New code for British beer dispensers
latest edition of its code of practice for the dispense of beer by
pressure systems in licensed premises, aimed at helping designers,
engineers, contractors, suppliers, owners and users of dispense
equipment comply with pressure legislation.
The fifth version of the code of practice sets out a scheme of operation for pressure systems based on practical, operational experience, according to the BBPA. Developed with the assistance of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the latest version incorporates recent legislative changes and simplifies the approach, whilst enhancing the safety ethos.
"There have been significant developments in dispense technology in the past ten years," said Dr David Long, director of brewing at the BBPA. "This has provided an opportunity to simplify procedures for compliance without compromising safety."
He continued: "We are delighted that the HSE were able to work with us on this edition and particularly welcomed their input on the new Model Written Scheme which is now generic to the whole industry.
"The generic scheme will offer significant savings to the industry in removing duplication of effort and enable a consistent, safe, approach to the operation of beer dispense systems."
The HSE will also benefit from the code itself. "The new code will be circulated to HSE and local authority inspectors, so that they may use it as an indication of reasonably practicable standards," said Dr Christine Snaith, head of the safety unit at the executive.
The British Beer and Pub Association is the UK's leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 98 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and own more than half of Britain's 60,000 pubs.
The first pressure dispensing system code of practice was published in February1974, with updates in 1982, 1990 and 1994 all taken into account the changes in technology and legislation.
The new code is available via the BBPA website.
