We are really excited to be part of Gas Safety Week for 2022. So many of us use gas to heat our homes and places of work. Whether you are cooking up a storm on the hob or trying to get cosy during the long winters, there is a high possibility that you’re using gas throughout the year.
The thing is, gas comes with risks and safety issues that need to be addressed so that you can stay safe in your home. In this guide, we look forward to taking you through what gas safety week is as well as the responsibilities of landlords and tenants to ensure maximum safety.
What is Gas Safety Week?
Gas Safety Week takes place annually, and it is there to raise awareness for gas safety and why it is important to look after your gas appliances. The event is coordinated by Gas Safe Register, and they are the official list of gas engineers who have the legal right and qualification to work on gas.
When gas appliances have been fitted incorrectly, there is a risk of gas leaks, fires, explosions, and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Signs to Look for
Staying gas safe is essential, and it is one of the most important aspects of Gas Safety Week. The question is, do you know how to keep things in order?
Here’s what you need to look out for in your home:
- Dark, sooty stains and lazy yellow flames could be a sign your gas appliance is not working correctly.
- Make sure gas appliances have proper ventilation and that the vents are never blocked. This keeps them operating safely.
- Get a gas safety check once a year and ensure it is carried out by a licensed and qualified professional. If you need to check, they will be a Gas Safe registered engineer, and you’ll be able to find them on the website.
- If you ever smell gas, call the number on your boiler immediately.
What Do Landlords Need to Know?
As a landlord, you are legally responsible for the safety of your tenants at all times. This means you are legally obliged to ensure the following:
- From 1st October 2022, carbon monoxide alarms will be compulsory in private rented properties in England.
- Gas pipework, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained and safe.
- All gas appliances and flues provided for tenants’ use have an annual safety check.
- 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.
- You keep a copy of the Gas Safety Record 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 is safe or otherwise removed before re-letting.
What do Tenants Need to Know?
As a tenant, it is your landlord’s responsibility to ensure checks are carried out and that your home is gas safe. However, there are things you can do to ensure your safety and keep an eye on things. This includes:
- Checking the landlord’s gas safety records to ensure they are up to date and meet requirements.
- Look out for the warning signs on your appliances so that you can notify the landlord (as per the earlier section of this article).
- If you own any of the gas appliances in your home, you are the one that will need to ensure they have annual checks.
To Conclude
Gas is essential to our daily lives, but we also need to be mindful of the risks that come with using it. Thankfully, it doesn’t take a lot to ensure you are gas safe and the signs to look for are fairly easy.
Now that you have a good idea of what Gas Safety Week consists of and the responsibilities that landlords and tenants have for gas safety, we hope that you’ll ensure everything is up to date and that you’ll join us for more information on staying safe.