Matt; what is your employment role so as I can help; as if you are not a H&S person I advise that you get one to advise you The reason I ask the question and present the advice that I have is because many schools are now dropping H&S professionals in favour of well meaning people whereas professionals / people training to be professionals should be employed

Hi Bob I am the H&S manager on the site, do not have any background in gas though and have today been asked the question. Thanks Peter, I will have a look and see what I can find on the website.

If you are referring to DT classrooms, BS4163 - COP for design of DT areas says the following; Mains gas installations........ NOTE The Gas Act 1985, amended Gas Act 1995 and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (as amended) apply to gas installations. It is essential that all work on gas appliances is carried out by an HSE approved installer. 5.3.1 Main isolator..... Emergency control valves should be situated as follows: • as near as practicable to the point where the gas supply enters the building, either internally or externally; • in a readily accessible position; • so that the key or lever (handle) is parallel to the pipe when the valve is open and pulled down to close; • with a test point fitted downstream of each valve. NOTE The emergency control valve key or lever should be securely attached to the valve. Emergency control valves should be clearly labelled. Room isolation....... Design and technology work areas with gas equipment should have a means of isolating the gas supply to the room. The means of isolation should be in a readily accessible position and should be clearly marked, but should not be readily accessible to students. The means of isolation should be either a manual valve, or a fail-safe electrically operated solenoid valve that may form part of an emergency stop system within the room. Fixed installations using liquefied petroleum gas...... Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) should be supplied by hard pipe from cylinders located outside the building in the open air. Cylinders should be securely fixed in an upright position with the valve uppermost. Manifold systems should incorporate a main shut-off valve and a regulator downstream (appropriately set), and a non-return valve downstream of these. NOTE It is essential that all work on these appliances is carried out by an HSE approved installer. LPG fired appliances should be fitted with appropriate safeguards (e.g. flame failure devices, shut-off valves, pilot burners). Science classrooms may differ. Hope this helps

Oops...I fell foul of the Mods and copyright issues, apologies. In short you can have either a manual or auto gas shut off. Refer to BS4163