Gas Safety

What should I do if I smell gas?

If you smell gas inside a property there are several steps you should take. Calling the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999. They will give you advice on what to do next. Taking the following action will help keep you and the property safe.

• DO open doors and windows to ventilate the property.
• DO turn off the gas at the mains tap. This can usually be located near the gas meter and has a handle that can be turned 90 degrees. If the gas leak is in a cellar or basement, do not enter and instead evacuate the building.

If you suspect you have a gas leak or you smell gas, it is important that you don’t do any of the following as these could place you in further danger:

• DON’T turn any power or light switches on or off.
• DON’T light any sort of flame within the property.
• DON’T use any appliances that could cause a spark.

Gas Servicing

Having your gas appliance serviced regularly will ensure that it continues to operate safely and efficiently, it can reduce the likelihood of a breakdown and could even save money.

By law, every landlord must ensure that any appliances and relevant flues in the homes they own are checked for safety at least every 12 months.

We operate a 10-month service cycle to ensure we meet this, our safety checks are carried out by GasSafe registered engineers employed by RBH.

• An engineer will call at your home to arrange an appointment, if you are not home, they will leave a calling card detailing when they will call back.
• If the date or time is not convenient please contact us using the contact details on the card and we will arrange a mutually convenient with you.
• The engineer will need access to each gas appliance, the gas meter and any room that a flue passes through in order to complete the service.
• You will also need to have credit on any gas and electricity meter in order for us to complete the service. If you do not have credit we will arrange a further appointment to allow you to get credit or refer you to our Money Matters Team.
• We will also test any smoke or carbon monoxide alarms installed, you should also test them weekly and report any faults as soon as possible.
• These checks are important for you safety and we have a specific section in your tenancy agreement detailing the requirement to allow us access, unfortunately each year a small number of people refuse to allow access and in these case we may serve a notice seeking possession, apply for an injunction or use other appropriate methods to gain access, we will claim back any costs we incur if we have to do this.

How to keep you and your home safe

Unless gas appliances are serviced regularly they can become dangerous and can kill. If your gas appliance has not been checked for 12 months it may be unsafe and you may also be in breach of your lease.

• Make sure you have an annual gas safety check.
• Check for warning signs your appliances aren’t working correctly eg lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
• Don’t use a gas appliance if you have any doubt that it isn’t working properly. If in doubt, call us.
• Know the six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness..
• Never carry out any gas works yourself. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Make sure you know where to find your gas meter and how to turn off the gas in an emergency. If you are not sure the engineer attending the service can assist you with this.
• Never block up air ventilation points and ensure that the gas flue is kept clear at all times.