What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A Gas Safety Certificate, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record or CP12 is a legal requirement for landlords who rent out properties with gas appliances. The certificate certifies that the gas appliances and flues in the property have been checked and found to be safe for use. The check must be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer who will examine the gas appliances and flues to make sure they are working correctly and safely.
Why is a Gas Safety Certificate required?
A Gas Safety Certificate is required by law as a way to ensure that the gas appliances and flues in a property are safe to use. The certificate helps to prevent gas leaks, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning which are all potential dangers associated with gas appliances. By having a Gas Safety Certificate landlords can demonstrate that they are taking the necessary steps to keep their tenants safe.
What will be checked during the inspection?
During an inspection for a gas safety certificate(CP12) the following will be checked:
- The operation and condition of the gas appliances including boilers cookers and hobs.
- The installation of the appliances including the pipes, flues and ventilation systems to ensure they are installed correctly and safely.
- The safety features of the appliances such as pilot lights, flame supervision devices, and pressure relief valves to ensure they are functioning properly.
- The gas supply and pressure to the appliances, to ensure it is within the safe and recommended range.
- The operating and safety devices, such as thermostats and timers to ensure they are working correctly.
- The overall condition of the appliances, including visible corrosion and wear to identify any potential hazards.
- The carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to ensure they are installed and working properly.
- It is important to note that a gas safety inspection is not a service or maintenance check but rather a safety check to ensure the appliances are functioning safely.
Pre-Inspection Checklist for Occupants and Tenants:
To ensure a smooth gas safety inspection of your gas installation and gas appliances, it is important to prepare in advance. Here are some key points to keep in mind before the arrival of the engineer.
- Accessibility: Make sure that the gas meter and all gas appliances are easily accessible and free from any obstructions.
- Inactivity: No gas appliances should be running hot or in use during the visit.
- Working order: All gas appliances that will be checked must be in full working order. If any appliances are not operational please inform us or the engineer in advance.
- Credit: If you have a pay-as-you-go or prepayment gas meter, make sure there is enough credit for tests to be carried out.
- Safety: Ensure the safety of children and animals during the visit by supervising them adequately.
- Accessibility to lofts or basements: Gas appliances in lofts or basements must be easily accessible via a secure staircase or fixed ladders.
- Flue inspection: The engineer will need access to the exterior grounds to check the condition of the flues.
- Leaks: If there are any gas leaks, or if you suspect that there may be a leak from any of your gas appliances, please let the engineer know in advance so that they can take the necessary precautions.
- Electricals: Make sure that all electrical appliances and devices near the gas appliances are turned off during the visit.
- Changes: Advise the engineer of any recent renovations or changes to the gas system, such as the installation of a new appliance or a new gas supply.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE that at present we are NOT able to offer gas safety inspections for the below appliances. We reserve the right to charge an abortive fee if instructed to inspect these appliances:
- Back boilers
- Warm air units
- Open-flue boilers
- Gas fires
