Gas safety precautions
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
There are important steps you should take to make sure the gas appliances in your home safe.
Check for danger signs around gas appliances
Gas appliance danger signs include:
- sooty marks
- yellow or orange flames instead of blue (although this probably won't apply if you have a 'real flame' gas fire)
- pilot lights that blow out frequently
- excessive condensation on windows.
The Gas Safe Register website has more information on things to look out for. Never use any gas appliance that you think might be unsafe.
Get a carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can kill. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide in the air by flashing a light and sounding an alarm. A carbon monoxide detector is not the same as a smoke alarm.
Ideally, you should have a detector in every room that contains gas appliances. If you have a gas fire or boiler in the bedroom, it's particularly important to have a detector there. This is because carbon monoxide leaks are very dangerous when you're asleep, as you won't notice the initial warning signs of poisoning such as tiredness or dizziness.
There is no legal requirement for your landlord to install carbon monoxide detectors, but it's a good idea to ask for one anyway. If your landlord won't provide one, fit one yourself. You can buy them from hardware or DIY shops for as little as £10. Make sure any detector you buy conforms to British standard BS7860.
Have gas safety checks carried out every year
All rented properties must have a valid gas safety certificate and a copy should be given to the tenants. Gas safety checks in rented property should be carried out at least once a year. It is a landlord's responsibility to arrange this.
By law, gas safety checks (and any work required) must be carried out only by Gas Safe registered engineers. They will check:
- the gas supply pipe work
- that all gas appliances are working safely
- that all gas flues are working safely and are suitable
- that gas appliances have adequate ventilation.
If you are disabled, chronically ill or of retirement age, you are entitled to free gas safety checks from your gas supplier as part of the Priority Service Register scheme.
Get repair work done immediately
If you suspect that any gas appliances in your home may be faulty:
- stop using the appliance immediately
- report the fault to your landlord if you are renting
- get the appliance checked by a registered engineer if you are a homeowner.
Repairs to gas equipment must be carried out by registered gas engineers. You can find a registered installer through the Gas Safe Register website.
Check the gas engineer is registered
Before you let a gas engineer into your home, ask to see their Gas Safe Register identification first. You can also check that the installer is listed on the Gas Safe Register website or phone 0800 408 5500.
