Gas Safety Systems for School Laboratories
A Guide to Teacher Control and Automated Safety Checks
The Core Requirement: Teacher Control
The most effective way to ensure gas safety in a school laboratory is to give the teacher ultimate control. This is achieved with a dedicated control panel, typically located at the teacher's desk, which manages the entire gas supply to the room.
Automatic Isolation Valve (AIV)
An electronic valve on the main gas pipe entering the lab. It is opened and closed by the teacher's control panel, not by a manual lever.
Key Switch Control
Ensures only authorised staff can activate the gas supply. When the key is removed, the system is completely secure, preventing any out-of-hours or unsupervised use.
Emergency Stop Button
A prominent, accessible button that allows for immediate, one-press isolation of the gas supply in case of an emergency.
The Mandatory Safety Check: Gas Pressure Proving
The IGEM/UP/11 standard mandates that whenever an AIV is used, the system must perform a "downstream integrity check" before the gas can be turned on. This is a critical automated safety feature that prevents accidents.
This check, performed by a gas pressure proving system, ensures no gas taps have been left open before the main valve opens. Here's how it works:
1. Activation
Teacher turns the key on the control panel to begin the test.
2. Integrity Test
The system briefly pressurises the lab's pipework and checks for any pressure loss.
3. PASS
No pressure drop is detected. All taps are closed. The AIV opens and gas is available.
3. FAIL
A pressure drop is found (open tap or leak). The AIV remains closed. No gas is supplied.
This automated process removes the risk of human error and ensures gas cannot be accidentally released into the laboratory.