How to Fix Problems Identified in a Gas Safety Report

If you want to make sure that your home or rental property is safe and legally compliant with gas safety regulations, then you must get a safety report. Whether you are a landlord, tenant, or homeowner, it is important to get this report highlighting your property's safety issues. Most of these issues can be fixed with the help of a professional and by adopting the correct approach. In this guide, we will discuss the steps you need to take to fix any problem that is identified in your gas safety report.

Understanding the Report

Before taking any steps, you need to read and understand the report thoroughly. A Gas safety report is also called a CP12 certificate. The certificate is issued after a gas safety engineer checks your gas appliances and issues a report. The report highlights:

1. Immediate dangers (ID)
2. At-risk appliances (AR)
3. Not to current standards (NCS)
4. Advice notes

Each of these categories has a different level of urgency. For instance:

1. ID (Immediately Dangerous): These appliances or systems are a threat to life and must not be operated at any cost.
2. AR (At risk): This is potentially hazardous equipment, for instance, poor ventilation or a faulty flue.
3. NCS (Not to Current Standard): This is not potentially dangerous equipment, but it does not meet safety standards.

If you are unaware of these terms, then you can ask your certified gas engineer to explain them to you. They are legally required to provide any information you require.

Prioritize Serious Issues

If your report states that immediately dangerous (ID) appliances or systems will have to be shut down during an inspection. You need to prioritize these issues first before using them. Examples of immediately dangerous issues include;

1. Gas leaks
2. Faulty boilers that pose a carbon monoxide risk
3. Dangerous flu positioning

Possible Action Plan

1. Do not try to DIY yourself. It is illegal and dangerous unless you get it fixed by a certified gas-safe engineer.
2. You must arrange for any type of emergency repairs as soon as possible.
3. Document all actions you take to maintain a record, especially if you are a property owner.

Hire a Gas Safe Certified Engineer

You must hire a gas-safe registered engineer to carry out any gas-related work. In the UK, you can visit a Gas Safe registered engineer to check an engineer's credentials. When you book an engineer for a repair, you must;

1. Share a copy of the gas safety report with your hired engineer before starting the work.
2. You can ask them to explain what needs to be repaired or replaced.
3. Get a quotation before the work begins especially if it involves major work such as the replacement of a boiler or gas oven.

Replace any Dangerous Appliances

Sometimes it may not be possible to fix a gas appliance. Such gas appliances are either too old or too damaged. In such cases, the engineer will suggest that you replace it. For instance;

1. A boiler that cannot be repaired.
2. A cooker that has worn-out gas valves.
3. Flues or vents that cannot be repaired or relocated.

It is always advisable to select modern, energy-efficient replacements that are in compliance with modern safety standards. The replacements can even be more costly but you must prioritize safety over cost.

Upgrade the Equipment According to Safety Standards

If the report states that the equipment is NCS (Not to current standards), it does not mean that you are breaking the law. Yet, it means that you need to improve your equipment to meet the modern safety standard, for instance:

1. Old pipework
2. Inadequate ventilation
3. Inadequate placement of gas meters or appliances

The reason to upgrade your equipment is to always consider that safety comes first as it may become a necessary requirement in the future. Improvements can also help in improving energy efficiency and performance. You can also discuss with your gas-safe engineer about these benefits and talk about upgrading your systems and appliances.

Issues with Ventilation and Flu

One of the most common issues when it comes to gas safety checks is poor ventilation. Gas appliances such as boilers and cookers require proper ventilation to operate safely. Likewise, flues also operate to carry harmful gases outside. If the report states;

1. Blocked flues
2. Restricted Flues
3. Inadequate air vents
4. Flues located in inaccessible spaces

Solutions for such problems include:

1. Cleaning and replacement of blocked flue pipes.
2. Installation of additional ventilation.
3. Installing the appliance in a more suitable location.

Again, do not try to install or make any changes yourself. Always hire a gas-certified professional to make the flue corrections and ventilation adjustments.

Pipework Problems

Gas pipes can corrode and get damaged over time, especially if the property is old. Some of the common issues include:

1. Corroded gas pipes
2. Leaked gas pipes
3. Gas leaks that are untraceable

If there is a problem with the pipework, then the engineer will take the following steps;

1. The engineer will perform a tightness test to detect the location of the leak
2. The damaged section will have to be replaced
3. Sometimes the engineer will have to do complete re-piping in cases where the gas pipes are really old and beyond repair.

Maintain Documentation

Once all the problems are fixed, you must follow these steps:

1. Request your engineer for a completion certificate or an invoice that states all the details of the work.
2. Keep before and after gas safety reports that will show that the issue was fixed.
3. If you are a landlord, then you will have to provide the revised gas certificate to the tenant within 28 days.

Maintaining proper documentation helps to maintain legalities and saves you from any legal trouble with future buyers and tenants.

Conclusion

Gas safety is not something that you need to ignore. If the report states any problems, then you must not ignore them. Being proactive helps to keep your home safe and helps you stay compliant with the legal requirements. Always hire qualified professionals and prioritize urgent repairs. Whether you are a landlord, homeowner, or tenant then staying safe helps to protect lives, and it is worth every penny you spend.