gas safety

Servicing of gas appliances

All property owners are legally responsible for ensuring their gas fittings and appliances are safe and in good working order - you are advised to have everything checked annually by a CORGI registered installer.

A major problem caused by defects is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can kill in less than 2 hours. It is a gas which has no smell or taste and is quite invisible, killing up to 50 people a year and causing hundreds of injuries.

Unless gas appliances are serviced regularly they can become dangerous and can kill.

If your gas appliance has not been checked for 12 months it may be unsafe and you may also be in breach of your lease. You must have it inspected and serviced annually by a CORGI approved installer.

You must also be able to produce proof of the inspection and service to the Council at any time. Your housing provider will also carry out random sample checks to ensure this requirement is carried out.

If you sublet your home

If you sublet your home for less than 7 years you are responsible for meeting the landlord's statutory obligations under the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998. This means you must:

• Ensure that all gas appliances, installation pipework and flues for which you are responsible, are in a safe condition.
• Arrange for your gas appliances and flues to be checked for safety every 12 months.
• Ensure the work is carried out using a CORGI registered fitter by asking to see a current CORGI registration certificate or ringing CORGI on 01256 372300.
• Keep a record of all safety checks carried out for at least 2 years after the safety check.
• Ensure your sub-tenant receives a copy of the gas safety check record within 28 days of the inspection.
• Ensure any new sub-tenant receives a copy of the current gas safety check record before they move in for the first time.

If you need further advice about gas safety issues ring the Health & Safety Executive Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363.

More information is available on all gas safety issues from the Health and Safety Executive's website.