What is BG07?

BG07, formally known as Guidance on the Safe Operation of Thermal Fluid Systems, was developed by the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA).

It defines the key responsibilities for owners, operators and maintenance teams to ensure that thermal fluid systems are designed, operated and maintained safely. The guidance covers fluid selection, system design, routine monitoring, and actions to prevent fires or fluid degradation. By following BG07, sites can minimise operational hazards, maintain system integrity and demonstrate compliance with UK safety regulations.

What does BG07 cover?

The guidance provides practical recommendations on:

  • Safe system design, including heaters, expansion vessels and pipework
  • Selection and management of suitable thermal fluids
  • Control of fluid temperature and pressure to prevent degradation or ignition
  • Maintenance, filtration and fluid sampling routines
  • Fire prevention, spill control and ventilation requirements
  • Operator competency and training
  • Compliance with regulations such as PSSR, PUWER, DSEAR and CDM

Why BG07 matters

BG07 is not legislation, but it is the recognised UK guide for managing the safety of thermal fluid heating systems. Following it helps operators comply with relevant health and safety law, protect equipment and reduce the risk of fires and unplanned downtime.

Thermal fluids can degrade over time, producing flammable vapours and carbon residues that compromise efficiency and safety. BG07 provides a framework for effective monitoring, maintenance and documentation keeping systems efficient, compliant and safe to operate.

Download the latest version of BG07

The current edition of BG07, Thermal Fluid Systems, was published in September 2020 and is available to purchase from the CEA’s official document store.

At Dunphy, we help sites maintain safe, efficient and compliant heat transfer systems through modern burner and control technology, as well as tailored operator training. For guidance on thermal fluid system safety or compliance with BG07, get in touch with our team today.

For more information, see our blogs on:

BG01: what’s new for steam boilers regulations?

BG02: what hot water boiler operators need to know?

BG03: Safe operation of blowdown systems for industrial steam boilers

BG04: Industrial boiler water treatment 

BG05: Safe design and operation of Biomass systems

BG06: Safe operation of boiler feed water de-aeration systems