Savills plc

09/13/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2021 09:16

Gas Safety Week: raising awareness of gas safety

Now in its 11th year, Gas Safety Week intends to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of gas appliances.

Led by Gas Safe Register - the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas - the initiative aims to highlight the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

It is a legal responsibility for all landlords to ensure the safety of their rental properties. In the case of gas safety, they must make sure that:

  • Gas pipework, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained in a safe condition

  • All gas appliances and flues provided for tenants' use have an annual safety check. Reminders can be set at StayGasSafe.co.uk

  • A Gas Safety Record is provided to the tenant within 28 days of completing the check or to any new tenant before they move in

  • A copy of the Gas Safety Record is kept until two further checks have taken place

  • Maintenance and annual safety checks are carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer

  • All gas equipment (including any appliance left by a previous tenant) is safe or otherwise removed before re-letting.

Ensuring gas safety at home is vitally important for us all. The following checks are all important and life-saving measures:

  • Ensure that all gas appliances are safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer

  • Only employ a suitably qualified engineer when having gas work carried out and always request to view their ID card which outlines what gas work they are qualified to undertake

  • Look out for others by ensuring their appliances are checked and serviced regularly if they are unable to arrange their own gas safety check or are unaware of what they need to do to keep safe

  • Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness

  • Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose and check for warning signs that they are not properly functioning - these include lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on/around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and too much condensation in the room

  • Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm, keep vents clear and chimneys clean and checked regularly

  • Be aware of the emergency procedure, calling the 24 hour helpline (0800 111 999) in an emergency.

Further information

Contact Theresa Wallace

For more advice contact Savills Residential Lettings