Gas Safety Week is Approaching us! Why is Gas Safety so important?
It’s the 8th Annual Gas Safety Week this year, which takes place from 17-23 September 2018. The idea behind Gas Safety Week is to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances. Organisations from across the UK will be working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances.
What are the dangers?
Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a highly poisonous gas. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but it can kill quickly with no warning.
What are the laws for Landlords?
Gas Safety is especially important within the private rented sector, where the safety of gas appliances is often out of the tenant’s hands. As a landlord, you are legally responsible for the safety of your tenants in relation to gas safety. By law you must:
- Repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in safe condition
- Ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue
- Keep a record of each safety check
Things to consider if you are a private landlord or private homeowner
You should always make sure you follow the advice below:
The Gas Safety register recommends that tenants should know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
If tenants smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, they should call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
Tenants or landlords should never attempt to work on a gas appliance. Always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who can work on gas cookers, boilers or fires in a safe way.
‘Don’t cut corners’. If you’re employing the services of an engineer, always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card before work is commenced. If an engineer is scheduled for when a tenant is in, they too should check for an ID card. Be sure to check the back of the card too, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified to work on.
Checking someone is Gas Safe Registered Engineer
Only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out your rental properties. Gas Safe Register is the official register for legally qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or by calling on 0800 408 5500.
Belvoir and Gas Safety
If we are managing one of your properties, you do not need to do anything as we will ensure we book your gas safety check in good time and that you are completely compliant with laws and regulations- you won’t have to sort anything out or worry about gas safety.
If you are not yet using us to manage your property this shows again the benefit of using Belvoir as we always keep up to date with the latest legislation. Call Belvoir Nottingham Central to discuss the benefits of us managing your property.
Find out more about gas safety and gas safety week here: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/gas-safety-in-the-home/
