Gas Safety Inspections

Whilst we all aware that the condition of housing can affect the quality of life for occupants, there is an added component where gas safety is concerned: not allowing MODern Housing Solutions (MHS) to carry-out vital checks of your gas appliances can potentially have fatal consequences.

Did you know.....?
Gas Safety Regulations place a legal duty on Defence Estates (DE), like other Landlords, to carry out an annual safety check on all gas pipes and appliances present in your home.

In order for DE to meet their statutory obligation as Landlord, MODern Housing Solutions are contracted to deliver the management of safety checks to ensure that appliances are working correctly and safely.

What is an annual gas safety check and what does it cover?
The annual gas safety check includes an inspection of all the fixed gas appliances, flue systems and gas pipes in your home.

At the time we check the flue or pipework, we will also carry out a gas safety check on your appliance(s). If the Gas Safe Registered engineer finds any appliances (including any owned by you) in an unsafe condition, by law we are obliged to disconnect them from the gas supply. The Engineer will then advise you what to do next but will ensure that the property is left in a safe and habitable condition.

What do I need to do?
You need do very little. We will write to you about ten months from the date of the last safety check advising you of the proposed date of the gas safety check.

If the appointment is convenient, we ask that you contact the PPM Coordinator (on the freephone number listed on the letter) to confirm your agreement to the appointment, but if you cannot make the date and time stated, you will need to telephone the PPM Coordinator to change the date.

On arrival, the Engineer will show you their identification card and if you have any doubt of their authenticity, please contact the MHS Helpdesk.

What happens if I am out when an Engineer calls?
If you do not respond, our Engineer will drop a yellow card through your letterbox asking you to contact us in order that a second appointment can be made. If you do not contact us, we will write to you with a second appointment date to carry out gas safety inspection. Note: A yellow card signifies a first missed appointment by the occupant for a gas safety inspection. If an occupant received a yellow missed appointment card, they should contact MHS within 24 hours of receipt to make an alternative appointment. If the occupant does not make contact with us, we will write to the occupant with a second appointment date.

If you do not respond to the second visit, a red card will be posted through your letterbox by the Engineer and your details passed to DE. Note: A red card signifies a second missed appointment by the occupant for a gas safety inspection. If an occupant misses a second appointment, MHS will refer the matter to Defence Estates (Ops) Housing who will work with the military authorities to gain access.

What happens if I continue to miss calls or refuse entry?
We hope that further action will never be necessary but we will not hesitate to take action where the safety of occupants or their neighbours may be at risk.

If you do not allow our Engineers access of your property, we will pass your address details to DE. DE will then work with the military authorities to gain access to these properties in accordance with the document “Service License to Occupy Service Family Accommodation”. In addition, if we have been unable to gain access to your home and your current safety certificate expires, an automated sanction system will prevent all response works, with the exception of emergencies, from being raised against your home until these inspections have been completed.

Your safety is our main priority, so please help us by allowing our Engineers to carry out these vitally important tests and contact us if you cannot meet an appointment scheduled.

Even though 98.4% of SFA properties in England and Wales have valid certificates in place (as at 28 April 2009), the remainder are overdue because MHS has been unable to gain access on at least two occasions. The last financial year has illustrated that 32,491 planned maintenance appointments (covering gas, oil and electrical inspections) were missed by occupants. If you do not have your appliances checked regularly, you are risking your life, as well as those of your family, friends and neighbours.

Please ensure that you follow these important tips:

  • NEVER try a do-it-yourself repair on any gas pipe or appliance or try to install an additional appliance - not only is this illegal, but you could also be putting yourself and others at risk.
  • NEVER block sources of ventilation such as air bricks or vents in doors
  • NEVER obstruct flues or chimneys
  • ALWAYS follow the manufacturer's user instructions on any gas appliance.

Gas Leaks
If you smell gas, please follow these simple steps:

  • Put out any naked flames or cigarettes
  • Turn off all gas appliances
  • Turn off your gas supply at the meter
  • Open windows and doors to ventilate the property
  • Do not use any electrical appliances, including lights (this includes switching off light switches – if on, leave on) and mobile phones
  • Evacuate everybody from the property and contact The National Grid Emergency Number immediately on 0800 111 999 from outside the property.

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas which cannot be seen, tasted or smelt but it can kill without warning. The initial symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to flu. They include headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and general lethargy.

What do I do if I experience symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
If you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

  • Turn off the appliance immediately
  • Turn the gas off at the mains and ventilate the property
  • Get fresh air and seek immediate medical advice.

Telephone the freephone MHS Helpdesk on 0800 707 6000 and we will arrange for a CORGI registered Engineer to check the safety of your appliance as an emergency call-out.

Remember - Carbon Monoxide can kill so act promptly.