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Why It Is Important To Have An Annual Gas Safety Check The law obliges landlords to have their gas appliances and flues checked by a Gas Safe engineer annually. This includes shared appliances like boilers. During the check the engineer will take a look at the flue and, if needed, remove it. He will also check for carbon monoxide levels in each appliance. The engineer will shut off the appliance if considered to be “Immediately Dangerous”. It is necessary to fix this before it can be again used. Gas Safety Certificates Gas is a well-known energy source in the UK as well as across the world. However, it could be a serious risk like explosions and harmful emissions of carbon monoxide. To reduce love it to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide emissions, the UK government enacted the law known as “Gas Safety (Installation and use) Regulations 1998”” which obliges landlords to have their rental properties' gas appliances serviced annually and to issue the Gas Safe Certificate to tenants. These documents, also referred to as CP12 Certificates, prove that the boiler of a property as well as other appliances have been inspected to ensure they are safe for tenants to use. A CP12 expires after 12 months. It is the responsibility of the landlord to renew it prior to the date of expiration. They must hire an engineer who is registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is important because only engineers registered with the register can legally perform an inspection of gas safety and issue an CP12. Before CORGI was replaced by Gas Safe, the documentation was referred to as a Gas Certificate or Landlord Gas Safety Record document – but many still refer to it as a CP12. Gas Safety Certificates are applicable to all gas appliances, including gas cookers and boilers, in rental homes, while Boiler Certificates are specific to the boiler. A landlord is required to obtain a CP12 for each rental property and to renew it every year. Traditionally, gas safety certificates were issued on paper which meant that landlords had to ensure they were safe and secure. However, the introduction of digital gas certificates has made it easier for landlords to fulfil their legal obligations. Digital gas safety certificates are more secure than paper-based documents and can be kept at various locations. They are also difficult to lose or damage. Additionally, landlords are able to upload their CP12s into their online accounts, so they can access them anytime. This is particularly useful for landlords who have multiple properties. Furthermore, they can also share their CP12s with tenants and other individuals in the case in the event of an emergency. The CP12s are able to be altered or created more easily on the online version than their counterparts printed on paper. Carbon Monoxide Leaks Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas produced through incomplete combustion of fuels. It is a poisonous gas that has no taste, smell or color. It could cause suffocation and severe poisoning as it is able to replace oxygen in the bloodstream. It can also damage the heart and brain. It is important to have an CO alarm installed in your home and have it regularly checked by trained technicians. CO is produced by any appliance or engine which burns fuel that has carbon, like gasoline oil, wood, propane, kerosene or coal. This includes boats, cars portable generators, fireplaces gas stoves, furnaces, and grills. They can generate high levels of CO if they are not properly maintained or vented. Carbon monoxide levels that are too high could be fatal in minutes. If the symptoms of CO poisoning are observed an individual should leave the premises and get fresh air. The victim should also call 911 or the emergency services number for their area. It is also crucial to find and fix the cause of the poisoning prior to returning to the home. The most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is the inadequate operation or maintenance of gas appliances. It is important to have your gas appliances regularly checked by a qualified engineer. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors installed near sleeping areas at every level of the house. Make sure you check the batteries of your carbon monoxide detectors at least twice every year, at the same time you examine the batteries of your smoke alarms. It is very important to keep all doors and windows closed while a house is being heated or used for cooking. This will prevent the escape of CO gas and reduce the possibility of an explosion. Also, do not use appliances or electrical switches in the area where the fire is occurring. They can create sparks that could ignite the gas, causing an explosion. It is recommended to have the chimney and flue checked every year by a professional to make sure they are clear of any obstructions or creosote that might cause a leak. Flue Leaks The danger of flue leaks is because of the acidic nature of the water that comes from a boiler. It could corrode whatever it dries on and can be extremely destructive. Carbon monoxide poisoning could also be caused by a flue leak and it is important to fix it as soon as you can. This is why it's essential to conduct regular gas safety checks. An experienced engineer will be able to detect leaks and have it repaired before it becomes a problem. The most common cause for a flue leak is that the chimney is not built properly. This could be due to not having a proper slope on the pipe, or drains not being placed in the correct location. It is recommended that the slope of the flue be at least 3 to 5 degrees, and that drains are placed along the length. These drains will ensure that condensate waste from the boiler doesn't return to the heat exchanger causing corrosion and leaking water. Another reason for a leak in the flue could be that the chimney isn't sealed properly. This is common, especially in older chimneys. It is a good idea to have them checked each year. Leaks can be caused by weather conditions. Heavy rain can be very damaging to chimneys and lead to leaks. Rain can cause sealants to degrade and water to enter the chimney. It is also recommended to examine the area around a flue for signs of damage, like bricks or tiles that are damaged. Having a CP12 certificate is legally required for all homeowners in England and Wales It is also important for landlords to have them issued. The CP12 certificate is a proof that your gas appliances pipes, flues and pipes are safe for use. It is typically issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after conducting an extensive examination of your home and ensuring that it complies with the safety standards required. You can locate the nearest Gas Safe engineer by searching online. Repairs Carbon monoxide can leak out in the event that a device or flue is not functioning properly. This poisonous gas is odorless and tasteless, and can cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. The good news is that routine gas safety checks can identify carbon monoxide leaks and make sure your appliances are running safely. If the engineer identifies any issues and you're legally obligated to address them as quickly as possible. If you're a property owner, it's your responsibility to organize annual gas safety checks for any appliances or flues that you offer to tenants. These checks will help you to avoid explosions, fires and carbon monoxide leaks which could cause death. You must ensure that a licensed engineer conducts the inspection and issues the certificate in order to fulfill your obligations. Landlords should check for gas leaks that can occur as a result of incorrect operation or lack maintenance on pipes and appliances. During the inspection the engineer will determine if the appliances are operating at the correct gas pressure. Gas pressure that is inconsistent or wrong can negatively impact the efficiency of appliances and lead them to emit CO, one of the leading causes of CO poisoning. The engineer will also perform an inspection of the visual and test gas tightness to confirm that no leaks have occurred. If the engineer detects the presence of a leak and they ask for your permission to disconnect the supply. During the safety check of your gas system the engineer will also evaluate the condition of the central heating system. They will look for signs of damage, corrosion or blockages, as well as leaks. It is essential to have your boiler checked regularly because it could save you money and avoid breakdowns in the near future. If any appliances or flues need to be replaced, the Gas Safe engineer will notify you during the inspection and provide you a quote for the work. If you decide to go ahead with repairs the engineer will inform you when the work is completed and issue the new Gas Safety Certificate.