GAS SAFETY: A survey by the leading energy supplier reveals flaws in almost 20% of Small or Medium-size Enterprises. These SMEs may be placing their employees and customers at risk.

Dangers arise from their failure to install carbon monoxide alarms in the workplace. Even though most businesses consider workplace gas safety to be important. There are significant failings.

Around one fifth were unaware of the seriousness of the consequences. In fact, failing to undertake annual gas safety checks can invalidate your workplace insurance policy.

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Gas Safety Week in Britain

Britain’s Gas Safety Week 2016 ran from the 19th to the 25th of September. The annual awareness campaign focuses on gas safety. It is an opportunity for business owners and senior managers to learn about their responsibilities in gas safety laws.

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Gas Safety at Work Tips

Here are 5 gas safety tips to help keep your business and workers safe:

1. Maintain and service gas appliances annually
2. A Gas Safe Registered engineer should carry out any gas service, installation, or repair
3. Keep documentation of all gas work carried out
4. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm for each gas appliance
5. Register for a service plan if your business relies on heating devices or gas appliances

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British Gas Legal Requirements

The survey showed that four out of five employers agreed that failing to undertake gas safety checks at work puts lives at risk.

Even more alarming was 3% stating they felt there would be no health risks for customers or employees.

Employers have a legal requirement for ensuring that all gas appliances, flues, and gas pipework are constantly maintained. They must also make sure the appliances operate in a safe condition.

Landlords must also complete the same annual gas safety checks on their properties. It is part of the landlord renting laws in the United Kingdom.

British Gas expressed the importance for all businesses to adhere to gas safety laws.

Despite this, 82% of small businesses said a gas safe registered engineer visited their company premises to carry out checks. A British Gas Business engineer stated:

“It is important that all small businesses make gas safety as a priority. Some customers do not always realise the risks of carbon monoxide and gas leaks in the workplace. These fire safety issues do not only occur in their homes.”

They urge all businesses to service and maintain commercial gas appliances regularly. They should also ensure they have an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm fitted in their workplace.

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UK Gas (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

Every employer or self-employed person has a duty to ensure that any gas appliance, installation pipe work or flue installed at any place of work under their control is maintained in a safe condition. They should ensure gas safety at work to prevent risk or injury to any person.

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