Gas Safety Reports for Commercial Properties: What You Should Know

Gas safety is something that cannot be ignored, especially if you own a property, either commercial or residential. When it comes to commercial properties, you want to make sure that gas systems at your restaurant, office, and warehouse are all safe because it is a legal requirement. That is why we are going to talk about gas safety reports in this article. What are these reports, why do they matter and how can you ensure that these properties are compliant with the laws? 

What Is a Gas Safety Report?

A gas safety report is a legal document issued by a gas-safe registered engineer. The certificate is usually issued after the engineer inspects the gas appliances, pipework, and fittings on a commercial property. The report ensures that every gas system at your commercial property is working safely and efficiently. The inspection includes a complete check of:

• Gas boilers
• Cookers
• Hobs
• Pipework
• Meters
• Flues
• Ventilation systems
• Gas-fired heating systems

During the inspection, the engineer will test for leaks, pressure issues, carbon monoxide risks and general functions.

Is Gas Safety Report a Legal Requirement?

If you own a commercial property or a building where you are using gas appliances, then you are legally responsible for ensuring that your property is gas-safe. According to the UK law (Gas Installation and Use Regulation 1998), commercial properties must ensure the following:

• Have a gas safety check carried out on an annual basis.
• A gas-safe engineer must do the gas safety check.
• You must keep a record of this safety check for at least two years.
• You must also provide a copy of the certificate to the tenant, relevant stakeholders or the employees.
• If you fail to comply with these then it can lead to fines, penalties, business closure and even imprisonment in severe cases. This is how serious it is to not have a gas safety certificate for your commercial property.

Who Needs to Have a Gas Safety Report?

Anyone who owns a gas appliance in a commercial building must get regular gas safety checks done. This also includes:

• Landlords who are renting out commercial buildings.
• Business owners who occupy their own commercial properties.
• Property managers who are managing multiple units.
• Restaurants that have gas ovens or stoves.
• Factories or workshops that have industrial gas equipment.

The responsibility is not limited to the property owner. Even if you are a tenant, you are responsible for these checks according to your lease agreement. Always read your contract thoroughly to see who will be in charge of the safety checks.

What Happens During a Safety Inspection?

A gas safety inspection for a commercial property is a detailed process. Here is what the engineer will typically do during the inspection:

• Visual Checks

The engineer will start the inspection by visually checking all of the gas appliances and the pipework. They will look for any signs of damage, corrosion or any unsafe installations.

• Gas Tightness Test

This test checks for any gas leaks in the appliance or system.

• Pressure Test

This test measures the gas pressure of the appliance to ensure that the pressure is in the safe operating range.

• Flue and Ventilation Checks

The primary purpose of a flue is to carry harmful gases outside of the property. The engineer will check all of the flues to ensure that there is no blockage. Moreover, the engineer will ensure that the ventilation meets safety standards.

• Appliance Operation

The engineer will make sure that the appliances are working properly which includes starting up and properly shutting down.

• Carbon Monoxide Testing

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas. It is an odorless and invisible gas therefore its regular testing is essential. Any traces of this deadly gas must be notified immediately.

What Will the Gas Safety Certificate Include?

Once your inspection is done, you will receive a gas safety report. The gas safety report will include the following details:

• Details of every appliance tested during the inspection
• Results of the safety check
• Any types of defects found
• Any repairs or actions taken 
• Any recommendation for future work
• Date of the inspection
• Name of the engineer and the gas safe ID number

If everything was fine during the inspection then the engineer will issue a gas safety certificate which confirms that all your systems are safe. In case of any problem, the engineer will shut off the damaged appliances until it is fixed.

How Often Should We Perform a Gas Safety Check?

In the case of commercial properties, a gas safety inspection must be done on an annual basis. Some high-risk businesses, such as restaurants, may require more frequent checks depending upon the usage. It is a good idea to keep track of the last inspection and book the next inspection in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle. 

The Importance of a Gas Safety Certificate

Apart from legal compliance, here is why gas safety certificates matter:

• Any faulty gas system can lead to explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning as well as fires. Regular gas safety checks can prevent any serious accidents from happening.
• Any type of gas leak or broken appliance can cause your business to shut down. Regular inspection helps you to identify these problems beforehand.
• Some commercial insurance policies require proof of gas safety certificates. Skipping any gas safety check can void your insurance coverage.
• Non-compliance to a gas safety check can lead to penalties and lawsuits especially if there is any personal loss due to its negligence. 

How Can I Find a Qualified Engineer?

According to law, you must hire only engineers who are gas-safe registered, which is the official gas registration body in the UK. You can verify the identity of a gas safe registered engineer through the following ways:

• Ask for their gas-safe ID card.
• Check their registered number on the Gas Safe register website.

Do not fall for anyone offering these services at an unusually low price. Your safety and legal compliance are more important than saving a few pennies.

Tips to Stay Compliant

Wondering how you can stay compliant? Here are a few tips that may help:

• Do not wait till the last minute to schedule your next inspection. Mark the date on your calendar or set a reminder and book an appointment in advance.
• Store copies of gas safety certificates digitally as well as physically; this will make them easily accessible.
• If any of your employees are using gas appliances, train them to identify potential hazards.
• Carbon monoxide detectors can save lives, but installing them is not legally compulsory. Therefore, it is a good preventive measure to install carbon monoxide detectors.

If there is any fault identified by the engineer, then you must not delay repairs. 

Conclusion

Gas safety is not just about ticking off boxes. Getting a gas safety report for your commercial property gives you peace of mind and helps to keep your property, lives and businesses safe. If you have not had any inspection done this year, then it is time to book one right now. Remember, a small inspection can protect you from any major issues in the future.