These Regulations apply to all rented property and require that gas appliances and any gas installation, appliance or pipe-work at the property be maintained so that it is safe and does not pose a risk of injury to any person. Each appliance must be checked for safety at least once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered contractor and a record kept of the dates of inspection. Landlords must supply gas safety records to tenants if they request them. It is the landlords responsibility to carry out the gas safety check, not the tenant.  

• stains, soot or discolouring around a gas fire or at the top of a water heater. This may mean that the flue or chimney is blocked. Carbon monoxide can build up in the room
• a yellow or orange flame on a gas fire or water heater
• a strange smell when the gas appliance is on – this may be a gas leak

If you notice any of these danger signs, treat it as an emergency and call National Grid or registered contractor to arrange a safety check as soon as possible. Ignoring them could be fatal. Remember - if you use, or allow other people to use an appliance which may be unsafe, you are risking lives and breaking the law.

Carbon monoxide is a gas which is highly toxic. People die each year from carbon monoxide. In England, Wales and Scotland in 2006-2007 50 people died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning (CORGI Trust Report 2007).  

Carbon Monoxide has a number of sources including:  

• Faulty, incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated gas appliances or solid fuel burners (This is the main cause of Carbon Monoxide poisoning)
• Vehicle Exhausts
• Smoking

It is important that appliances burning fossil fuels, such as gas fires or gas water heaters are properly fitted, serviced and safety-checked every 12 months by approved competent persons.

Carbon monoxide can be very difficult to recognise or detect. It has no colour, no smell, no taste, and the symptoms can be confused with those of other illnesses, such as a cold or flu.

It is recommended that you  fit an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm that meets European Standard EN 50291, showing a British Standards Kitemark or LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) logo. These alarms are available in homeware or DIY stores, and you must make sure that you follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.. It is important to remember that fitting an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm is not an alternative to having appliances, flues and chimneys serviced and tested.

Never ignore a beeping Carbon Monoxide alarm. Always investigate the reason for it sounding. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds:  

• Turn off all gas appliances and extinguish solid fuel burners (if possible)
• Open all windows and doors for ventilation
• Call the relevant emergency line as listed below
• Seek medical advice
• Have all appliances checked by a registered engineer

There are three main ways to reduce the risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. For the safety of residents, and visitors to the property, follow these steps:

• only buy appliances that have been tested for safety. Take care when buying second-hand appliances, make sure that the dealer gives you a written guarantee and always ask for a copy of the user instructions.
• never be tempted to fit gas appliances yourself or to use a contractor who is not a registered installer. One mistake could cost a life. For gas appliances always use an installer registered with Gas Safe. This is not only common sense - it is also the law.
• www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Emergency Lines:

Gas (National Grid): 0800 111 999

Solid Fuel Advice Line: 0845 601 4406

Oil (OFTEC): 0845 658 5080

You can also get further information and help from the following organisations:

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - You can visit the HSE Domestic gas health and safety web pages for information on managing gas appliances and equipment safely and what to do in an emergency. The site also provides advice for landlords, and letting agents on how to comply with the law. If you are a landlord you can all the HSE - Landlord Gas Safety Inspections Information Line on 0800 300 363.
• Please view the HSE Gas Safety for Landlords leaflet (PDF 130KB)
• Visit the HSE website for frequently asked questions on gas safety for tenants
• Gas Safe Registers the national watchdog for gas safety in the United Kingdom. You can visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk for information on gas safety issues around the home, and to find a GasSafe registered installer in your area.
• For consumer related issues (if you have problems with goods or services) you can visit Trading Standards or contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. For face-to-face advice you can visit our Trading Standards office Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
• Please click here for more information on the affects of Carbon Monoxide (external Link)
• Please click here for the HSE guide 'Gas Appliances - get them checked - keep them safe' (PDF 198KB)  
• Please click here for the HSE guide 'Landlords - A guide to landlords' duties: Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998' (PDF 129KB)
• View the HSE flyer on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (PDF 194KB)
• View the HSE poster on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (PDF 766KB)

Housing Standards and Improvement Service
3rd Floor Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1TP

Telephone 01922 652171 or 01922 652172
Fax 01922 652196
Email housingstandardsandimprovement@walsall.gov.uk

This page was last updated on 16 December 2011