Who is Responsible for Gas Safety Checks?

Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant of a commercial property, or a landlord, you have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people using or residing in the premises. The law determines who is responsible for what safety measures in a building and this will help guide your question of who is responsible for gas safety checks.

As part of the lease agreement between the landlord and their tenants, the landlord’s obligations regarding any safety checks will be laid out in writing. This will ensure both the landlord and the tenants understand completely their specific responsibilities.

Gas Safety Regulations of 1998

If you are a homeowner, you are solely responsible for carrying out gas safety checks every 12 months. However, if you are a landlord the law states that you are responsible for ensuring all gas appliances are maintained in a safe, working condition at all times. Landlords must also have an annual gas safety check by a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer, who will decide if all gas appliances are safe.

The landlord should keep every Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) they receive to prove the building’s safety to future tenants or employees. Tenants must receive copies of the CP12 before moving into the building and then again when repeat check ups are completed. They should immediately respond to any queries or requests the tenants may have. If these checks are not completed, then the landlord can face massive fines, or even imprisonment.

If the tenancy agreed is longer than 7 years, or a lifelong lease, then the tenants are responsible for ensuring all gas safety measures are carried out (this also applies if your accommodation is a part of your job).

Why is it so important?

These gas safety regulations are in place to prevent deaths by carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas which if released into the home or workplace, can make people very unwell. Unfortunately, even with extensive regulations, around 25 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore it is extremely important that these gas appliances are installed correctly and safety checks are carried about by the right, qualified person, to ensure no mistakes are made.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often dismissed as other illnesses, which is what makes carbon monoxide poisoning particularly dangerous. Symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

To avoid irreversible health damage to yourself or others, it is important to notice the symptoms as soon as they appear. Being aware of the impact carbon monoxide poisoning has on your health means you’ll be able to quickly identify the symptoms and evacuate the building suspected of the leak.

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Disclaimer- this article is for informational purposes only and we do not hold responsibility for the safety precautions and actions taken by the reader of this article.