Gas Safety Certificate

Gas Safety: A priority, Not an Option

What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A Gas Safety Certificate (also known as a CP12 certificate) is a legal document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer confirming that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in a property have been inspected and are safe to use. It is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK to obtain this certificate every 12 months and provide a copy to tenants. The inspection includes checks on gas appliances, ventilation, flues, and safety devices to ensure there are no leaks or risks of carbon monoxide. While not legally required for homeowners, the certificate is strongly recommended for safety and is often needed during property sales or insurance assessments.

Gas Safety Inspection

A gas safety certificate is issued after a gas safety inspection is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. These are qualified professionals who are legally certified to work on gas appliances and systems in the UK. Only engineers listed on the Gas Safe Register are authorised to inspect, test, and certify gas installations. Before allowing any work to be done, you can check the engineer’s credentials by asking for their Gas Safe ID card or verifying their registration on the official Gas Safe Register website. When carrying out a gas safety inspection, Gas Safe registered engineers check a range of things to ensure all gas appliances and systems are operating safely and efficiently. Here’s what they typically inspect:

Requirement of Gas Safety Certificate

In the UK, landlords are legally required under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to have all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in their rental properties checked at least once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. After the inspection, the engineer issues a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) confirming that the gas systems are safe to use. A copy of this certificate must be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the check and to new tenants before they move in. Landlords must also keep a record of the certificate for at least two years. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious consequences, including fines, legal action, or imprisonment. While homeowners are not legally obligated to have a certificate, regular checks are strongly recommended for safety.

Gas Safety Inspection Process

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the gas safety inspection process in the UK, outlining what a Gas Safe registered engineer does during a typical visit, particularly in rental properties where annual checks are legally required:

Step 1 – Pre-Inspection Setup

  • Before starting, the engineer will verify access to all gas appliances and relevant areas (e.g. boiler, gas meter, flue exits).
Step 2 – Visual Inspection of Gas Appliances

Each gas appliance provided by the landlord (such as boilers, gas fires, cookers, and water heaters) is visually assessed to ensure:

  • It’s properly installed and securely fixed.
  • There are no visible signs of damage, corrosion, or unsafe condition.
  • Appliance markings (e.g. make/model) are present for reference.

Step 3 – Operational and Performance Testing

The engineer will test the functionality of each appliance by:

  • Checking the gas pressure and burner pressure to ensure it’s within the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Verifying the appliance ignites correctly and produces a stable flame.
  • Observing how the appliance behaves during use (e.g. boiler cycling on/off properly, cooker hobs burning evenly).

Step 4 – Flue and Chimney Checks

For appliances connected to flues (e.g. boilers or gas fires), the engineer will:

  • Confirm that the flue is clear of obstructions.
  • Check that combustion gases (like carbon monoxide) are being safely expelled from the building.

Step 5 – Ventilation Assessment

  • If adequate ventilation is present in the rooms where gas appliances are installed.
  • No vents or air bricks are blocked or obstructed.

Step 6 – Gas Tightness Test (Leak Check)

  • Using calibrated equipment, the engineer will Isolate the gas supply.
  • Pressurise the system and check for pressure drops, which would indicate a gas leak.
  • If a leak is suspected, they will trace and locate it before making repairs or isolating the system if necessary.

Contact KCS Electrics for a Gas Safety Certificate

Having a valid Gas Safety Certificate is not only essential for safety but also a legal requirement for all landlords in the UK. At KCS Electrics, our team of qualified Gas Safe registered engineers provides expert and reliable services to help you meet this obligation. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances in your property are inspected annually by a certified professional. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines and legal consequences. Our engineers carry out comprehensive inspections to verify that all appliances are operating safely and efficiently, in full compliance with the latest gas safety regulations. Once the inspection is successfully completed, we issue a valid Gas Safety Certificate, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your property meets legal standards.