Recent research has indicated that many landlords may not be aware of their legal responsibilities when it comes to gas safety. The CIPHE believes that registered gas engineers have the ideal opportunity to help spread the word amongst landlords and tenants.
Cheshire-based company Spareroom.co.uk conducted a survey revealing that around a third of tenants were living in properties with no up to date gas check on their boilers and other gas appliances. Acting Chief Executive of The CIPHE, Kevin Wellman, believes this may be due to a lack of awareness amongst landlords.
Said Kevin, “It’s really important that only registered gas engineers perform installations, maintenance and annual checks of gas equipment. When carrying out gas work at a rental property engineers have the chance to check that the landlord and tenant know what’s legally required.”
With CO poisoning still accounting for around 20 deaths per year in the UK and many more non-fatal poisonings, gas safety remains a major issue.
In a few months, many new students will be moving into rented accommodation ready to begin their university studies. With such an influx of people due in rented accommodation later this year, now is a great time to make sure the message reaches as many landlords as possible.
Added Kevin, “As well as talking to landlords and tenants about the legal obligations, it’s a good idea to let them know about CO alarms. They provide an extra level of security and peace of mind at very little cost to the purchaser.”
All CIPHE members who work with gas are also registered with the Gas Safe Register, as well as meeting other strict professional criteria. The CIPHE is passionate about safeguarding public health and safety by promoting high quality plumbing and heating engineering.
Members of the public can search by postcode for Registered Professionals on the CIPHE website. To find ten registered plumbing and heating professionals near a specific postcode go to www.ciphe.org.uk. There is also a verification page to check the CIPHE numbers that appear on registrants’ identity cards.