Why Regular Gas Safety Inspections Are A Must For Your Property?

Gas is an important energy source used by people all over the world. Not only is it convenient to use, but it is also relatively inexpensive than electricity. Gas keeps your home heated, helps in cooking food, and is used for powering other appliances such as boilers, geysers, and more..

Yet, as common and convenient as it is, this energy source can also be dangerous. This is where the role of gas safety inspections comes in. Every year several people become victims of gas-related accidents in the United Kingdom. These accidents include gas explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

So, it is crucial to get a gas safety check every year by an expert to reduce the chances of experiencing a gas-related accident. These checks are important not only for landlords but for homeowners as well. Here are some reasons you should get your gas appliances inspected regularly.

Reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is created when fuel-fired appliances, such as ovens, hobs, or boilers, are poorly maintained or not working properly. This colorless and odorless gas can be potentially fatal if exposed for a long time. Even if you are not exposed to the gas directly, its presence in your surroundings can harm your health in several ways.

You can detect carbon monoxide poisoning through headaches, dizziness, vomiting, or unconsciousness. And, about 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year in the United Kingdom. So, you can reduce the risk of getting carbon monoxide poisoning with the help of regular checks and by maintaining your gas appliances.

Decreases the chances of experiencing a gas leak

Some appliances start leaking gas if used for a long time. Similarly, faulty appliances, such as broken gas pipes, may cause a gas leak. As this energy source is easily combustible, it can ignite and lead to a fire or explosion.

So, getting an annual check can help you identify and eliminate any gas leaks before any major damage occurs. However, if you ever smell gas in your home and it has not been a year since the last inspection, it is important to contact an expert right away and have it checked out. It is also recommended to open all your windows to let the gas out or evacuate your home till a professional comes.

Important for the safety of your property

Regarding gas safety, the main responsibility lies with the landlord or homeowner. Landlords need to get checks every year and get a Gas Safety Certificate. You can present this as proof to your tenants that all gas appliances in the home work perfectly and are well-maintained..

Also, you will need this certificate for insurance if you experience a gas-related accident on your property. If you don’t get regular safety checks or you do not have a Gas Safety Certificate, it may negate your insurance claim.

What to Expect from a Gas Safety Check?

Now that you know the importance of maintaining your gas appliances and pipelines, let’s consider what to expect during an inspection. A gas safety inspection frequency should be once a year or every 10 to 12 months. So, if it’s time for an inspection, the first step is to contact a gas expert, preferably a gas-registered engineer, to conduct the check.

Once the gas engineer arrives at your location, they will present identification. Then they will conduct several checks that will help determine whether all appliances are working properly or not. The engineer will:

• Check if all appliances are installed correctly and are securely connected to the gas pipeline
• Check if all air vents and chimneys are blockage-free and working efficiently
• Check whether all safety devices installed on the gas appliances are working
• Check if the appliance is suitable for the room or area it is installed in
• Check for gas leaks or carbon monoxide

After the gas engineer completes the check, they will let you know the results. They will also give you a Gas Safety Certificate that includes important details about the gas inspection. This certificate will include:

• Location of the property
• Address of the person requesting the inspection/landlord
• List of appliances that were tested
• Result of the inspection
• Date of the inspection
• Details regarding any potential issues
• Name of the engineer

Concluding Thoughts

Gas appliances are an important and useful part of every household. These appliances may include boilers, ovens, hobs, or chimneys. However, gas can be dangerous if its use is not administered properly. Over time, faulty appliances may start leaking gas or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal for humans.

So, it is necessary to get annual A gas safety inspections especially if you are a landlord or a homeowner. These inspections can help protect you and your property from gas-related incidents such as explosions, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

So, if you haven’t gotten your gas appliances inspected yet, reach out to a gas engineer and get an appointment. The engineer will check all gas appliances and pipelines and give you a Gas Safety Certificate. As a landlord, this certificate will come in handy for insurance purposes and for securing tenants as well.