Gas Safety update on tenanted properties

Boiler Flues in Voids

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have recently issued a safety alert to raise awareness of a potential risk from a particular arrangement of flues for gas boilers that are located on internal walls.

Since 2000 some properties (mainly flats and apartments) have been built with boiler flues which cannot be inspected because they are hidden behind walls or in ceiling spaces. The boiler flues that this information relates to are connected to room-sealed fan assisted boilers. If the boiler is situated on an outside wall it is unlikely that it has this type of flue. Similarly, if the Gas Safe registered engineer can see the entire flue you will not need to take any further action. However if the flue is hidden then the property will need an inspection hatch fitted to allow the engineer to work on the flue.

The provision of carbon monoxide alarms are not an alternative to being able to see the flue and you or your landlord will still need to have inspection hatches fitted. You have until 31st December 2012 for this work to be completed. From 1st January 2013 any Gas Safe registered engineer will turn the boiler off and formally advise that it is not used until an inspection hatch has been fitted.

Take Action Now

If your property is less than two years old then contact the builder. If the property is between two and ten years old advise your landlord to contact the home warranty provider as the property may be covered by them if there are defects in the flue. If the property is older than 10 years you should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer for further advice.