Five tips for gas safety compliance
Cutting corners is not worth it when it comes to complying with gas safety regulations. Tenants may report landlords who violate The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who may then impose an unlimited fine or jail time of up to six months.
Cutting corners is not worth it when it comes to complying with gas safety regulations. Tenants may report landlords who violate The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who may then impose an unlimited fine or jail time of up to six months. Fortunately, following these five suggestions will make following the law simple.
Yearly gas safety checks
Every 12 months, a documented gas safety check is required for every property you rent out. In actuality, this does not imply that you must wait a full 12 months between examinations. 10-12 months after the previous inspection, a property may undergo a gas safety examination.
There will always be a year between record expiration dates by treating this as though the check occurred on the last day of the 12-month period. It might be challenging to gain access from tenants to perform a gas safety inspection, so it's better to start planning after 10 months to give yourself enough time.
Ensure the check is performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer
The Gas Safe Register website must include the contractor responsible for the inspection, replacing the previous CORGI registration in 2009.
Here are the tasks your engineer, who is registered with Gas Safe, should perform:
- Verify the tightness of all gas appliances and fittings
- Conduct standing and working pressure tests on all available test points
- Compare gas rates and burner pressure with manufacturers' data plates
- Inspect vents and flues to ensure sufficient ventilation and proper expulsion of combustion byproducts
- Verify the functioning of flame failure devices
- Conduct necessary checks for physical stability
- Investigate and report any indications of unsafe operation
The landlord bears the responsibility for the pipework and provided appliances. If a tenant brings their own gas appliance, it is technically their responsibility, but including it in the annual inspection would be beneficial. It reduces concerns, and you can have the assurance that all gas-related aspects of the property are safe.
Create a gas safety record
Compliance relies heavily on maintaining accurate records. Once an inspection is conducted, the engineer will complete a gas safety record, also known as a gas safety certificate. Here's the necessary information that should be included in the record:
- Detailed description and location of each checked appliance, chimney, or flue
- Engineer's name, registration number, and signature, indicating who performed the inspection
- Date of the inspection for each appliance or flue
- Property address where the appliance or flue is installed
- Landlord's name and address (or agent's information, if applicable)
- Any identified safety-related defects and the corresponding remedial actions are taken
Confirmation that the safety check covered the aspects outlined in paragraphs (a) to (d) of Regulation 26(9) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Keep the record secure
You have the option to store this record in either physical or digital format for a minimum of two years. If you choose electronic storage, you must adhere to the following requirements:
- Maintain the ability to produce a physical copy when necessary
- Ensure the capability to accurately identify the Gas Safe engineer responsible for the safety check
- Safeguard the record to prevent loss or theft
Give a copy to your tenants
Upon completion of a gas safety check, it is mandatory to furnish the tenants of the property with a copy of the record within 28 days. Furthermore, when new tenants move in, they must receive a copy of the current gas safety record.
To ensure that your new tenants receive a copy, it is advisable to provide it alongside other essential documents like the property's energy performance certificate and deposit protection information.
Failing to provide any of these documents may prompt tenants to report their landlord to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Initially, the HSE advises tenants to contact their landlord in writing to request the certificate. If the landlord fails to produce one, this can lead to complications.
Additionally, it is essential for tenants to be aware of how to shut off the gas at the mains and what actions to take in the event of a gas emergency.
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