Why It Is Important To Have An Annual Gas Safety Check
The law obliges landlords to have their gas appliances and flues checked by an Gas Safe engineer annually. This includes shared appliances, such as boilers.
During the inspection, the engineer will look at the flue, and if necessary take it apart. He'll also test each appliance for carbon monoxide.
If an appliance is declared "Immediately Dangerous" the engineer will remove it. You'll need to fix this issue before it is able to be used again.
Gas Safety Certificates
Gas is a widely used energy source in the UK and around the world, but it has some serious dangers, including explosions and harmful carbon monoxide emissions. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 was passed by the UK government to reduce the risks. It requires landlords to service their rental properties' appliances every year and issue a Gas Safe Certificate. These documents, also referred to as CP12 Certificates, verify that a property’s boiler and other appliances have been inspected to ensure that they are safe for tenants to use.
A CP12 is only valid for 12 months. It is the landlord's responsibility to renew it before the date of expiration. To do this, they must to employ an engineer who is certified by the Gas Safe Register. This is crucial because only engineers who are registered with the register can legally perform the gas safety test and issue the certificate CP12.
Before gas safe registered engineers Newport Pagnell was replaced by Gas Safe, the documentation was known as a Gas Certificate or Landlord Gas Safety Record document. However, many still refer to it as a CP12. A Gas Safety Certificate covers all gas appliances in the rental property, which includes boilers and gas cookers, while a Boiler Certificate focuses on a property's boiler. A landlord must obtain an CP12 certificate for each rental property and renew it annually.
Traditionally gas safety certificates were issued on paper, which meant landlords had to ensure they were safe and secure. However, the emergence of digital gas certificates has made it easier for landlords to fulfill their legal obligations. Digital gas safety certificates are much more secure than paper-based documents and are able to be stored at several locations. They are also very difficult to lose or destroy.
CP12s can also be uploaded to online accounts of landlords to allow them access to them anytime. This can save time and effort, especially for landlords who manage multiple properties. Furthermore, they can also share their CP12s with tenants as well as other relevant people in the case of an emergency. CP12s can be altered or made more easily using the internet than on their counterparts on paper.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is created by incomplete combustion of fuels. It is poisonous gas with no taste, smell or colour. It can cause suffocation and serious poisoning due to the fact that it replenishes oxygen in the bloodstream. It can also cause damage to the brain and heart. It is important to have a CO alarm in your home and have it regularly checked by certified technicians.
CO is produced by any engine or appliance that burns a fuel which includes carbon, such as gasoline oil, wood, propane, kerosene, or coal. This includes cars and boats portable generators as well as fireplaces, gas stoves, furnaces, and grills. If these are not properly vented or maintained they could produce high levels of CO.
Carbon monoxide levels that are too high can be fatal within minutes. If the symptoms of CO poisoning are seen, a person should immediately leave the premises and get fresh air. The victim must also dial 911 or the local emergency services number. It is crucial to find and fix the cause of the poisoning before returning to the property.
The most common reason for carbon monoxide poisoning is the incorrect operation or maintenance of gas appliances. It is vital to have your appliances checked regularly by a licensed gas engineer. Carbon monoxide detectors must be placed on each level of your home, near sleeping areas. Make sure you check the batteries of your carbon monoxide detectors at least twice every year, at the same time you examine the batteries of your smoke alarms.
It is essential to keep all doors and windows closed while a house is being heated or being used to cook. This will stop CO gas from escaping and reduce the chance of an explosion. Also, do not use electrical switches or appliances in the area where the fire is occurring. They could cause sparks that can ignite the gas and result in an explosion. It is recommended to have the chimney and flue inspected each year by an expert to ensure they are clear of any obstructions or creosote build-up which could lead to a leak.
Flue Leaks
Flue leaks are dangerous due to the acidic nature of the water coming off a boiler, it can cause corrosion to anything it comes into contact with and can be extremely destructive. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by a flue leak, so it's important to fix it as soon as you can. It is therefore important to conduct regular gas safety inspections. A qualified engineer can detect leaks before they turn into a serious problem.
The most frequent reason for a flue leak is that the chimney has not been built correctly. This could be due to the chimney not having a proper slope on the pipe or drains that are not put in the proper location. It is recommended that the slope of a flue be at 3-4 degrees and it has drains throughout its length. These drains will ensure that condensate from the boiler does not get back into the heat exchanger causing corrosion and leaking water.
A chimney that is not properly sealed could also be the reason for a leaky flue. This is very common, especially with older chimneys, and is a valid reason to check them every year.
Leaks can be triggered by weather conditions. Heavy rain can be very damaging to a chimney and can cause leaks. This is due to the fact that rain can cause sealants to weaken which can lead to water getting into the chimney. It is also a good idea to check the area around a flue for indications of damage, such as bricks or tiles that are damaged.
All homeowners in England and Wales are legally required to obtain the CP12 certification. It is also important that landlords do the same. The CP12 certificate is a confirmation that your gas appliances as well as flues, pipes and pipes are safe to use. The CP12 is typically issued by a Gas Safe engineer who has performed a thorough examination and confirmed that your home is in compliance with the safety standards. You can find an area-based Gas Safe engineer by searching on the internet.
Repairs
If a appliance or a flue isn't functioning properly it could release carbon monoxide. This poisonous gas is tasteless and smells like nothing and can cause a number of health issues, including drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. The positive side is that regular gas safety checks can identify carbon monoxide leaks, and help ensure that your appliances are running safely. If the engineer identifies any issues, you'll be legally required to address them as quickly as you can.
If you're a landlord it's your responsibility to arrange annual gas safety checks for any flues or appliances that you offer to tenants. These checks will help you to avoid explosions, fires and carbon monoxide leaks which can be deadly. You must ensure that a qualified engineer conducts the inspection and issues the certificate to meet your obligations.
Landlords should check for the presence of gas leaks, which can occur due to incorrect operation or a lack of maintenance on appliances and pipework. During the inspection, the engineer will also examine whether the appliances are receiving the correct operating gas pressure. Gas pressure that is inconsistent or wrong can negatively impact the efficiency of appliances and cause them to release CO which is one of the leading causes of CO poisoning.
The engineer will also conduct an inspection of the pipework and conduct a gas tightness test to confirm that there aren't any gas leaks. If the engineer finds a leak they will request your permission to disconnect the supply.
During the gas safety inspection the engineer will also assess the condition of your central heating system. They will be looking for signs of corrosion or damage or leaks, blockages, and other issues. A regular inspection of your boiler could save you money in the long run and avoid future breakdowns.
Gas Safe engineers will inform you during the inspection whether any of the appliances or flues are in need of replacement and will provide you with a quotation. If you choose to go ahead with repairs the engineer will inform you when the work is finished and issue the new Gas Safety Certificate.