Staying Gas Safe
Working with gas can be dangerous, so you must never try to fix, fit or move appliances like your boiler or cooker yourself. Stay gas safe and call DDWilson. Poorly done or serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning; it isn’t worth the risk.
By law, anyone working on gas appliances and fittings as part of their business must be competent and registered with us. That’s why we’d advise you only to use a Gas Safe registered engineer like us to carry out gas work in your home.
When your engineer visits, you’ll want to see their Gas Safe ID card, confirming they’re appropriately qualified to carry out the work safely.
To help you and your family stay safe while you’re making improvements to your home, here are our top tips:
Don’t DIY with gas appliances; use a Gas Safe registered engineer
Don’t block or cover air vents and flues; 'they are essential for safely working gas appliances.'
Never try to remove or repair a gas appliance yourself
If you’re having building work done, always ensure your contractor is qualified
Check where your gas pipes are located - make sure you don’t accidentally hit them during DIY work
Where do subcontractors come in?
If you’re using a subcontractor to undertake any improvements in your home, here’s what you need to bear in mind:
Find out if the job involves any gas work. You must ensure a Gas Safe registered engineer carries it out if it does. Even if you’re using a builder or project manager, you can still check that the engineer employed is Gas Safe registered.
If you’ve had a new appliance fitted, the registered engineer should inform your Local Authority to produce a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
If you’ve installed a new appliance, you can nominate your property for a free inspection.
Additional home improvement considerations
Whether you’re making your home improvements or using a subcontractor, it’s worth considering that some work could impact your gas appliances, even if they aren’t being worked on directly.
Ensure your tradesperson conducts and documents the findings of a risk assessment, which should identify any risk and control measures to ensure gas safety isn’t compromised.
Here are some examples of work which could have a gas safety impact:
New conservatory - It’s imperative to ensure flues don’t become enclosed and are the required distance from any new windows or openings. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should move a duct.
Scaffolding - This work could cover or damage a chimney terminal outlet or flue.
Replacing or blocking air vents - If you’re stopping or removing vents, ensure your gas appliances can operate safely.
External cladding - You’ll need to ensure that vents, chimneys and flues aren’t removed, damaged or obstructed if they’re integral to the safe operation of gas appliances.
Extensions - If this involves moving existing gas appliances or installing new ones, it’s got to be a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who does it.
Roof work - Ensure chimneys and flues aren’t removed, blocked or damaged. For new windows or openings, you’ll need to ensure the required distances from chimneys and flues are maintained in line with relevant standards and manufacturer guidelines.
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