Is it mandatory to have a gas anti-tilt device for outdoor heaters, patio heaters and radiant heaters?
The gas anti-tilt device blocks the gas flow when the outdoor heater, patio heater or radiant heater tips over. Devices that comply with DIN EN 14543 must be fitted with this kind of safety device.
Gas anti-tilt device KS-40
Regardless of whether you use the heater privately or commercially, the gas anti-tilt device is mandatory for newly delivered outdoor heaters, patio heaters or radiant heaters. The devices mentioned above only comply with the above standard if this safety device is present. Devices already in operation can be retrofitted with a gas anti-tilt device.
Private
For private purposes, this is required by worksheet G 612 (A) of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) with a small restriction. If it is ensured that the heater cannot tip over, the operator does not require the additional safety device.
Industry
Commercial use is regulated by 110-010 of the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance). In this new version from the end of 2022, however, there is ( yet) nothing explicitly about the operation of outdoor heaters or patio heaters – in contrast to the previous regulation DGUV V 79. However, the underlying standard for the gas appliances mentioned at the beginning is EN 14543:2017, which in turn is clear in its statement under 5.5.3:
With the exception of the appliances mentioned in 3.1, all appliances must also be equipped with a safety device that interrupts the gas supply to the burner if the appliance is tipped over.
Incidentally, the appliances from 3.1 are permanently installed heaters, which therefore cannot tip over.
For business owners, the gas anti-tilt device is mandatory when using outdoor heaters or patio heaters.
Recommendation for new purchases
If you want to get an outdoor heater, patio heater or radiant heater, check for yourself whether the device has a gas anti-tilt device fitted, or ask the specialist retailer. As we mentioned, the safety device for new appliances is mandatory according to DIN EN 14543. Therefore, when purchasing new products, it does not make any difference whether you are a private individual or a business owner.
Recommendation for retrofitting
In industry, there are no excuses: Anyone who uses outdoor heaters and similar devices, but without a gas anti-tilt device, must retrofit this as quickly as possible.
In the private sector, it is permitted to do without the safety device if the gas equipment cannot tip over under any circumstances. But this is just the dilemma: Can the operator always and at all times guarantee that the device will not tip? GOK therefore recommends retrofitting the gas anti-tilt device for a relatively low cost in order to eliminate this source of danger.
