Gas Safety

Gas Safety Homeowners 

Gas safety is essential for homeowners and those who own properties that operate gas appliances or heat with gas. Over time, many appliances, especially those powered by gas, can become unsafe and dangerous as they wear out. Although the law does not require homeowners to have a gas safety check annually, it is important to make sure that gas appliances are functioning properly.  

Maintaining the connections and pipes on your gas appliances and gas heaters is essential to keep your family safe. The build-up of carbon monoxide from gas appliances can create a hazardous condition in the home. Having an annual gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer will ensure you, your family, and your home is safe. 

 

Gas Safety Landlords 

In contrast, all landlords must have their properties with gas appliances tested and certified every year. A Gas Safety Certificate (also known as Gas Safety Records) is required in the UK by landlords, holiday homeowners, and those who rent rooms in their buildings to allow the government to oversee gas safety. 

The Gas Safety Certificate certifies that a gas appliance is safe and is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is known as a CP12 certificate, and it is a legal requirement in Scotland for all landlords who use gas appliances. A Gas Safe-registered engineer issues a Gas Safety Certificate after inspecting or maintaining a gas appliance. It is a legal requirement that landlords update these certificates every year to remain in compliance. 

 

Gas Meter boxes that have been damaged pose several risks 

If the gas meter box is damaged, the occupants of a property are at risk of serious harm. A box that leaks gas into the property would be deemed "at-risk". Gas leaks into a residence can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. By allowing water into the box, the meter could rust and leak, causing it to malfunction. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to repair or replace a damaged gas or electric meter box. MeterBoxesDirect offers a variety of recessed, surface mounted and semi-buried gas meter boxes that are extremely strong, weatherproof and highly durable. Protective housing units can be used in new constructions, or to replace older or damaged enclosures. These items are made of Glass Reinforced Plastic (G.R.P.) , which makes them incredibly durable and weather resistant. 

 

Carbon Monoxide 

Gases like carbon monoxide (also known as CO) are colourless, odourless, and poisonous. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in illness, loss of consciousness, or even death. Almost any fuel can produce carbon monoxide when burned, including coal, wood, turf, oil, gas, and kerosene. Carbon monoxide is mainly inhaled unknowingly by individuals, so precautions should be taken.  

 

Here are steps to help keep you safe

Check the flame of your boiler

The flame in your boiler should be bright and blue. Check it with a registered gas engineer if it is burning lazy and orange. Black marks around the appliance, frequent blowouts of the pilot light, and too much condensation are other signs that may indicate a problem and should be investigated. 

Check ventilation 

If your gas appliances don't have sufficient ventilation, they might produce carbon monoxide. 

Check appliances 

Ensure you have your gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. 

Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm  

Along with getting your appliances installed and checked by an engineer certified by Gas Safe, you should purchase and install an audible CO alarm that meets BS EN 50291. Carbon monoxide detectors are available in DIY stores, supermarkets, and online. It is important to remember that a smoke detector is not a carbon monoxide detector. 

Symptoms of CO poisoning 

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, and collapsing. Take immediate action if these symptoms appear at home but disappear when you are away from home, as this could indicate CO poisoning. 

Tenant & Landlord responsibilities and rights 

As a tenant, your landlord must check your gas appliances and connections annually, and you should request a copy of these records. Check whether your landlord has installed an audible CO alarm. As a landlord, you must ensure that your tenants are safe. You are responsible for ensuring that your gas pipework, flues, and appliances are in good condition and checked annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer. 

 

If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide on your property, follow these steps:   

• Allow fresh air to circulate by opening all windows and doors 
• Move everyone outside for fresh air 
• Contact the Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999 

If someone collapses or shows severe signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should call 911 or 112 immediately. 

 

Gas Leaks 

You should contact the National Gas Emergency Service immediately if you smell gas.  

You can reach them by calling 0800 111 999 or texting 0800 371 787. 

The National Gas Emergency Service can also be contacted using the SignLive app which offers a free 24-hour online interpreting service for people who use British Sign Language (BSL).  

The operator will log your call when you call the National Gas Emergency Service. A detailed explanation of the leak will be required of you, so be prepared to provide the following information:  

• The address of the gas leak 
• the number of people at the property or in the area 
• where the odour of gas is strongest 
• how long the smell has been present 
• if any neighbours are affected 
• Your name and contact information 
• Access information if any special circumstances exist 

By turning off the emergency control on your meter, you should be able to turn off the gas supply. A gas emergency engineer should arrive on the scene of the leak within one hour if you cannot shut off the gas at the emergency control valve.