Gas Safety Certificate FAQ
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate is a document issued by a registered gas engineer. It comprises of a list of the various checks and tests carried out during a gas installation, service or repair. It isn’t always a legal obligation for an engineer to provide a documentation after working on a gas appliance, but many of them will do even when it’s not necessary.
Why is a gas safety certificate important?
A gas safety certificate is your confirmation that your appliances have been checked for safety. From a legal standpoint it is important to keep records of important checks like this – should anything go wrong with an appliance, you will have proof that you were assured of it’s safety and functionality. Most importantly, it’s your proof that your gas appliances are safe to use.
Boiler servicing/safety checking and gas safety certificates
After a boiler service and safety check, the registered gas engineer will provide you with a gas safety certificate. This should be kept with your records. If you are renting a property, your landlord will receive the gas safety certificate and you will receive a copy of it for your own records.
Landlords and the gas safety certificate
By law, landlords are obligated to make sure that their let properties are safe to live in. Part of this obligation is arranging an annual service and safety check for all gas appliances in the homes they let. By law they must keep records of the steps they take to ensure gas safety in their properties, which is where the gas safety certificate comes in. Tenants are able to request to see their home’s gas safety record at any time – and it’s a wise idea to do so when you move into a new property.
What does a gas safety certificate include?
The contents of a gas safety certificate is dependent on the company/contractor issuing it, though by law it must contain the minimum of:
- The location (and description of) each appliance and flue checked
- The name, registration number and signature of the engineer who carried out the installation, service, check or repair
- The date that the work was carried out
- Details of any defects found, plus the action taken/planned to rectify them
- Results of any safety checks carried out on an appliance
- If applicable, the name and address of the landlord or their agent.
What’s the difference between a gas safety check and a service?
A service includes a safety check, but also comprises of a thorough clean of the appliance. The safety checks that are carried out, and will be noted on the gas safety certificate issued, include:
- Checking that the flue is fully functional and working safely
- Checking that there is an adequate supply of oxygen to the appliance
- Checking that the appliances safety devices are functional
- Ensuring that the appliance is burning the gas properly