PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2025 42 GasSafety


Simplify assessments with the right tools


Stricter regulations and scrutiny keep landlords and heating engineers under pressure to ensure all properties meet legal standards. Lee Parsons from Arctic Hayes looks at the tools helping them to do this effi ciently.


Misplaced or incomplete records can lead to non-compliance – and, in some cases, signifi cant fi nes. There’s also the added


Lee Parsons Managing director of Arctic Hayes


C


ompliance in heating and safety is multi- layered and gas safety checks must be completed annually


by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Appliances, fl ues and ventilation need to be inspected and verifi ed as safe. In addition, growing attention is being placed on energy effi ciency, with landlords expected to ensure heating systems consistently operate at optimal performance. Documentation is just as


important as the physical checks themselves – records need to be complete, accurate and easy to retrieve should they be requested by authorities or in the event of a dispute. Issues can arise if paperwork becomes fragmented, which often happens, especially when diff erent installers work on the same property over time.


 Arctic Hayes off ers a range of tools to help installers ensure gas safety


dimension of evolving regulation. New requirements can emerge quickly and landlords must adapt without delay. Recent emphasis on carbon monoxide and smoke alarm installation, driven by updates to fi re safety regulations, means heating engineers are increasingly expected to assess and document alarm presence and functionality as part of their service.


Working effi ciently Fortunately, recent advances in tools and technology are making compliance easier to manage, not by replacing the expertise of qualifi ed engineers, but by enabling them to work more effi ciently and deliver better documentation. Digital reporting platforms,


for example, allow engineers to complete inspection records on site, using mobile devices. This eliminates the need for handwritten notes that must later be typed up, reducing the risk of transcription errors. Digital forms can be stored securely in the cloud and shared instantly with landlords, giving them immediate access to the latest compliance reports. Testing equipment has


also advanced. Modern fl ue gas analysers provide highly accurate readings quickly, helping engineers carry


Combining the alarm test


with the boiler inspection in a single visit reduces the number of appointments needed, saving time for both parties and making compliance more cost- eff ective. For landlords with multiple


properties, effi ciency is everything so the more streamlined the compliance process, the easier it is to stay on top of legal requirements across an entire portfolio. This is where a combination


of the right tools and good workfl ow design can make a huge diff erence: Pre-Visit Preparation –


Having a checklist of required inspections, informed by the property’s compliance history, ensures no work is duplicated or overlooked. On-Site Testing and


 A dedicated record pad from Arctic Hayes ensures standardised documentation for all the required checks


out effi ciency checks with confi dence. The same applies to portable testing units for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which enable those working on site to verify functionality in seconds and record results in real time.


Paper trail While digital tools are on the rise, many installers and landlords still rely on physical records, particularly when a paper copy is required for compliance or tenant communication. This is where standardised documentation can play a vital role. A dedicated record pad, like


the one from Arctic Hayes, is designed specifi cally for landlords and homeowners and helps ensure all required checks are covered consistently, from boiler servicing to safety alarms. Each section guides the engineer through the process, reducing the risk of missing a key step. The resulting report is clear and easy to understand, which is particularly valuable when communicating with tenants who may not be familiar


with technical terminology. While legislation varies


slightly across the UK, the broad requirement is that smoke alarms must be installed on every storey of a rental property, and carbon monoxide alarms must be fi tted in rooms with a solid fuel appliance. During a boiler service


or annual gas safety check, installers are in a prime position to verify the presence and working condition of these alarms. Using a professional smoke alarm tester, they can ensure the device is responsive without introducing artifi cial smoke, minimising disruption to tenants. This not only satisfi es legal requirements but also reassures both landlords and occupants that fi re safety systems are operational.


Recording – Using portable diagnostic equipment alongside structured documentation means data is captured accurately in real time. Immediate Reporting –


Whether digital or paper, delivering a clear report straight after the visit gives landlords confi dence and creates a transparent compliance trail. Centralised Storage –


Keeping all records in a single, easily accessible location reduces the risk of lost documentation and makes audits straightforward.


Shared responsibility Ultimately, compliance is a shared responsibility between landlords and the heating engineers they engage. By working together and making smart use of technology and structured reporting, both parties can reduce the risk of non-compliance, improve tenant safety and streamline operations. Regulation in the heating


sector is only likely to tighten in the years ahead. Those who adopt effi cient, accurate and transparent compliance processes now will not only avoid penalties but will also stand out as responsible, professional operators in a competitive market. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/76


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