This is probably as helpful as you will get, David: **LINK**

Gas cooker installation

My understanding is that a brief disconnect/reconnect is legal … but doing your own ‘gas work’ is not.

MichaelG.

I've never been able to get a definitive answer on this; every source seems to be different, but most are somewhere around the information in Michael's link, i.e. you can temporarily disconnect a bayonet fitting, and then re-connect the same cooker. You can't leave it disconnected (reasonable enough because you can't be sure the fitting doesn't have a slow leak without checking for same). How long 'temporary' is, is not specified.

This has always been a problem in the Removal industry – some firms will cheerfully disconnect the cooker, others won't. For the firm I work with, I've now specified that we shouldn't touch them.

According to The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 "work" must be carried out by a competent person but Section 2-(1) which defines "work" says "but the expression does not include the connection or disconnection of a bayonet fitting or other self-sealing connector".

Even though this means you can disconnect and reconnect the same cooker in the same location for cleaning, decorating etc. you cannot connect the cooker to a different bayonet connector as it is necessary to check the installation, ventilation and the proper function of the cooker in its new location, all of which count as "work" even if a new hose isn't fitted to the appliance.

Brian G

Even though the bayonet connector should be self sealing, it's probably worth checking for leaks by spraying with soapy water and checking for bubbles. Especially if it is indoors.

Paul.