How to be Gas Safe
In association with national safety organisation Gas Safe (formerly Corgi), we're acting to raise awareness of the key issue of gas safety in the home.
If you're living in rented accommodation, it's a legal requirement for your landlord or letting agent to ensure that a Gas Safety inspection is carried out every 12 months.
Risks
The risks posed by unsafe or poorly maintained gas appliances include:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Gas leaks
- Fires
- Explosions
Gas safety inspections cover all gas appliances at the property, including ovens, central heating boilers, fires and hand-held appliances, and must abide by The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
If you own your own property, you should have your gas appliances checked annually. Set a reminder on your phone (or at www.staygassafe.co.uk) ahead of the renewal date, and don't neglect the safety of your gas appliances. One in six UK homes has a dangerous gas appliance. A check could save your life.
Only engineers registered with Gas Safe can fit, fix or service your appliances. It is against the law for anyone other than a Gas Safe registered engineer to undertake gas work. To find a Gas Safe registered engineer go to Gas Safe Register or call 0800 408 5500.
When your engineer visits, ask to see his/her Gas Safe Register ID card and check that s/he is qualified to carry out the work you need done. Each engineer's ID card features a list of all the work they're allowed to carry out on the back.
For more tips on how to stay Gas Safe, take a look at our gas safety infographic, which tells you the warning signs to look out for and gives advice on how to find a Gas Safe registered engineer and what to do in an emergency.
We've also produced handy letter templates to send to your landlord or letting agent if you need a copy of your Gas Safe Record or you wish to request or chase up a Gas Safety inspection.
Downloadable letter templates
We've also produced handy letter templates to send to your landlord or letting agent if you need a copy of your Gas Safe Record or you wish to request or chase up a Gas Safety inspection.
Step 1: Requesting a gas safety certificate
If you've just moved in and haven't received a copy of your gas safety record, ask your landlord or letting agent to provide one.
Click here to download a Gas Safety Record Request letter
Step 2: Requesting a gas safety inspection
If your landlord can't provide a certificate, or it's time for it to be renewed, request an inspection.
Click here to download a Gas Safety Inspection Request letter
This information does not constitute formal advice and the authors accept no responsibility for any errors. If you are in any doubt you should consult a Gas Safe registered engineer.