HSE strongly advises that all gas appliances, flues and pipework should be installed, regularly maintained and serviced at least annually by a CORGI-registered installer.
Anyone employed to work on gas appliances in domestic premises must be a CORGI-registered installer and competent in that area of gas work. The gas installer’s competencies are clearly marked on the back of the installer’s CORGI registration card. If in any doubt you can ring CORGI or check their website to see if the installer is registered. Further information is provided under our registration body page.
HSE strongly recommends the use of CO alarms as one useful precaution to give advance warning of CO in a property. Importantly alarms should not be regarded as a replacement for regular maintenance and safety checks by a CORGI-registered installer. CO alarms cost between £20-£30 and can be purchased in most hardware shops. Before purchasing a CO alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark. CO alarms should be installed and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions
If you have shared ownership of your property and the lease is for longer than 7 years the housing company does not have landlord’s duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(IU)R 98). In this situation you would have the same responsibilities as a homeowner link to homeowner FAQ page.
In situations where a lease is shorter than 7 years then the housing company would be classified as a landlord under GS(IU)R 98. The contract between you and the housing company should clearly state who is responsible for the associated duties for domestic gas safety.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and Building Regulations require flues to be installed in a safe position at specified distances from the boundary, however there might be installations that do not comply but still operate safely. Ideally neighbours, builders and householders should consider this issue and consult before commencing work. The Department of Communities and Local Government has published an explanatory booklet on this offering more advice. If you are still concerned then get a CORGI-registered installer to examine the flue.
Every year around 20 people die from gas-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. HSE strongly advises that gas appliances and/or flues are regularly checked for safety at least once every 12 months. Some financial help is offered to vulnerable groups of people, for more information visit our financial help page.
Since 31 October 1998, any room converted to use as sleeping accommodation should not contain the following types of gas appliances:
If a room contains one or more of the above appliances and was used as a bedroom prior to 1998 then you will need to do a risk assessment to determine if it can still be used as a bedroom. If you are unsure of the safety of any gas appliance you should get a CORGI-registered installer to check it for you.
Free leaflets explaining some general gas safety information are available from HSE.
HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering advice on gas safety that is open 8am-8pm Monday- Friday and 10am-4pm on a Saturday. To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.