S36 - Gas Safety

What is this?

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 specifically deal with the installation, maintenance and use of gas appliances, fittings and flues in domestic and commercial premises. A PDF of the procedure is available to download (see attached).

What do responsible managers need to do?

• Ensure gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition. Gas appliances should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If these are not available it is recommended that they are serviced annually unless advised otherwise by a Gas Safe registered engineer;
• Ensure an annual safety check is carried out on each gas appliance/flue. Before any new lease starts, you must make sure that these checks have been carried out within one year before the start of the lease date, unless the appliances in the property have been installed for less than 12 months, in which case they should be checked within 12 months of their installation date;
• Have all installation, maintenance and safety checks carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer;
• Keep a record of each safety check for at least two years.

What gas equipment is covered?

The safety check and maintenance requirements generally apply to any gas appliance or flue installed.

How do I know whether the gas engineer is Gas Safe registered?

The engineer should be able to provide you with a current ID card. The card contains a photo of the engineer, their business registration number and personal licence number, company name, the start and expiry date of the card and a security hologram. The reverse of the card details what kind of gas work the engineer is able to do. You can also call Gas Safe Register during normal office hours on 0800 408 5500 or go to the website www.gassaferegister.co.uk.

What if an applicance fails the safety check?

The safety check record will contain details of any defect identified and remedial action taken. You must ensure that any safety defect is rectified (by a Gas Safe registered engineer) before the equipment is used again. It is recommended that you keep copies of work done to rectify defects identified by the safety check.

It is an offence to use, or allow the use of, a gas appliance you know to be unsafe. In no circumstances should you reconnect an appliance that you have been told is unsafe, which either has been isolated or disconnected for safety reasons, until the fault has been rectified.

What action do I take in the event of a gas escape?

If you smell gas, or suspect there is a gas escape, or a carbon monoxide leak, you should immediately do the following:

• Open all doors and windows.
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is). If gas continues to escape call National Grid on the Gas Emergency Freephone Number 0800 111 999.
• Make sure that any investigations or repairs are carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Legislation

• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

This workplace procedure forms part of a Health & Safety Risk Management System for employers in the quarrying industry. The procedures, which cover a wide range of workplace risks and hazards, can be viewed here