If you need advice on your compliance responsibilities, Harry Taylor can provide expert support nationwide. Operating from offices in both the North and South of England, we deliver responsive service and technical expertise wherever you are based.
Call us on 020 8464 0915 (Southern office) or 0161 308 4550 (Northern office) for more, or click here for your free site survey.