gas safety inspection

The gas safety inspection is a check of all gas appliances within a property.

Checking that there is no danger to the user when the devices are working.

Statistics indicate that around 70% of UK households never check their gas appliances until something goes wrong.

Properties classified as rented are required to undergo an annual gas safety inspection every 12 months by law.

My boiler is checked every year, isn’t that a gas safety inspection?

No, the boiler service is only to check the boiler and no other device.

Let me explain the difference between a boiler service and a gas safety inspection.

A boiler service is first checking that it is still safe to operate and does not pose any danger to the user.

The boiler is checked to make sure it is securely attached to the wall and stable, then moved to the chimney, checked to make sure it is still in good condition and free of corrosion.

In the last 12 years, all the boilers installed are condensing boilers, they produce condensed water that is acidic.

In the event of a condensate leak inside the boiler or chimney, it will cause corrosion and allow combustion products to filter, so this check is very important.

The gas supply is checked to ensure that it is adequate for the boiler, one of the most common problems encountered is that the gas is undersized, normally in mixed boilers.

The boiler combustion is checked with a gas analyzer and compared to the boiler specifications if the necessary adjustments can be made.

When performing boiler service, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s service instructions if possible.

If the service manual is not present, you can usually find one online. Most boilermakers now list their manuals online.

All safety devices are checked to ensure they are working properly if the boiler has an expansion vessel fitted this is also checked and reset if necessary.

Gas safety inspection.

The gas safety inspection is a safety check on all gas appliances, somewhat similar to boiler service.

Whatever the appliance, it must be checked to ensure that it is safe to use and does not pose any danger to the user.

The appliance is checked to ensure that it is correctly and stably installed and that it is suitable for the room in which it is located.

If the appliance has a flue, it is necessary to check it to make sure that there are no obstructions and that the combustion products are dispersed correctly.

It is checked that the ventilation is adequate so that the appliance burns correctly and that it cannot be closed.

The llama image is checked to make sure it is crisp blue and not yellow in color.

Gas cookers are checked to make sure they have a stability bracket or chain installed to prevent young children from pulling on them.

Gas hobs are checked to make sure they have the correct clearances around them.

The gas supply to the hob must have an isolation valve installed, so if it is necessary to remove the hob it can be done without interrupting the supply to the other appliances.

The most common fault found in a gas safety inspection is a flexible kitchen hose attached to the cooktop; all gas hobs must be connected to a solid pipe.

All visible gas piping is checked for signs of corrosion and stability, ensuring they are clipped and tagged if necessary.

The gas supply for the entire property is checked to ensure it is adequate when all appliances are working.

One of the most important checks is a gas leak test, this is called a leak test. This test is carried out on the gas meter.

While we’re at the gas meter, we’re also checking that the meter is secured to the wall properly and doesn’t move.

We are also checking that the gas line is properly grounded and the proper size.

A gas safety inspection is a very important process and must be carried out at regular intervals.