How to Get an LPG Certificate

If you’re running a food truck, catering trailer, restaurant, or even fitting out a mobile trailer, making sure your gas setup is safe isn’t just common sense – it’s the law. The same goes for anyone using LPG at home. You’ll need an LPG certificate to prove everything has been properly installed and tested. But how exactly do you get one? Let’s break it down in plain English.

What is an LPG Certificate?

An LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) certificate is an official document confirming that your gas installation meets safety standards. Whether it’s a commercial kitchen in a trailer or a small setup at home, having this certificate shows you’re compliant and that the gas appliances are safe to use. If you don’t have one, you could face fines, insurance problems, or even be forced to shut down.

Who Needs an LPG Certificate?

You’ll need an LPG certificate if you are:

• Running a food truck or mobile catering trailer
• Setting up a restaurant or café
• Operating any business using gas appliances in a mobile unit
• Installing LPG at home for cooking or heating
• Renting out a property that uses LPG appliances

Basically, if gas is involved and people are at risk, you’ll need that bit of paper to prove you’re playing by the rules.

How to Get an LPG Certificate

Getting an LPG certificate isn’t difficult, but you must go about it the right way. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Find a Gas Safe Registered Engineer

First off, only a Gas Safe registered engineer can issue an LPG certificate in the UK. Not all gas engineers are qualified for LPG work, and fewer still specialise in mobile catering units or trailers. So when you search, make sure they’re registered for LPG and for commercial work if it’s for a business.
You can check their qualifications by visiting the Gas Safe Register website and typing in their licence number.

2. Book an Inspection

Once you find the right engineer, you’ll need to book an inspection. They’ll come out and check:

• Gas pipework and connections
• Appliances like ovens, fryers, heaters
• Ventilation and safety devices
• Emergency shut-off valves

For food trucks and trailers, they will also check that your setup meets specific mobile catering gas standards.

3. Fix Any Problems

If the engineer finds any issues, you’ll need to get them fixed before they can issue the certificate. Sometimes it’s small things, like a missing sticker or a loose pipe; other times, it might be a bigger job. Either way, it’s worth sorting it out properly – it’s about safety, after all.

4. Get Your Certificate

Once everything passes inspection, the engineer will issue your LPG certificate. Keep it safe! You’ll need it for insurance purposes, council inspections, and sometimes even to trade at events or festivals.

Most certificates are valid for 12 months, but check with your engineer. Some businesses prefer to have a fresh inspection every year to stay on the safe side.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost varies depending on your setup, location, and how many appliances you have. For a simple food truck, you might pay anywhere between £150 to £300 for an inspection and certificate. If it’s a bigger restaurant or mobile trailer with several pieces of equipment, it might be more.
Remember: a proper inspection and certificate are a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of a gas leak or fire.

The Bottom Line

Getting an LPG certificate for your business or home setup doesn’t need to be a headache. Find a qualified Gas Safe engineer, get your appliances inspected, and sort out any issues they find. It’s the responsible thing to do – for your own safety and for everyone around you.

Whether you’re flipping burgers in a food truck, running a catering trailer at a festival, or cooking at home, safe gas work is essential. Don’t cut corners. Make sure you know how to get an LPG certificate and keep your setup fully compliant and secure.

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