Gas safety

As a landlord, Hafod are legally responsible for the safety of our tenants in relation to gas safety. By law we must:

• Repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in safe condition
• Ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue
• Keep a record of each safety check

All properties with a gas appliance will also be fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm to give advance warning of CO in the property. This will also be inspected annually to ensure it is in full working order.

Three main risks can arise from having an unsafe gas appliance in your home:

1. Gas leaks – A gas leak can cause fires or explosions. If you think you can smell gas, then you’ll need to call your emergency service provider immediately. During a gas safety check, a Gas Safe registered engineer will do a visual inspection of pipework and a tightness test to confirm there aren’t any gas leaks.
2. Fires and explosions – Safe appliances burn gas in a controlled way, but a faulty appliance or pipework may leak gas which can then be ignited, causing a fire or explosion.
3. Carbon monoxide poisoning – Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that can be especially deadly because you can’t see, taste or smell it.

We know how busy everyday life can be juggling work, family, school runs, ill-health etc but it really is vital that when we contact you to arrange an appointment to carry out the annual inspection that you set time aside to give our contractors access.

Look out for the following signs. If you spot any of them, you’ll want to get your gas appliance checked straight away:

• Your appliance isn’t working properly
• It produces a floppy yellow flame rather than a crisp blue one
• Black/brown marks on or around the appliance
• The boiler pilot light keeps going out
• Too much water or condensation around the appliance when it is working
• Increased condensation inside the windows

Please contact customer service team on 0800 024 8968 if you have any concerns about the safety of your boiler.

No. A gas safety check must only be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will test your gas appliances to make sure they’re safe to continue operating in your home.

Hafod use Liberty Gas Group Ltd as it Gas Safe registered contractor.

Please remember, it is a requirement of your tenancy to allow access to the property to enable the gas maintenance visits and safety check to be undertaken, as it helps to keep you and your family safe.

If you fail to provide access, then there are further steps Hafod can take to gain access for the gas maintenance visits and safety check to be undertaken.

The record will contain the following information:

• The full name, signature and registration number of the gas engineer who performed the gas safety check
• The address of the property being checked
• The contact details of the landlord of the property
• The date of the inspection
• The location and description of all gas appliances and flues
• Any defects or irregularities found with the gas appliances
• Any repairs that have been done on the spot
• What repairs are still necessary to bring the appliances into working condition
• When the appliance needs to be serviced again
• Confirmation that all relevant safety checks have been carried out

Your safety is of paramount. Therefore, Hafod have clearly instructed its contractor to never leave a gas appliance unsafe. They will always undertake the necessary remedial action required.

If a gas appliance has been switched off by our contracted engineer it is because it was unsafe and should not be used. No matter how inconvenient the situation is this action helps to ensure your safety.

If a heating appliance has been disconnected then our engineers will offer to leave you with temporary heaters whilst they undertake the remedial work needed.

If you suspect there is a gas leak, you should immediately do the following:

• call National Grid’s Gas Emergency freephone number: 0800 111 999
• open all the doors and windows
• shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is)
• immediately report it to Hafod on 0800 024 8968.

It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by our contractor.