Gas Safety

This guide provides important information and practical tips on how to ensure gas safety in your home and what to do if you suspect a gas issue.

Why Gas Safety Is Important

Gas appliances, such as boilers, stoves, and heaters, are common in many homes and provide essential services like heating, cooking, and hot water. However, if these appliances are not properly maintained or used, they can pose significant risks, including:

• Gas leaks: A gas leak can lead to fires or explosions if the gas comes into contact with a spark or flame.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Faulty gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
• Fires and explosions: Faulty gas appliances or leaks can result in fires and explosions, endangering lives and property.

To avoid these risks, it is essential to follow gas safety guidelines and ensure that gas appliances are regularly checked and maintained.

Gas Safety Tips for Tenants

Here are some key tips to help you maintain gas safety in your home:

1. Know the Signs of a Gas Leak

• Smell: Gas has a distinctive smell added to help detect leaks. If you smell gas, it could indicate a leak.  
• Listen: Hissing or whistling sounds near a gas appliance or pipe may indicate a leak.   
• Visual signs: Look for damaged gas appliances, discoloured or sooty stains around the appliance, or yellow/orange flames instead of a blue flame (which indicates incomplete combustion).   

   If you suspect a gas leak, it’s important to act quickly and follow safety protocols.

2. Install and Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Install detectors: Place carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with gas appliances and in bedrooms. These devices can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide, providing an early warning to evacuate and seek help.
• Test regularly: Test your carbon monoxide detectors monthly to ensure they are working correctly, and replace batteries as needed.   

3. Understand Your Responsibilities and Your Landlord’s Obligations

• Know your rights: As a social housing tenant, your landlord is legally required to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues are safe and well-maintained. This includes conducting an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Request a Gas Safety Record: After the annual gas safety check, your landlord must provide you with a copy of the Gas Safety Record, which details the safety checks carried out and any issues found.   

4. Use Gas Appliances Properly

• Follow instructions: Always use gas appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper use can lead to malfunctions and increase the risk of accidents.
• Do not use faulty appliances: If you suspect that a gas appliance is faulty or not working properly, stop using it immediately and report the issue to your landlord.  

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation

•  Keep vents clear: Make sure that any vents, air bricks, or flues are not blocked or obstructed. Proper ventilation is essential for gas appliances to operate safely and for removing harmful gases like carbon monoxide. 

• Avoid DIY alterations: Do not attempt to alter or tamper with ventilation systems or gas appliances. Always seek professional help if you have concerns or need adjustments. 

What to Do If You Smell Gas or Suspect a Gas Leak

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, take the following steps immediately:

1. Turn Off the Gas Supply

• Locate your gas meter and turn the gas supply off by turning the handle to the ‘off’ position. This will help prevent further gas from leaking into your home.   

2. Open Windows and Doors

• Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors to allow gas to escape. This will reduce the concentration of gas in the air, minimizing the risk of an explosion.   

3. Avoid Using Electrical Switches or Flames

• Do not turn on or off any electrical switches, use matches, or create sparks. Electrical switches and flames can ignite gas, leading to a fire or explosion.

4. Evacuate the Premises

• Leave the property immediately and move to a safe distance. Ensure that everyone in the household, including pets, evacuates the building.

5. Call the Gas Emergency Services

• Once you are safely outside, call the National Gas Emergency Service at **0800 111 999** (in the UK) or the appropriate emergency number in your country. Report the gas leak and follow their instructions.

6. Contact Your Landlord

• After notifying the emergency services, contact your landlord or housing provider to report the issue. They will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect and repair the gas appliances or systems.  

Responsibilities of Your Landlord

As a social housing tenant, your landlord has specific legal responsibilities to ensure gas safety:

• Annual Gas Safety Check: Landlords must arrange for an annual gas safety check of all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in the property. This must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are responsible for maintaining gas appliances, pipes, and flues in a safe condition. They must arrange repairs promptly if any issues are identified.
• Gas Safety Record: After the annual gas safety check, landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Record within 28 days. New tenants should receive this document before moving in.
• Emergency Response: In case of a gas emergency, landlords must respond promptly and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of tenants.

Gas safety is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords. By understanding the risks associated with gas appliances, following safety guidelines, and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can help ensure a safe living environment for yourself and your neighbours. Always report any gas safety concerns to your landlord and never attempt to repair or tamper with gas appliances yourself. With vigilance and cooperation, we can keep our homes safe from gas-related hazards.