Your home for Trusted Gas Safety

This test determines if the gas meter regulator is working correctly and producing enough gas flow while the single largest gas using appliance is working (usually a combi boiler in HW mode) 

If the gas rate is outside 18mbar to 23 mbar then Cadent (Gas Emergency Centre)  is called to rectify the problem.

You will get a report either highlighted in RED or GREEN for a Pass.

For more info on reports see here
 

This test is carried out at the inlet test point of the tested appliance.

It determines if the gas flow is above the appliance manufacturers minimum flow rate for safe operation. If the minimum is not achieved then further investigation is required i.e. Defective gas meter regulator, undersized gas supply pipework or a blockage in pipework etc.  
 

Carried out annually as per manufacturer's instructions, typically consisting of:-

• Visually inspect the appliance for any sign of distress, corrosion, water leaks etc.
• Carry out basic electrical safety checks.
• Check and test the flue system.
• Briefly operate the boiler to ensure it appears to work correctly.
• Recharge the expansion vessel & check condition/quality of system water.
• Refill system back to 1- 1.5 bar water pressure.
• Clean, condensate trap and magnetic system filter.
• Depending on boiler and access, the checking and cleaning of electrodes.
• Carry out Gas Regs 26.9 safety checks.
• Ensure Gas Service Record is completed.
• Inform the customer of any issues found, advise of remedial action needed and send documentation via email.
   

Carried every 5 years or if boiler history is unknown or required due to safety concerns, dependent on manufacturer and typically consisting of everything carried out on a Standard Boiler Service plus:-

• The removal of the gas valve, fan and gas-air manifold to access the heat exchanger.
• To clean the heat exchanger and flush through with clean water.
• To check condition and clean burners.
• If access was a issue on a Standard Boiler Service, to replace the ignition/flame electrodes. 
• To replace burner and heat exchanger seals.
• Carry out Gas Regs 26.9 safety checks.
• Ensure Gas Service Record is completed.
• Inform the customer of any issues found, advise of remedial action needed and send documentation via email. 

 A gas safety check isn't just for boilers, but should be conducted on all the gas appliances connected to that properties gas meter and gas supply pipework, i.e. cookers, hobs, gas fires and water heaters.

Landlords who have tenanted property have a legal obligation to have a safety check conducted every 12 months.

Sellers of property in the UK will be asked by their solicitor to provide proof of gas safety of all gas appliances in that property.

Home owners should have periodic checks conducted of their gas appliances for their own peace of mind.

A safety check should includes all of the checks and tests to ensure the appliance is safe to operate, for example:

• Visual inspection of the gas installation, appliance(s) location, chimney/flue route and termination position.
• Gas meter/emergency control valve for accessibility.
• It is physically stable, securely fitted and properly connected to the gas pipework
• There is an adequate and permanent air supply suitable for the appliance type installed
• Any flues or chimneys are operating correctly
• All  flame supervision and safety devices function correctly
• Appliance burner pressure and gas rate checked
• Flue flow and spillage testing of open flued appliances
• Investigate any evidence of unsafe operation of the appliance
• Tightness test of the gas installation is recommended

 Where an engineer performs work on a gas appliance, they shall immediately     thereafter examine:
  a. the effectiveness of any flue
  b. the supply of combustion air
  c. its operating pressure or heat input or, where necessary, both
  d. its operation so as to ensure its safe functioning 

Useful information for anyone with a flue concealed within a ceiling space or wall.

Since January 2011, your gas engineer should have made you aware of the need for inspection hatches, to examine the whole length of the flue system, while carrying out a Service or Gas Inspection.

If the engineer cannot examine the whole length of the flue they will advise you, in line with industry guidance, that it is 'At Risk', recommend that you do not use it and will ask your permission to turn it off.

As a consumer you are within your rights to refuse permission for it to be turned off, however you will be asked to sign paperwork to confirm you accept responsibility for those defects identified in the system – in this case, the potential for fumes to escape unnoticed from the concealed flue into the property. 

Your gas engineer can continue to work on your boiler including servicing it and undertaking maintenance work 

Further information can be found here.

I use Gas Engineer Software for job management to generate professional-looking paperless CP12 Gas Safety Records (Landlord/Homeowner), Gas Service Records, Gas Breakdown Records, CP14 Gas Warning Notices, Job Sheets, Quotes and invoices.  

I also use TPI software to record and report when performing combustion analysis, working gas pressure of the appliance being worked on and for Let-By tests, Gas tightness tests, working gas pressure tests all at the gas meter. The reports issued are all colour coded with results in Green for good or Red for something needs to be done.

All paperwork is saved securely in the cloud and sent via email,  A digital certificate takes seconds to share, won’t be lost, and can always be printed or re-sent. 

Gas cookers either built-in or freestanding can incorporate various types of appliances, this includes a hob, a grill, single or double ovens. When testing, each appliance will need to have their flame safety device, gas rate, combustion tested with an analyser, thermostats and oven seals checked. When conducting a gas safety inspection I record all the individual appliances within the cooker and the above tests.