Home Safety
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1. Gas Safety
It is a criminal offence for the landlord/agent not to have all gas appliances serviced and checked every 12 months, or for them to use someone who is not registered with the Gas Safe Register. The service record should either be given to you when you move in or displayed in the property.
If the landlord/agent refuses to have the gas appliances serviced, or they do not act on concerns that you raise, contact Environmental Health. They will check the appliances are safe and can then serve legal notices on the landlord/agent to have a full service carried out. They can also report them to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for not carrying out their legal obligations. The HSE have the power to instigate criminal proceedings against the landlord/agent.
In the case of a gas leak, contact Transco. If there is a fault they may make the appliance safe by disconnecting the service but they have no power to request that the landlord/agent carries out repairs.
All registered engineers should have an ID card, with a photograph, their name and business details. On the back of the card will be a list of the types of work that they are competent to carry out. Ask to see this identification card before any work is carried out. If you are unsure if the person is registered, check with the Gas Safe Register (contact details below). You will need to give the engineer's name and business details and registration number (if available).
2. What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is a gas that is highly dangerous to people and animals, and is produced by appliances that burn fossil fuels such as gas or coal. Even an appliance that has been serviced regularly can produce Carbon Monoxide. Never cover or block air vents.
What are the warning signs?
- The fire may be less efficient and go out more frequently.
- There may be stains or discolouring around the top of the fire.
- There may be only flickering yellows/orange flames instead of blue, yellow/orange.
- You may feel drowsy, have more headaches or feel dizziness when getting up.
- You may have slight palpitations, stomach pains or diarrhoea.
If you think there is a problem:
- Stop using the appliance immediately.
- Contact the landlord/agent and advise them of your concerns.
- If they fail to act contact Environmental Health.
Don't be put off asking the landlord to investigate a possible problem by them telling you the appliance is safe because they have a gas service record. This record is for a given day, gas appliances can develop faults at anytime the fact that they have recently been serviced does not mean that they have not subsequently develop a potentially dangerous fault.
British Standard audio carbon-monoxide alarms cost around £30. If your landlord has not supplied one you could purchase one with your housemates and take it with you when you leave.
Have a look at http://www.co-awareness.org for more information.
3. Electrical Safety
Dangerous electrical appliances or damaged sockets can cause fire or serious injury. Although there is no legal requirement for the landlord/agent to carry out regular checks they are responsible for ensuring that the installations and appliances are safe to use. However, landlord/agents who have signed up to Unipol's Code of Standards are required to carry out a five year check.
What are the warning signs?
- Broken plug sockets
- Plugs that get hot when they are used
- Sparks from electrical appliances/sockets
- Fuses which continually blow
- Loose switches
- Exposed wiring
Frequently replacing light bulbs is not necessarily a sign of problem wiring. Try a different make of light bulb (perhaps more expensive) before reporting the problem.
4. Fire Safety
All soft furnishings such as sofas, armchairs, cushions and bedroom furniture must comply with fire safety standards and be made from fire resistant materials.
Examples of fire safety standard labels:
Most new furniture should have a permanent label to show that it meets with the Fire Safety Regulations. If your furniture does not have the necessary labels check with the landlord/agent. If you have any concerns contact Trading Standards who have the power to enforce the legislation.
A landlord/agent may ask you to remove furniture you bring from home if it does not meet with the standards. Landlord/agents put in fire detection systems for your safety and the protection of their property so please:
- Do not remove the self closing mechanisms on fire doors.
- Do not prop fire doors open.
- Never cover up or remove batteries from smoke or heat detectors. If a fire breaks out you risk death or serious injury to yourself or other tenants. The landlord/agent could sue for damage caused to their property.
- Always put candles on a protected surface.
- Never leave a candle lit when you go to sleep or leave the room.
- Test smoke alarms once a week.
- Inform the landlord/agent immediately if the fire extinguisher or fire blanket has been used. If either are used inappropriately, the household could be charged for a replacement.
Landlords can check out www.FireProtectionOnline.co.uk for advice on fire extinguishers and the current fire safety regulations so why not make sure yours are up to standard?
5. Sources of Help and Advice
CAPITA - Gas Safe Register, 08004085577, register@gassaferegister.co.uk
Health and Safety Executive, tel: 0113 2834200.
Gas Safety Advice Line, tel: 0800 300 363.
Trading Standards - Checking furniture meets with fire safety regulations, tel: 0113 2536111.
Transco, Gas Leaks, tel: 0800 111999.
Please be aware that we are only able to advise current or prospective students of Leeds University.
These pages are for guidance only and are not a substitute for diverse legislation that they cover. The information was checked and correct at the time of writing. LUU Student Advice Centre is not responsible for the content of external websites.
If you have any comments or queries about this page please email: advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
LUU Student Advice Centre October 2006
