Building Regulations Compliance Certificate: Gas Safety Certificate
You should receive one of these if a Gas Safe registered engineer installs a heat producing gas appliance in your property. It’s effectively a way of informing the Local Authority of the new appliance, and you should receive it in the post within 28 days of a new appliance being installed. Find out more information on Building Regulations certificates.
Gas Safety Certificate
The documentation an engineer leaves after having fitted, serviced or safety checked an appliance is dependent upon the purpose and type of work carried out. The only documentation required by law is a Landlord Gas Safety Record. It will detail exactly what checks the engineer has carried out and if the appliances checked meet the appropriate safety standard.
All gas appliances in your property need to be safety checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer annually and serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions. Any appliance left unchecked could leave you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s an extremely good idea to have your gas pipework inspected at the same time as having a gas safety check, every year – and it’s law if you’re a landlord.
Warning Signs
If you notice any of the following warning signs, you’ll want to get your appliance serviced right away:
- The gas appliance is not working properly
- The appliance is burning with a lazy yellow flame rather than a crisp blue one
- Black marks/stains are evident around the gas appliance
- The pilot light keeps going out
- There is increased condensation in the room
What’s the difference between a safety check and a service?
Prior to any work being carried out it is important to agree with your registered engineer their scope of the work so that everyone is clear.
For example, there are differences between an appliance service and a safety check and equally between a safety check of appliances and a safety check of the whole installation, which includes all pipework and appliances.
What is an Appliance Safety Check?
An appliance safety check at a minimum includes all of the checks and tests to ensure the appliance is safe to operate, for example:
- It is correctly set and adjusted to ensure the gas is burning correctly
- It is of a type suitable for the room in which it is located
- It is physically stable, securely fitted and properly connected to the gas pipework
- There is an adequate and permanent air supply suitable for the appliance type installed
- Any flues or chimneys are operating correctly
- All safety devices function correctly
What is an Appliance Service?
An appliance service will include all of the above checks and tests and any other specific checks, for inspection and/or cleaning of the appliance as specified and detailed in the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. This may include:
- If appropriate, an analysis of the combustion exhaust gases to ensure the appliance is burning the gas safely
- A check of the condition of the appliance including (but not limited to): the effectiveness of any seals, gaskets, the cleanliness of heat exchangers etc. and checking for any signs of heat or other distress
So please don’t leave it to chance – unchecked appliances could pose a risk to you and your family – get them checked today by the professionals.
