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  12. Gas, electricity and fires

Gas, electricity and fires

Fire safety

Minimising the risk of fire within your home is everyone's responsibility. We'll fit a smoke alarm in your home and will service it on an annual basis. You should have at least one smoke alarm in your home and test it every week. Other things to consider that will keep your home safe from the risk of fire:

  • don't tamper with gas or electric supplies, or utility meters
  • don't use or store LPG and paraffin heaters in your home. They should be stored in a shed or outhouse away from the building. Gas leaks from the canisters can pose a serious fire risk and cause damage to you and your neighbours, as well as to the property
  • take care when using barbecues and patio heaters for your own safety. Do not place them near your property, any outbuildings, fences, plants or shrubs to prevent a fire from starting or spreading.

Make sure all exits are clear. Do not store items or leave items blocking exits or escape routes. This applies to inside and outside of your home.

Electricity and testing of electrical wiring

We are responsible for the maintenance of electrical equipment installed by us, provided the defect is due to fair wear and tear. We will test your electrical installation e.g. wiring before you move into your home to make sure it is safe. It is your responsibility to make sure that your own electrical equipment is safe and in good working order.

We have a legal responsibility to periodically test the electrical installation in your home to make sure you and your household are safe from electrical hazards. We will notify you when we need to do this inspection. Failure to allow access to your home to carry out electrical testing will result in legal action being taken against you.

Please ensure safe use of electrical items in your home at all times - do not overload extension leads or use electrical equipment near water.

You need permission to make any changes to your electrical system.

Any work on the electrical wiring system in your home must be carried out by a NICEIC or NAPIT approved electrician. You must obtain a relevant completion certificate and send a copy to us. Please contact us for further advice about undertaking any electrical work.

Gas and testing of gas appliances

We are responsible for annual gas servicing and maintenance of the central heating system in your home. 

We have a legal responsibility to carry out a gas safety inspection each year.  We will notify you when we need to do this inspection. Failure to allow access to your home to carry out gas inspection could result in your gas supply being cut off and legal action being taken against you.

Any work on the gas supply system or appliances such as a gas cooker in your home must be carried out by a GAS Safe registered engineer. You must obtain a landlord/homeowner gas safety record and send a copy to us.  Please contact us for further advice about undertaking any gas work. You must get permission to make any changes to your gas supply system.

If you smell gas, you should do the following immediately:

  • open all the doors and windows in your home
  • turn off the gas at the meter and call National Grid Emergencies on 0800 111 999 
  • put out all naked flames, including cigarettes
  • do not use electric switches or mobile phones, as any sparks may start a fire
  • if you smell gas outside your home, you should shut all your doors and windows to stop the fumes getting inside
  • if the gas smells very strong, you should leave the property straightaway. 

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas. Every year many people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. You can't see it, taste or smell it, but it can kill quickly with no warning. We provide carbon monoxide detectors to properties that have solid fuel heating. You can purchase a carbon monoxide detector from hardware stores for around £10.

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • feeling tired and weak
  • headaches
  • dizziness
  • sickness
  • pains in the chest and stomach
  • being out of breath
  • loss of consciousness.

If you think you may be suffering any effects from carbon monoxide, you should seek medical advice immediately. If you have got carbon monoxide poisoning please inform us immediately.

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