Gas Safety Inspections

By law, under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, it is the responsibility of the building owner to get a Gas Safety Certificate every twelve months. This must be obtained from a Gas Safe Registered engineer for all pipe work, gas appliances and flues installed at the property.

If an agent manages the property, it is essential that the contract clearly states whose responsibility it is to carry out maintenance on gas appliances. If the management contract states that the agent is accountable, the responsibilities under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are passed on to them. Copies of all paperwork must be retained along with the record of the safety inspection for a minimum of two years and a copy must be provided to all tenants within 28 days of the inspection. If any tenants change, they must be provided with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate prior to occupancy.

Whilst there is only a requirement to carry out a gas safety inspection every twelve months, it is good practice to get appliances checked between tenants to ensure appliances are in good condition prior to occupancy.

Installing a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm is also highly recommended and it is best way to make sure tenants are safe from dangers of poisoning in between regular maintenance and safety checks. Since the 1st October 2013, it has been a legal requirement in Scotland to have a CO alarm installed in the same room as a new or replacement fixed fossil fuel burning heating appliance including gas appliances. Whilst a legal requirement has existed in England & Wales since 1st October 2010 to have a CO alarm installed in the same room as a new or replacement fixed solid fuel appliance, this does not include gas appliances. The alarm may be hard wired or battery powered to comply.

The inspection will include the following checks:

• The gas appliances will be inspected for gas tightness.
• If test points are available, standing and working pressure will be tested.
• A Gas Safe engineer will check burner pressure and gas rate against the manufacturer’s data plate.
• Checks will be carried out for the provision of all necessary ventilation.
• Flue flow will be tested to make sure products of combustion are removed.
• All flame failure devices will be checked for satisfactory operation.
• Where appropriate checks will be made for physical stability, presence and effectiveness of stability brackets.
• Investigations for any evidence of unsafe operation will be made and reported.

Without completing all of the above checks an appliance cannot be issued a Gas Safety Certificate.