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These regulations came into force on 31st October, 1998
For all properties:
All work carried out on gas appliances and fittings
must be done by a CORGI registered engineer.
Only room sealed appliances can be installed in a
bathroom.
No instantaneous water heater can be installed in
any room unless it is room sealed or has a safety device fitted.
Where a gas meter is installed in a lockable box,
the installer must supply a labelled key.
The installer or engineer must carry out a series of
set tests after carrying out any works on a gas appliance.
Any person who installs a gas appliance shall leave
manufacturer’s instructions for the occupier of the property.
The person responsible for the property shall not
use nor permit to be used any known faulty gas appliance.
A person carrying out works to a property shall
ensure that the safety of the gas appliances and supply is not affected.
No person shall install a flue unless it is in a
safe position.
Where there is an escape of gas or CO the person
occupier, landlord or agent shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the
escape is minimised or shall immediately inform the gas company. The Emergency
Gas telephone number is 0800 111 999
Furthermore, the regulations are specific to rented properties in that they
state:
1. MAINTENANCE:
the Regulations place a duty on the landlord to
ensure that all gas appliances, flues and associated pipe work are maintained
in a safe condition at all times.
2. ANNUAL SAFETY CHECK:
Gas appliances and flues in rented accommodation must be checked for safety
within 12 months of being installed and thereafter at least every 12 months by
a competent engineer (i.e. CORGI registered).
3. NEW TENANCIES:
before any tenancy or lease commences it must be ensured that the gas safety
check has been carried out on each appliance and flue within the 12 month
period before the tenancy commences or has been or will be carried out within
12 months after the appliance or flue was installed, whichever is the later.
4. TENANT’S APPLIANCES:
appliances owned by the tenant are defined as those appliances which the
tenant is entitled to take away upon terminating the tenancy. It is not the
landlords duty to have the tenants appliances tested.
5. RECORDS: The
Regulations require the landlord or his agent to keep a record of safety
checks on each appliance and flue. The record must include the prescribed
information which includes the date of the check, the address of the premises
checked, the name and address of the landlord or where appropriate the agent,
the description of the appliance/flue checked, any defect identified, any
remedial works undertaken, confirmation that the check complies with the
Regulations and the name and CORGI registration number of the person doing the
check. The CORGI Gas Safety Record Form any be used for this purpose. Records
must be kept for a minimum of two years.
6. GAS CERTIFICATE:
a copy of the safety check record or certificate must be given to the new
tenant before the tenant occupies the premises. Also a copy of
the new record must be given to the existing tenant within 28 days of the
check. Please note that a copy must be given to all tenants. I.e. 6 tenants
= 6 copies.
7. CONTRACTING
OUT: a landlord or his agent can not at any time contract
out his obligation to ensure the safety of the gas appliances and flues in the
property. Therefore, a landlord or his agent can not place the responsibility
upon the tenant to have the safety checks carried out.
PENALTY AND ENFORCEMENT:
The maximum penalty imposed in a Magistrates Court for non-compliance is a
fine of £5,000. Note however, that where injury or death occurs due to the
non-compliance an unlimited fine and or custodial sentence can be imposed.
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