Why You Should Schedule a Gas Safety Check

Whether you are a landlord or a homeowner, you should be aware of the risks associated with gas leaks. Gas leaks can be dangerous for you as well as your tenants. This is why you need to schedule an annual gas safety check.

The purpose of a gas safety check is to ensure that your home’s appliances are in good working condition. Faulty appliances can cause injury and even death. An inspection can also prolong the lifespan of your appliances. The result is a safe home where your family is safe.

A basic gas safety check should involve checking the vents and the pipework. A gas safety certificate (CP12), is a document which confirms that your appliances are safe.

In the United Kingdom, there are certain laws that you must adhere to if you own a rental property. For instance, you must provide your tenants with a copy of your gas safety record. It is an electronic document showing the locations of pipes, flues and other devices. You could face legal action if your tenant leaves without a CP12. The fine for failing to provide this document can be a lot higher than the cost of a gas safety check.

The presence of toxic gases can be detected by a gas safety test. The most dangerous form of carbon monoxide, which can be fatal to your family, is found in appliances. An engineer can inspect your appliance and remove dangerous appliances if needed. After the inspection, the engineer will advise you to stop using the appliance while the repairs are completed.

While the CP12 should be a statutory document you have at your house, it is just one of many things you must keep an eye on. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are a set of laws that protect your family from the dangers of gas. You could face stiff penalties or even be convicted for manslaughter if you fail to follow the laws. If a tenant becomes sick from an appliance that is in their home, you can be charged.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations of 2018 simplified the gas safety process. You can now schedule an inspection prior to the CP12 expires. This legislation is significantly simpler than the prior one, which was much more complicated.

Getting a Gas Safety Certificate is not only the best way to ensure your family’s safety, but it can also help you sell your home more quickly. When selling your home, prospective buyers will want to know that it is a safe place to live. A CP12 and other documents can be the difference between a sale or a walk-away.

You are responsible for a gas safety inspection every year if you’re a landlord. You should inspect the vents and pipework first, then you need to have flues, chimneys, and other appliances checked regularly.