Gas Safety Certificates vs PAT Testing for UK Mobile Caterers

Gas Safety Certificate vs PAT Testing for Mobile Catering

You're pulling up to the event gate. The organiser's got a clipboard, and the first thing they ask? "Got your gas cert and your PAT testing records?" Two words that can make or break your day on the pitch. This is what every mobile caterer needs to know about gas safety certificates and PAT testing in the UK.the legal stuff, the costs, and what actually matters when you're trying to work.

The Real Story: Why These Two Documents?

Look, running a mobile catering operation means you're dealing with electrical equipment and, most likely, LPG gas. That's why there's not one safety certificate.there's several. Gas safety certificates keep your customers from getting blown up. PAT testing keeps them from getting electrocuted. Event organisers and insurance companies want both because they're covering their own arses if something goes wrong. You need both because the law says so (for gas) and because nobody's gonna book you without PAT records these days.

The problem? A lot of vendors get confused about which one's actually mandatory and which one's just "expected." We'll break that down.

Gas Safety Certificates Explained: CP42 vs CP44

Here's the thing about gas safety certificates.there's two versions that matter for mobile catering, and they're not the same.

CP42 is the Gas Safety Certificate you get for fixed installations. If you're installing a built-in gas line in a static unit, that's what you'd get. Most mobile caterers don't need this.

CP44 is the one you actually need. It's specifically for mobile, temporary, and transportable gas equipment. If your catering setup's got an LPG bottle (and let's be honest, most of you have), you need a CP44. This certificate proves that a Gas Safe engineer with the right qualifications has checked your gas equipment, pipes, regulators, safety devices, and connections. They're looking for leaks, corrosion, proper sealing, and functional controls. The whole job takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on how complex your setup is.

The CP44 covers your responsibility to check the installation was done safely. It shows a qualified professional has certified that your gas system won't kill anyone. Most events won't let you through the gate without one.

Is a Gas Safety Certificate Legally Required? The Short Answer: Yes

Let's be straight about this. If you're using LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) for your catering operation.whether it's for a fryer, a griddle, a burner, or anything else.you're legally required to have a valid CP44 certificate.

This isn't optional. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 say so. If you're found without a valid certificate and you're using gas, you could face prosecution. Fines start at £5,000 and go up from there. And that's just the legal bit.your insurance will be void if something goes wrong and you didn't have the cert. You'll also be banned from most event sites and festival grounds.

The requirement covers whoever's responsible for the equipment. If you own the catering rig, you need to have it certified. If you hire equipment, you need to check that the hire company's providing a certified setup. No excuses, no shortcuts. It's the law.

Getting Your CP44: Cost, Who Does It, What They Check

To get a CP44, you need a Gas Safe engineer who's specifically qualified for LPG and mobile catering. This is crucial.not every Gas Safe engineer can issue a CP44 for mobile catering. You need someone with the "LPG Mobile Catering" competency on their registration.

Finding the Right Engineer

You can search the Gas Safe Register at gassaferegister.co.uk. Filter for engineers who list "LPG installations" and "mobile and transportable appliances" as specialisations. Some engineers specialise in domestic heating; they won't be any use to you. You need someone who works with catering equipment specifically.

The easiest route? Look for NCASS (National Caterers Association) approved engineers. They've got a vetted list of engineers who actually understand mobile catering setups and won't charge ridiculous prices. Most local caterers can recommend someone they've used.

What the Engineer Actually Checks

The engineer's going to visually inspect your whole gas system. They'll check the regulator's in good condition, the piping's not corroded or damaged, the connections are tight, safety devices work, and there's no signs of a leak. They'll test the pressure settings to make sure everything's delivering gas at the right rate. They'll verify that isolation devices are fitted and functioning. If you've got a pig tail (the flexi hose), they'll check that's safe too.

They're not stripping things down and rebuilding them. It's a thorough visual and functional check done by a trained professional who knows what to look for.

Cost and Timeline

You're looking at £200-£300 for a CP44 certificate. Some engineers charge £250-£280; others go up to £300 if your setup's particularly complex or if they've got to travel distance. Shop around, get quotes from three engineers. The cheapest isn't always the best.you want someone who actually knows catering equipment and won't rush the job.

The inspection itself takes 30-45 minutes. You'll get your certificate on the day, usually as a digital copy plus a physical copy if you ask for it.

Validity and Renewal

A CP44's valid for 12 months from the date issued. That means if you get one in March, you'll need a new one in March next year. Some event organisers.particularly the bigger festival grounds.are now asking for certificates issued within the last 6 months. It's not the law, but it's becoming common practice at major events, so factor that into your planning.

PAT Testing Explained: What It Is and What Needs It

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It's the safety check for electrical equipment that's not permanently wired in. So anything plugged in.your fryer, your hotplate, your phone charger, your sound system, your till.needs PAT testing.

Here's what PAT testing actually involves. There's two parts: visual inspection and electrical testing.

Visual Inspection: The person doing the testing looks at the plug, the cable, the body of the equipment, the condition of the appliance. They're checking for damage, loose parts, signs of burning or wear. This is the bit that matters more than people realise.most faults show up on visual inspection. If there's visible damage, the appliance fails the test immediately.

Electrical Testing: This uses a PAT tester machine to check the earth continuity, insulation resistance, and leakage current. The machine plugs into the appliance and runs automated tests. Results are recorded on a label that goes on the equipment. It only takes a couple of minutes per appliance once you've got the machine.

For a mobile catering setup, you're typically looking at testing 5-15 appliances. A small operation with a fryer, a griddle, a toaster, and a till might have 4-5 things to test. A bigger setup with multiple cooking stations could have 12-15.

Not everything plugged in needs PAT testing. Fixed installations (like built-in equipment wired directly) don't need it. Double-insulated appliances (marked with a square-in-square symbol) are sometimes exempt, though most places test them anyway to be safe.

Is PAT Testing Legally Required? The Tricky Bit

Here's where it gets complicated. PAT testing is not a legal requirement under UK health and safety law. There's no specific regulation that says "you must PAT test a fryer in a food truck."

But.and this is a big but.your insurance almost certainly requires it. Your public liability insurance will have small print saying equipment must be maintained and safe. If someone gets hurt and you didn't PAT test the equipment involved, your insurer could refuse to pay out. That means you're paying for the claim yourself, which could be tens of thousands of pounds.

Plus, event organisers increasingly require PAT testing records before they'll book you. It's become the industry standard. Insurance companies ask for it. Other vendors at events have had it done. If you rock up without PAT records, you'll stick out as unprofessional.

So while it's not legally mandatory, it's practically mandatory. You won't get booked without it, and you'll be exposed if something goes wrong.

Getting PAT Tested: Cost, Who Can Do It, DIY Option

Professional PAT Testing

Getting a qualified electrician to PAT test your equipment costs £50-£150 depending on how many appliances you've got and where you are. A single appliance might be £15-£25. Five appliances might be £60-£80. Ten appliances might be £120-£150.

You can find qualified testers through local electrician directories, or ask around other caterers for recommendations. A proper tester will give you a certificate and labels for each piece of equipment showing the test date and next test due date.

The test takes minutes per appliance. You can often get it done on the same day you call, especially for a small catering setup.

NCASS and Approved Networks

Some catering associations have partnerships with approved PAT testing providers. NCASS (National Caterers Association) sometimes negotiates group rates for members. It's worth checking if you're in an association.you might get a discount.

DIY and Competent Staff

Here's the legal bit that confuses people. The Electricity at Work Regulations say PAT testing can be done by "competent persons." This includes electricians, but it also includes trained staff who understand electrical safety. If you're trained in PAT testing, you can technically do your own equipment.

The catch? You need to do it properly. You need a PAT tester machine (costs £200-£400 to buy). You need training in how to use it and how to identify faults. You need to keep detailed records. And honestly, if something goes wrong and you did the testing yourself, you'll struggle to prove you were competent in court.

For most mobile caterers, paying a professional £60-£100 to test your equipment annually is money well spent. It gives you a professional certificate and labels that organisers and insurance companies accept without question.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Gas Safety vs PAT Testing

What Event Organisers Actually Require: The Reality Check

You want to know what actually matters when you're pitching for events? Here's what organisers are asking for.

Gas Safety Certificates: Almost every event that allows gas equipment asks for a current CP44. Festival grounds, car boot sales, farmers markets, private events.they all want to see it. Most will refuse you without it, full stop. Some of the bigger festival organisers are getting strict about the 6-month rule too. If your cert's a year old and issued last January, they might ask for a fresh one even though it's technically still valid.

PAT Testing: Getting more common every month. Five years ago, maybe 40% of events asked for PAT records. Now it's probably 70-80%. Any event that's got insurance and a professional event manager will ask for it. If you're doing corporate gigs or private events with proper organisers, they'll want PAT certificates. Smaller, more casual pitches might not ask, but the trend's moving towards it being standard.

What They Actually Check: Some organisers just want to see the documents. Others will do a visual check.they'll look at the gas cert and skim the PAT labels on your equipment. Bigger events sometimes have an inspector who'll actually review equipment condition and ask when things were tested.

Smart move? Keep copies of everything. Scan your CP44 into your phone. Keep photos of all your equipment with visible PAT test labels. When someone asks, you can pull it up instantly. It takes two minutes and you look professional.

What Your Insurance Expects

This is worth understanding because insurance is where your wallet gets hit if something goes wrong.

Gas Equipment: Your public liability insurance (the one that covers accidents at events) will have clauses about gas safety. They'll expect the equipment to be "properly maintained" and "certified safe." Having a current CP44 proves you've done your bit. If you don't have one and someone claims they got hurt, your insurer will likely reject the claim. You'll be footing the bill.

Electrical Equipment: Your insurance will almost certainly require PAT testing on portable electrical equipment. The exact wording varies by policy, but it'll say something like "equipment must be maintained in safe working condition" and "PAT testing to BS 7909 standard" or similar. Without PAT records, you're technically in breach of your insurance conditions.

Some insurers are now asking to see proof of PAT testing when you renew your policy. They might even offer small discounts if you can show regular testing records. Others are tightening up and refusing to insure caterers who don't have documented PAT testing.

The bottom line: read your insurance policy. Call your broker. Ask specifically about CP44 and PAT testing requirements. Know what you need to do to keep your cover valid.

Other Safety Certs You Might Need

Gas cert and PAT testing aren't the only documents event organisers might ask for. Here's what else you should know about.

Fire Extinguisher Servicing: If your catering operation involves fryers, griddles, or open flames, you need accessible fire extinguishers. The Health and Safety Executive expects them to be serviced annually to BS 5306 standard. Cost is roughly £40-£80 per extinguisher per year. You'll get a label and a maintenance record. Most events ask for this if you've got gas cooking.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): If your catering unit's got a permanent electrical installation (fixed wiring), some events ask for an EICR. This is different from PAT testing.it's a full electrical safety check of the wiring and circuits. Cost is £150-£400 depending on complexity. Not all mobile caterers need this, but larger, more complex setups sometimes do.

Food Hygiene Certification: You need an up-to-date food hygiene certificate anyway. This is separate from equipment safety but organisers will ask for it alongside safety certs.

LPG Training and Competence: Some events want to see that you've done LPG handling and safety training. This isn't a formal certificate necessarily.it's demonstrating you understand how to handle gas safely. Some caterers do formal LPG training courses (1-2 days, £200-£400). Others demonstrate competence through years of safe operation. Check with the events you're targeting about what they expect.

Liability Insurance Certificate: You'll need public liability insurance (£150-£400 annually for mobile catering). Events will ask for a copy of your certificate of insurance or an endorsement letter from your insurer.

The Full Compliance Checklist

Want to make sure you've got everything covered? Here's what you need:

• CP44 gas safety certificate (valid, issued within 12 months, ideally within 6 months)
• PAT testing labels on all electrical equipment (tested within 12 months)
• Fire extinguisher service record (if you've got extinguishers)
• Food hygiene certificate (current and valid)
• Public liability insurance (minimum £6 million is typical)
• Certificate of insurance or letter from insurer
• Any EICR if your installation's fixed and complex
• Proof of any LPG training if events require it

Keep all documents in one file. Scan them into your phone. Have copies on USB. When an event organiser asks, you can hand over or email everything instantly. You'll look professional and organised, and you won't waste time scrambling for documents.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Do I need a gas safety certificate if I only use bottled gas?

Yes. The law doesn't care whether your gas is bottled LPG or mains gas. If you're using LPG from a bottle for cooking or heating, you need a CP44 certificate. The certificate covers the whole gas installation.the bottle, the regulator, the pipes, the equipment. Some people think "it's just a bottle, it doesn't need certification," but that's not right. You need a Gas Safe engineer to check it.

Can I get by with a CP42 instead of a CP44?

No. CP42 is for fixed gas installations. CP44 is specifically for mobile and transportable equipment. If you get a CP42 when you need a CP44, it won't satisfy event organisers or insurance companies, and it won't cover your legal requirement properly. Always ask for CP44 when you contact engineers. Make sure they're issuing the right type.

What happens if an event asks for a CP44 and I don't have one?

They won't let you pitch. That's it. You'll be turned away at the gate. You won't be able to work the event. Even if you've got all the other documents, no gas cert means no entry. It's happened to caterers.they've driven to events without realising their cert had expired and been sent home. Lesson: check your expiry date before every event.

Is PAT testing the same as electrical safety testing?

No, they're related but different. PAT testing is specifically for portable appliances. Electrical safety testing (like an EICR) covers permanent wiring and installations. You might need both depending on your setup. PAT testing's what most mobile caterers need. EICR's usually only for bigger or more complex operations.

Can my mate who's an electrician do my PAT testing?

Technically yes.they can if they're competent and you do it properly with the right equipment and records. But practically, it's risky. If something goes wrong and an insurer or court investigates, you want a professional third-party record showing it was done properly. Paying £60-£100 to a qualified tester gives you that protection. Your mate doing it for free might save you money short-term, but it could cost you everything if there's an accident.

How often do I really need to renew my CP44?

Legally, minimum once a year. But more events are asking for certs issued within the last 6 months. If you get your CP44 in January, it's valid until January next year, but by July of that year, some organisers might ask for a renewal. It's not standard everywhere yet, but it's becoming common at bigger events. Safe move? Plan to renew every 12 months as the law says, but keep an eye on what the events you're targeting ask for.

What happens if someone gets hurt and I don't have PAT testing records?

Your insurance will likely refuse to pay. They'll say you've breached your policy conditions by not maintaining equipment safely. You'll have to pay any claim yourself. If someone's seriously injured, that could be thousands of pounds. If it goes to court and they find you were negligent (not testing electrical equipment), you could face criminal charges under health and safety law. PAT testing costs about £100. A claim could cost £10,000+. Do the maths.

Do I need to test every single piece of electrical equipment?

Pretty much yes. Fryer, griddle, hotplate, till, card reader, phone, sound system, extension leads.anything with a plug needs testing. Even things you don't think of. If it's portable and electrical, it should be on your PAT testing list. The only exceptions are things with built-in double insulation and some very low-risk equipment, but honestly, test everything. It's cheaper than fighting an insurance claim.

Can I get a combined safety check for both gas and electrical?

No, they're completely separate checks by different types of engineers. A Gas Safe engineer does gas. An electrician does electrical. Some catering businesses employ both or find one company that can arrange both, but they're separate inspections and separate certificates. You can't have one person do both properly.

What if my gas equipment was installed by the manufacturer and they sent a cert?

That's different from a CP44. A manufacturer's certificate says "this was safe when we made it." A CP44 says "this is safe now, in your specific installation." You still need a CP44 from a Gas Safe engineer who's checked your actual setup. The manufacturer cert doesn't replace it.

Bottom Line: What Actually Matters

Look, you're running a business. You've got other things to worry about than paperwork. But here's what matters:

CP44 is non-negotiable. If you use gas, you need it. It's the law. You'll get prosecuted without it, your insurance won't cover you, and you won't get booked. Spend £250 once a year and keep your cert current. Get the work done by someone who knows catering equipment, not some heating engineer who's never seen a mobile setup.

PAT testing is becoming non-negotiable. It's not the law yet, but it's heading that way. Every event that matters.corporate gigs, big festivals, private catering.asks for it now. Your insurance expects it. Spend £100 a year and have it done properly. Don't risk it with DIY unless you really know what you're doing.

Keep everything documented. Take photos. Scan certificates. Keep them on your phone. When an organiser asks, you pull up a file and email it in two minutes. You'll look professional and organised, and you won't stress about scrambling for paperwork on event day.

Read your insurance policy. Call your broker. Know exactly what they require. A lot of caterers don't know what their insurance actually covers until something goes wrong. By then it's too late. Five minutes on the phone saves you thousands.

Plan ahead. Don't renew your CP44 two weeks before a summer event. Book your engineer in January if you're doing spring events. Keep a calendar of what needs renewing when. A spreadsheet with expiry dates is worth keeping.

The cost? About £250-£450 a year for both CP44 and PAT testing combined. That's roughly what you'll make in a good day or two on the pitch. It's not expensive when you put it in perspective. What's expensive is not having it when you need it.

Get it sorted. Stay professional. Keep working.