Curry house gas safety crackdown

CURRY houses in Woking have been hit by a crackdown on unsafe gas appliances.

With traditional tandoor ovens being replaced with stainless steel versions, gas has become increasingly popular in curry houses.

But Woking Borough Council has imposed tough measures on premises with poorly maintained ovens.

Earlier this year its officers inspected 32 Indian take-away and restaurant premises across the town.

Three curry houses were closed immediately due to the detection of gas leaks. Engineers had to make the premises safe before they could re-open.

Two premises had equipment disconnected by Gas Safe engineers because they were of 'immediate risk'

Two premises were served with Prohibition Notices which immediately prohibits the use of equipment/appliances because they were unsafe

Eight premises were issued with Improvement Notices which requires premises to take action within a specified period of time

Letters were also sent to 21 curry houses explaining their legal requirements and recommendations on good practice, including maintenance of gas appliances, kitchen ventilation and safe lighting procedures for tandoor ovens.

Woking Borough Council said it was considering similar initiatives for Chinese and Italian restaurants and take-aways that also use specialist gas appliances.

Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, portfolio holder for food and health and safety, said: "The level of enforcement action necessary proves that this initiative was extremely worthwhile and has made the Borough a safer place for both employees working in these establishments and members of the public who visit them."