Boat Safety Scheme - Standard 7.9 to 7.10

7.9.1 Main Shut off valve (Not fitting outside accommodation space)
Each gas system must be fitted with a main shut off valve which has to be installed outside the accommodation space. Where a single cylinder is connected to the system, the hand valve on the cylinder may be used as the main shut off valve.

7.9.2 Exemption Applied (11.23)
Vessels manufactured prior to 3 January 2000 that were designed and constructed with a cylinder locker within the hull of the vessel, but
outside engine, fuel or battery spaces, are not required to comply with that part of Standard 7.9 which requires the main shut-off valve to be fitted outside the accommodation space.

7.9.3 Main Shut off valve (Not readily accessible)
The main gas cut off valve must be readily accessible, but it may be contained within a lockable cylinder locker providing always that when the boat is occupied the locker remains unlocked.

7.9.4 Main Shut off valve (Not located as close to cylinder as practicable)
The main shut off valve must be installed as close as practicable to the cylinders. This will reduce the length of pipework containing gas when the shut off valve is closed. Ideally it should be in the locker or immediately outside it.

7.9.5 Main Shut off valve (LPG cylinder or regulator valve used as main shut off valve when automatic changeover installed.)
Where two or more cylinders are installed in the system, a separate shut off valve must be installed on the outlet of the regulator. Where an Automatic Changeover device is fitted, this may incorporate a valve on the outlet.

7.9.6 Main Shut off valve (Not located as close to the automatic changeover device as practicable.)
Where an automatic changeover device is fitted the main shut off valve must be fitted as close as practicable to the outlet of the device. This will reduce the length of pipework containing gas when the shut off valve is closed.

7.9.7 Main Shut off valve (Not clearly visible and position not clearly marked)
If the main shut off valve is not clearly visible or is in a locker or housing, then its position should be clearly marked by distinguishable letters at least 10mm high (say red on a white background). Although it is not necessary for position to be marked if the valve is visible, it is good practice.

7.9.8 Main Shut off valve (Location of other main shut off valves not marked on or adjacent to each other)
If the LPG installation consists of two or more separate systems, each system must be provided with its own shut off valve and each clearly marked.

7.10.1 High Pressure Stage Components (Not installed on open deck, or if there is one, in a cylinder locker or cylinder housing)
All high pressure components must be installed on the open deck or cabin top, or in a cylinder locker if there is one. When cylinders are installed within a locker, the regulator and other high pressure stage components are to be totally contained within that locker. This is to ensure any escaping gas is retained within the locker and dispersed overboard through the drain.

7.10.2 Two or more cylinders connected (Non-return valve not fitted in each high pressure stage connection)
Where two or more cylinders are connected, each side of the high pressure stage connection should be protected by a non return valve (NRV). This is to prevent a leak when one cylinders is disconnected.

NRV are usually fitted to Automatic change over valves and double wall blocks but may also be found in some pigtails.

7.10.3 High Pressure stage components (Components not directly attached to cylinder valve not connected by pre-assembled flexible hose to type BS 3212 as specified)
High pressure stage components not directly attached to the cylinder, should be attached by a pre-assembled length of flexible hose made to BS 3212 type 2.

7.10.4 High Pressure stage Components (Components not directly attached to cylinder valve not protected as specified)
High pressure stage components not directly attached to the cylinder valve should be secured in a position that provides protection from mechanical damage and protects vent holes from the ingress of debris or water.

Where cylinders are stored on deck careful attention needs to be paid to minimise the risk of damage caused by coming into contact with heavy objects or components being used as hand or foot holds.

Regulators should be mounted so that the vent holes points downward or sideways to prevent the ingress of debris or water.

7.10.5 Low Pressure regulator (External manual adjustment type fitted)
External manual adjustment type regulators must not be fitted, with the exception for some LPG fuelled steam powered engine installations.