Boiler & Gas Safety Feature


Safety & Regulation Be proactive about gas safety


Bob Kerr of the Gas Safe Register reminds readers of the legal requirements associated with gas installation and maintenance, and highlights contractor management in the housing sector as vitally important to ensuring registration, competence and monitoring


serviced, and compliant with all relevant regulations. As a result of the current systems and processes in place, and improvements


A


in technology, the number of high-profile incidents involving gas in homes remains relatively small (the figure generally declining further over time). Nonetheless, the impact of gas-related incidents – fires, explosions, carbon monoxide exposure, and similar – can be catastrophic, and as such, no-one can afford to be complacent. The gas industry is highly-regulated, with comprehensive and well-


established systems and processes in place to support and protect both those working directly with gas, as well as the wider general public. These regulations ensure duties are clear, and that compliance is straightforward to evidence. There is one overarching piece of legislation that governs all activity in the


industry: The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations. (GSIUR). These regulations have been in place for many years, with the latest amendment coming into force on 6 April 2018. This Approved Code of Practice gives advice and guidance on how to meet


the requirements of GSIUR and the amending regulations. This guidance is for anyone that may have a duty under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, including those who install, service, maintain and/or repair


mong the array of tasks and duties that sit with those responsible for the management and maintenance of housing, there are few as important as ensuring all gas appliances and installations are safe,


gas appliances and other gas fittings. Through abiding by these regulations, the UK has been able to continuously improve the standard of its workmanship, helping to ensure consumers are kept safe in their homes. The most important part of safety assurance is the basic requirement within


regulations to ensure appliances are regularly inspected and maintained. Appliances that undergo regular inspection and maintenance are not only more efficient, they are ultimately safer than those left unserviced. Having regular maintenance schedules in place in homes is a proactive way of


ensuring appliance and consumer safety protocols are adhered to, helping to keep consumers safe and provide them with peace of mind. This role is undertaken by the Gas Safe Register – the official gas safety registration body for the UK. The Gas Safe Register ensures independent businesses and tradesmen that


deal with gas appliances and/or installations adhere to the official regulations and standards. Much of our focus is on ensuring that those undertaking gas work are applying the proper competencies they claim to hold, and therefore that the work they are carrying out is to the required standards. Many housing associations and other similar organisations do not undertake


this work themselves, meaning we often also seek assurances that organisations have effective systems and processes in place for contractor management. Desk- based audits of processes and procedures are an essential component of our work. This includes auditing those managing large quantities of housing stock,


www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM February/March 2020 | 39


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44