As gas safety week comes to a close, we are all being reminded that landlords are responsible for the safety of the appliances in rental properties.
The reminder that all gas appliances should be safety checked annually by a qualified engineer, will help to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and associated risks, especially as we head into the colder weather, and the reliance on boilers and heaters increases. These checks should also be done when installing new, or replacing old appliances. It should be pointed out, that any gas appliances supplied by the landlord are the responsibility of the landlord, but any bought and installed by the tenant themselves in the rented property, becomes the tenant’s responsibility.
The checks will also help reduce the fatal problem of carbon monoxide poisoning; – carbon monoxide poisoning, results in excess of 20,000 emergency room visits a year in the United States. During your annual inspection, you should supply your gas engineer with the manufacturer’s instructions and service booklet, to ensure appliances are maintained with the correct procedures.
Always remember, never to block the ventilation around appliances, and ensure that the appliances are used in the manufacturers intended way – for instance do not use a cooker to heat a room.
A carbon monoxide detector is essential (as well as smoke ones), however, remember to test them on a regular basis.
Keep track of your gas safety certificates – keeping a folder of the certificates issued, will help ensure everything is kept up to date.
For more information visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice
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