A gas safety check, sometimes called a gas service or gas inspection, is a formal assessment of the safety of all gas appliances, their flues, and the gas supply pipework in a property. Understanding what it covers, how long it takes, and what documentation it produces helps homeowners and landlords approach it with appropriate preparation.

Who Can Carry Out a Gas Safety Check

A gas safety check must be carried out by an engineer currently registered with Gas Safe Register. The Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI registration in 2009 and is the only statutory body authorising gas work in domestic properties. Verify any engineer's current registration on the Gas Safe Register website before they begin work. An unregistered person carrying out gas safety work is committing a criminal offence.

What the Check Covers

The engineer inspects and tests each gas appliance in the property. This typically includes the boiler, any gas fires, gas hobs or cookers, and any other gas-burning appliances. For each appliance the engineer carries out visual inspection of the appliance and its connections, checks the flue or chimney for correct ventilation and safe discharge of combustion gases, tests for gas tightness at the appliance connections, checks the operating pressure and temperature of the appliance where applicable, and verifies that the appliance is working safely and efficiently within the manufacturer's specification.

The engineer also inspects the visible pipework and checks for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or inadequate support. They check that any emergency control valve is accessible and operable.

Duration and Cost

A standard gas safety check on a property with one boiler, a gas hob, and up to two other appliances typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. An annual gas safety check and service combined takes longer, typically 60 to 90 minutes. The cost of a gas safety check alone is typically fifty to ninety pounds; combined with a boiler service, the cost is typically eighty to one hundred and fifty pounds.

The Gas Safety Record

On completion of a gas safety check, the engineer issues a Gas Safety Record, sometimes called a CP12 certificate after the checklist form historically used. The record lists each appliance inspected, the result of each check, and whether any remedial action is required or has been taken. The engineer signs the record and provides a copy to the property owner. Landlords must provide a copy to their tenants within 28 days of the check and retain records for two years.

Summary

A gas safety check covers all gas appliances, their flues, and visible pipework. It takes 30 to 60 minutes for a standard property and costs fifty to ninety pounds. The engineer must be Gas Safe registered and issues a Gas Safety Record on completion. Landlords must carry out annual checks and provide copies to tenants. Unsafe appliances identified during the check must be actioned before the engineer leaves.