Before any new gas installation is commissioned, or following major modifications to existing Commercial & Industrial Pipework, rigorous pressure testing is a legal requirement. At Flair Facilities, we provide specialist Strength and Tightness testing to ensure your gas infrastructure is safe, compliant, and capable of operating under its specified load.
Working in accordance with IGEM/UP/1 and IGEM/UP/1A standards, our Gas Safe registered engineers utilize high-precision digital equipment to verify the integrity of your system, protecting your building and occupants from the catastrophic risks of gas leaks.
Strength & Tightness Testing Explained
While often grouped together, Strength and Tightness tests serve two distinct functions in the safety certification process.
- Strength Testing: Performed on new installations or extensions. We subject the pipework to a pressure significantly higher than its normal operating level. This identifies any structural weaknesses, faulty joints, or material defects that could lead to a failure under stress.
- Tightness Testing: This is the verification that the system is completely gas-tight at operating pressure. We monitor for even the slightest pressure drop over a specified period. This is a critical requirement for obtaining your annual Gas Safety Certificates & CP42.
Purging & Commissioning
Following a successful pressure test, the system must be safely purged of air and commissioned. Our team manages the entire process, including Industrial & Commercial Gas Purges, ensuring that gas is introduced to the system without creating an explosive atmosphere.
This service is a vital component of our Project Management & Principal Contracting approach. Whether we are certifying a small commercial kitchen or a massive industrial plant room, we provide the documented proof of testing required for insurance, health and safety audits, and local authority compliance.
Integration with Building Safety
System integrity is not just about the pipework; it involves the entire gas train. We verify that all safety shut-off valves, regulators, and BMS Integration logic are functioning correctly. By ensuring your pressure settings are optimized, we also improve the firing efficiency of your Commercial Gas Boiler Systems, reducing unnecessary wear on the internal components.
Gas Pressure Testing Frequently Asked Questions
A tightness test is typically performed as part of your annual commercial gas safety inspection. However, a full strength test is usually only required for new installations, major repairs, or if the system has been out of service for an extended period.
Yes. We understand that gas testing requires the system to be offline. We offer flexible scheduling, including night and weekend shifts, to ensure your facility remains operational during business hours.
If a leak is detected, our engineers utilize advanced gas sniffing technology and ultrasonic leak detection to locate the fault. We provide immediate containment and can often carry out the necessary Pipework Repairs on the same visit to restore your service as quickly as possible.
Yes. Our engineers use digital reporting tools to provide instant, professional certification and testing data once the system has been verified as safe.