Understanding the laws that surround the safe installation and certification of gas in buildings is critical to the safety of both gas workers and the general public. Regulation of the Gas Safety Regulationsof 1998 was designed to address these challenges in a safe and effective manner, providing clear guidelines for installation and use regulations.
Phil from gas training company Gastec Training said “Whether you are the landlord of a rental property, a Gas Safe Registered engineer or simply a curious citizen, it is important to know who is legally required to do annual gas safety checks and make sure that gas appliances are in working order.”
Who Is Legally Responsible for the Gas Certificate?
Without being aware of the law, it can be unclear who is responsible for the gas certificate of any given building. For those that operate businesses and commercial buildingswhere the public can gather, it is critical to know whether you are the one responsible for the gas certificate of that property. When it comes to those gas certificates, who is responsible for ensuring that they are viable and up to date?
- Operators of businesses such as B&Bs and hotels
- Landlords
- Hostels
- Housing Associations
- Schools and Boarding Schools
- Universities and Colleges
A homeowner who is not renting out a portion of their home is not legally required to get a gas safety check, although it is highly recommended. Gas certificates can catch problems early and save people money on heating as well as suggest maintenance that can save larger problems from happening in the future.
Who Can Work on Gas Appliances and Appliance Flues?
Only certified gas engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register can legally work on any gas appliances in the UK. This encompasses all types of gas appliancesand gas systems including heating, cooking and the gas supply for any building. Only those whoare properly trained and certified can determine if these gas-fed appliances and systems are in working order and are operating in safe condition.
How Often Do Gas Safety Certificates Need to Be Renewed?
As a landlord, you must ensure that a gas safety check is done every 12 months or within 12 months of the new lease start date. This applies to all commercial property owners and others who are responsible for gas safety certificates as well.
Landlords are also required to keep a landlord gas safety record that they supply to their tenants, proving that the safety certificates are up to date. A copy of the gas safety certificate must be provided to them with the expiry date and other information clearly legible, ensuring that all parties involved are aware of the pertinent dates.
Gas Certificate Questions
If you have questions about your role in gas safety certificates, you can find information at hse.gov.uk. For those who are responsible for gas safety certificates, make sure to use a Gas Safe Registered gas engineer to ensure safe and legal gas work is done in your home and on your property.
