Gas Safety
Gas safety checks and servicing
As your landlord, One Manchester has a legal responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues we provide for your use are safe. This includes items such as central heating systems, boilers, and gas fires.
To meet this obligation, we carry out an annual Gas Safety Check or gas service. This is completed by fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineers. We’ll notify you in writing when your Gas Safety Check is due and arrange a convenient appointment.
Once the check is completed, we’ll provide you with a Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days. If any appliance does not pass the inspection, we’ll work with you to discuss the next steps and agree on a resolution.
Your gas safety responsibilities
It’s essential that you allow us access to your home to complete your annual Gas Safety Check. Refusing access is a breach of your tenancy agreement, and we may need to take legal action if this happens, which could put your tenancy at risk.
If you hire someone to carry out any gas work in your home, you need to make sure they’re a Gas Safe registered engineer. Please remember, for your safety, never attempt any gas-related work or repairs yourself.
Smelling Gas?
If you ever smell gas in or around your home, you must contact the National Grid immediately by calling 0800 111 999. In addition, please follow these safety steps:
- Turn off the appliance you were using
- Turn off the gas supply at the meter (unless the meter is located in a cellar—if so, evacuate immediately)
- Check to see if a gas tap has been accidentally left on or if a pilot light has gone out
- Open all doors and windows to let the gas disperse. Keeping your home safe is our priority, and we’re here to help if you have any concerns or questions about gas safety.
Gas Safety tips
Tampering with the gas meter in your home, known as ‘meter cheating’ is illegal and incredibly dangerous.
Damaging the gas supply risks dangerous leaks. Leaking gas is also highly flammable and can be easily ignited – flicking a light switch is all it takes to cause an explosion.
You can find out more about the risks involved with gas tampering on the Stay Energy Safe website.
Gas Safety tips
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Make sure you know where your gas meter is located and how to turn off the gas supply in the event of an emergency
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Never cover an appliance such as a boiler or gas fire or block the air vents
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Never block or obstruct any fixed ventilation grilles or airbricks
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Never block or cover outside flues
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Never use a gas appliance if you think it’s not working properly and never cover gas appliances
Carbon Monoxide
Faulty gas appliances can be extremely dangerous as they may produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, and in severe cases, even death. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
If your carbon monoxide alarm isn’t working correctly or you believe your home should have one installed but it’s missing, please contact us straight away so we can assist.
Compressed Gas
For safety reasons, compressed gas should not be stored or used in your home or any communal areas, unless required for medical purposes. Gas cylinders can pose a serious risk in the event of a fire and must always be stored safely.
If you need to use compressed gas for medical reasons, such as oxygen, you must inform One Manchester and the fire service.
To ensure safe storage of compressed gas, you can arrange a Home Fire Safety Assessment with the Fire Service by calling 0800 555 815.
Worried about bills?
We understand that rising energy bills and other expenses can be a concern. One Manchester is here to provide free advice and support if you’re worried about your finances.
Depending on your circumstances, we may also be able to offer energy vouchers to help with your costs.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to see how we can support you.
Gas Safety: Frequently Asked Questions
A gas safety check ensures that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in your home are working safely and efficiently. A Gas Safe registered engineer will inspect the appliances for proper operation, check for leaks, ensure adequate ventilation, and test that flues are letting out fumes correctly.
If an appliance fails the safety check, it may be disconnected or repaired to make it safe. We will advise on the issue and the next steps. It’s important not to use the appliance until it has been fixed and deemed safe.
Signs of a faulty gas appliance include:
- Yellow or orange flames instead of blue
- Soot or black marks around the appliance
- Excessive condensation in the room
- Pilot lights that frequently go out
- Strange smells when the appliance is on
If you suspect a fault, stop using the appliance and contact us immediately.
Remember, if you ever smell gas in or around your home, you must contact the National Grid immediately by calling 0800 111 999.
Even if you have no gas appliances, you may still have a gas meter or supply pipes that require maintenance. It’s essential to ensure the gas supply is properly capped and maintained to prevent leaks. Notify us if you have concerns.
For further advice or concerns, please contact us – your safety always comes first!