Gas Safety

All the information landlords and homeowners need to meet their legal duties on domestic gas is now available in one place. Visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for more information.

Why is Gas Safety important?

Poor gas safety can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas. Inhalation of this gas reduces the ability of our blood to take up oxygen. High concentrations of carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to unconsciousness and death. Lower concentrations cause a range of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, disorientation and fatigue, and in people with heart problems can result in episodes of increased chest pain.

What can be done to improve Gas Safety?

Gas appliances should be properly installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Regular servicing and maintenance should be carried out on all pipework, appliances and flues. If you live in a rented property, your landlord has a legal responsibility to arrange an annual gas safety check. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are a useful precaution to give advance warning of CO in the property.

If you suspect there is a gas leak, you should immediately:

• Call National Grid's Gas Emergency helpline: 0800 111 999
• Open all the doors and windows to ventilate the property
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you knwo where it is) 

It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Landlords' responsibilities for Gas Safety

For rented properties, landlords have duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all pipework, appliances and flues.

Landlords must arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out at least once every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Landlords must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years, issue a copy to each tenant within 28 days of the check being completed, and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.