On this page: Information about the safety aspects of gas appliances and what to do if you suspect a gas leak.
Gas Safety
The council is responsible for ensuring that the gas pipework and all gas appliances in council-owned homes are safe to use. Please note however, that we do rely on tenants to advise us if something appears to be wrong.
Gas Leaks
If you suspect you have even a slight gas leak in your home, then you should immediately report it to the National Gas Emergency Service. Telephone 0800 111 999.
Suspected Problems with Appliances
If you suspect that you have a faulty or dangerous appliance, then please contact us and we will arrange for it to be checked.
Annual Checks and Maintenance
We visit all council-owned homes at least once a year to inspect gas pipework and to check that gas appliances are safe to use. We have a legal obligation to do this and, if tenants do not cooperate with us, we will have no alternative than to instigate legal action against them.
Procedure
An acknowledgement letter will be sent to you about two weeks before the check is due to be carried out stating that your appliances are due to be checked. In this letter we will give you a specific date and a morning or afternoon appointment. If this is not convenient, then you can change it by phoning the number on the letter.
We only use Gas Safety Registered engineers to carry out inspections or work on gas appliances (please see Identification of Engineers below).
What We Check
We will check:
All gas pipework for leaks
We will service and maintain all gas appliances installed by the Council
We will carry out a safety check on all gas appliances installed by tenants, which may include:
- boilers
- water heaters
- fires
- cookers
What Action We Might Take
Where a gas appliance is suspected as being unsafe or inadequately ventilated it is, with the tenant's permission, isolated to prevent it from being used; and a warning notice is attached to it.
The gas engineer will record the inspection or what work has been carried out and leave you a copy.
A copy of the gas service or safety check is also issued before the start of a new tenancy.
If We Can't Gain Access
Where we have been unable to gain access we may, in some cases, need to take legal action to inspect gas appliances and gas pipes.
Responsibilities
Council Responsibilities
We will:
Ensure that work is only carried out by engineers on the Gas Safe Register
Not permit a gas appliance to be used if we suspect it to be unsafe or inadequately ventilated
Arrange an annual safety check on gas pipework and appliances
Keep records of all inspection defects and actions taken
Provide tenants with records of gas servicing and safety checks.
Tenant Responsibilities
Even though we inspect all gas appliances, you still have a responsibility to have your own gas appliances serviced to ensure that they operate efficiently and safely.
Identification of Engineers
Engineers will normally use Swindon Borough Council vans and they will always carry identification cards. For your personal safety, please ask to see identification before allowing anyone to enter your home.