Gas fire and electrical safety

There are a number of things that you and your landlord should do to make sure that your home is safe.

Gas safety - What are the risks?

Carbon monoxide, also known as the 'silent killer' because it's invisible, has no smell and can be fatal. Carbon monoxide can be produced if gas appliances are not installed properly or maintained.

• A yellow/orange flame is evidence of possible carbon monoxide presence.
• A healthy flame should be crisp, vibrant and blue.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide

Many of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of common illnesses including flu and other viral infections. The symptoms include tiredness, headache and nausea.

What are the regulations about gas safety?

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994, every landlord must ensure that gas appliances and flues they provide for their tenant to use are maintained in a safe condition. The landlord must get these appliances checked for safety every year and must give tenants a copy of the certificate.

How do I know that the landlord is complying with the regulations?

• The landlord is responsible for making sure that gas appliances are checked by a Gas Safe registeredgas engineer (excluding any that belong to you) every 12 months.
  (Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI gas registration on April 1 2009)
  
• To provide you or the property with a current gas safety certificate issues within the last 12 months that details all appliances and gas pipes are safe.
  
• Landlords must keep written records of all safety checks and must make copies available to tenants.
  
• If an agent manages the property, the landlord must be clear as to who is responsible for the maintenance of gas appliances. The agreement must be put in writing.

Tenant responsibilities

• You must allow the Gas Safe registered gas engineer access to the property to carry out the gas safety check
• If tenants own a gas appliance, they are responsible for its maintenance. The landlord is responsible for the maintenance of its installation pipe work.
• If you suspect gas appliances are unsafe you should not use them and report concerns to the landlord.
• If your landlord is having safety checks carried out by a contractor who is not Gas Safe registered, contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who have powers to issue notice and prosecute your landlord.

If the law is broken the Health and Safety Executive are responsible for taking further enforcement action.

For further advice about the gas safety regulations, contact the Health and Safety Executive.

Gas safety advice telephone line: 0800 300 363

Website: hse.gov.uk

To contact Gas Safe
Tel: 0800 408 5500
E-mail: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk
Website: gassaferegister.co.uk

Download this information as a handy fact sheet.