Gas Safety Certificate: Why It Matters and What You Need to Know

Ensuring that any gas appliances in your home or properties are regularly checked and maintained is crucial for the safety and comfort of those using them. Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, regular gas safety checks can help prevent dangerous incidents and keep appliances running efficiently.

What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A Gas Safety Certificate (also known as a Gas Safety Record) is an official document provided after a qualified engineer completes a gas safety check. This check should be conducted annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. The certificate confirms that your gas appliances and installations meet legal safety standards.

Why Do You Need a Gas Safety Certificate?

Gas safety certificates are critical because they prove that gas appliances in your property are safe to use. Landlords are legally required to provide this documentation to tenants, ensuring their safety. Homeowners, while not legally required to have a certificate, are strongly encouraged to get one for peace of mind and when selling a property.

Types of Gas Safety Checks

There are two main types of gas safety checks:

Appliance Safety Check:

• Verifies the operating pressure and heat input of gas-powered appliances like boilers, cookers, or fires.
• Ensures the flue or chimney is properly removing combustion gases.
• Confirms the appliance is suitable for the room, properly installed, and burning gas safely.
• Checks for an adequate air supply and the functionality of safety devices like carbon monoxide alarms.

Gas Installation Safety Check:

• Verifies all accessible gas pipework is in good condition
• Checks the gas pipework isn’t leaking

Who Needs a Gas Safety Certificate?

Homeowners
While there’s no legal obligation for homeowners to have a Gas Safety Certificate, it is highly recommended to have all gas appliances serviced annually. Having this documentation can also be beneficial when selling a property, as it assures potential buyers that the appliances are in full working order.

Landlords
Landlords are legally required to ensure gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe. A Gas Safe Registered engineer must conduct annual checks, and landlords must provide tenants with a Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the check. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or imprisonment.

Tenants
Tenants are not responsible for gas safety checks; this is the landlord’s duty. However, if you notice any issues, such as a gas leak, it’s important to report them immediately.

Gas Safety for Businesses: Commercial Certificates

For businesses, a commercial gas safety certificate (CP12) is required if you have gas appliances. Ensuring employee and customer safety is vital, and failure to comply with gas safety regulations can result in significant penalties. Depending on your business, you may also be required to get more than one type of commercial gas certificate such as a commercial catering gas certificate (CP42), a gas installation certificate (CP17) or a commercial boiler comissioning record (CP15).

How to Obtain a Gas Safety Certificate

To get a Gas Safety Certificate:

1. Hire a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
2. Schedule an annual gas safety check.
3. Ensure you receive the certificate after the inspection.

The cost of a gas safety certificate varies depending on the size of the property and the number of appliances checked.

Gas Safe Register: What It Is and Why It’s Important

The Gas Safe Register is the official list of businesses that are legally allowed to carry out gas work in the UK. Only engineers listed on the register are permitted to conduct gas safety checks and issue Gas Safety Certificates. Always verify that your engineer is registered by checking their Gas Safe ID card or looking them up on the Gas Safe Register.

At Metro Plumb, we’re registered as a Gas Safe businesses and have local gas safe registered plumbers ready to help you. To find a local gas safe plumbers, visit our Find Your Local Plumber page.

What If an Issue is Identified During a Gas Safety Check?

If any safety defects are found during the inspection, the engineer will detail the issue on the certificate and take immediate action to fix it. Serious defects may require shutting off the appliance until repairs are made.

How Long Does a Gas Safety Certificate Last?

A Gas Safety Certificate is valid for 12 months. After this period, you’ll need to schedule another check to remain compliant and ensure safety.

Other Gas-Related Certificates

In addition to the Gas Safety Certificate, there are other certificates you may need, such as a boiler safety certificate. This document confirms that your boiler has been serviced and is functioning efficiently. Unlike a gas safety check, a boiler service is more detailed and focuses on the appliance’s overall health.

Need a Gas Safety Check?

At Metro Plumb, we offer expert services for gas safety checks, boiler servicing, and appliance maintenance. Our Gas Safe Registered engineers are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Contact us today to schedule your next gas safety check and ensure your property is safe.

Call us at 0808 250 9949 or visit our Find a Local Plumber page to locate your nearest expert.