When you move into your home, you should be shown how to use the
gas heating system or get some written instructions.
We will service your gas appliance annually. It's really
important that we do this to ensure that it's safe for you to use.
Did you know that every year about 30 people die from carbon
monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not
been properly installed or maintained?
For advice on gas safety click
here
If you have any queries about gas safety inspections, you can
contact PCHA's Gas, Mechanical & Electrical Services Department
on 020 8758 8380 , or email MandEDepartment@pcha.org.uk
If you smell gas or fumes:
- Turn off any gas appliances that are on
- Open windows and doors
- Extinguish naked flames
- Don't use electrical switches
- For Gas Leaks - call National Grid(formerly Transco) directly
on 0800 111 999
The law
It is a criminal offence if we don't carry out an annual gas safety
inspection to ensure that your gas fittings and flues are working
safely.
The annual gas safety inspection
We'll arrange an inspection, free of charge and we'll contact you
beforehand to make an appointment to visit you at home. Please
don't ignore the request for access.
What does the inspection cover?
It covers any flues, pipe-work and appliances that PCHA own. Our
contractors are CORGI registered and are fully qualified to carry
out these inspections. The inspection doesn't apply to any gas
appliance that you own such as cookers. You are responsible for
ensuring the safety of your own gas appliances and we recommend
that you have them checked regularly.
What do we expect from you?
Most importantly, we need you to let our contractors in so that
they can carry out the inspection. It would also be helpful if any
obstructions to appliances we need to check are
cleared.
What can I expect from the
contractors?
- To keep the appointment
- To show you their ID
- To be polite
- To tidy up any mess afterwards
- They will ask you to sign a job sheet once they've
finished
- They will leave you with a copy of the safety
certificate
What if I am out when they call?
Our contractors will leave a calling
card, and they'll write to you with another appointment. If this
isn't convenient, please phone them to arrange another
appointment.
What happens if I don't
respond?
Our solicitors will write to you giving you one more chance to let
our contractors in to do the inspection. But if there is still no
response we may:
- Serve a notice because you've breached the terms of your
tenancy agreement, and we may seek possession of your home through
the court;
- Apply for an injunction, which is legal action to gain access
to your home;
- In an emergency, force entry to your home;
- Ask the court that you pay our legal costs, which could be up
to £700
We hope that court action will never be necessary but
sometimes we have to do this because the health and safety of you
and others may be at risk.
Making sure your home stays safe
- Don't' use a gas appliance if you think it isn't working
properly (some signs to look out for are yellow or orange flames,
soot or stains around the appliance and pilot lights which
frequently blow out);
- Never cover the appliance or block sources of ventilation
- Don't try a do-it-yourself repair or installation or fitting -
this could be dangerous and is probably breaking the law.