As the county was recently shocked by the news from Shoreham of a wrecked house caused by exploded boiler, it acts as a well-timed and essential reminder to all Landlords.
It is not only boiler explosions caused by faulty Gas boilers that can cause severe damage and injuries. The most common cause of death from a faulty Gas boiler is Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, unscented, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. These carbon-based fuels are safe to use, however it is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.
No matter what the relationship is between the tenant and the Landlord, it is still a Landlord responsibility to ensure that the Gas boiler and any gas appliances are serviced annually by a Gas Safe (previously Corgi) Engineer who will issue a Safety Certificate. Many Landlords are not aware that failure to carry out this essential inspection constitutes a criminal offence.
As mentioned by the Health and Safety Executive report from 2011 every year around 15 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to CO. Increasing public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.
If you are a Landlord - please ensure you do not neglect your duties under the Gas Safety (installation and use) Act. As a landlord, you are legally responsible for the safety of your tenants in relation to gas safety.
As a Landlord the Law requires you to:
1) Repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in safe condition
2) Ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue
3) Keep a record of each safety check and be prepared to present if requested
4) It is also advises to keep your tenants informed about their responsibilities while they are staying in your property.
2) Ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue
3) Keep a record of each safety check and be prepared to present if requested
4) It is also advises to keep your tenants informed about their responsibilities while they are staying in your property.
If you are a tenant with Gas in the property you are renting, please ensure you see a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate. If you smell gas at your property, immediately call the following emergency number 08706081524 and an engineer will attend the property within 1 hour.
Miraculously all three people who were present during the explosion earlier this week in Shoreham escaped without any severe injuries. Unfortunately this is not always the case.
If you are concerned about this issue or need advice please contact Harringtons Lettings on 01273 749 169. Harringtons have excellent contractors on hand to carry out Gas Safety inspections at very competitive rates to ensure that your property and your tenants are safe from unexpected Gas boiler failures.
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