It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a CORGI - registered installer.
If you suspect there is a gas leak you should immediately do the following:
Anyone employed to work on gas appliances in domestic premises must be a CORGI- registered installer and competent in that area of gas work. By using a CORGI-registered installer you can be sure that any work completed by a CORGI technician will be done competently and safely.
HSE advises that you should arrange for regular maintenance and an annual safety check to be carried out on your gas appliances and installation by a CORGI- registered installer. Landlords have a legal duty to ensure that this is carried out.
All CORGI- registered installers carry ID cards which tell you which appliances they are qualified to work on. For more details visit our Registration Body page.
If your installer recommends that more work needs to be done on your appliance always follow the advice given. If you have doubts over the advice follow it in the interim period and contact CORGI for further advice.
HSE strongly recommends the use of CO alarms as one useful precaution to give advance warning of CO in property. Importantly, alarms should not be regarded as a replacement for regular maintenance and safety checks by a CORGI- registered installer. CO alarms cost between £20 and £30 and can be purchased in most hardware shops. Before purchasing a CO alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark. CO alarms should be installed and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
To help operate safely, all gas appliances need the following:
Without these safety precautions dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up with the possibility of fatal consequences. There are some easy ways to help avoid the build up of carbon monoxide poisoning:
If you have any queries relating to domestic gas safety not answered on this website, your first point of contact should be HSE's Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363. They will be able to direct your question to the most appropriate source of expertise from within the HSE. They are open 8am-8pm Monday- Friday and 10am-4pm on a Saturday.
Alternatively, you can choose to contact them by email at hse.infoline@natbrit.com, submit your query online or write to them:
HSE Infoline
Caerphilly Business Park
Caerphilly
CF83 3GG