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Residential block management new health and safety requirements
Residential block management new health and safety requirements
Residential block management agents need to comply with the new Health & Safety requirements regarding gas boilers. This means that all block management agents must take action immediately.
George Curl Way,
Southampton,
United Kingdom
(prbd.net)
03/09/2012
Residential block management agents need to comply with the new Health & Safety requirements regarding gas boilers. This means that all block management agents must take action immediately.
From 1st January 2013, new Gas Safe requirements state that every gas boiler flue (the pipe taking fumes away from the boiler) needs to be inspectable throughout its entire length. The problem is that in some properties, mainly flats and apartments, boiler flues are hidden behind walls, ceilings or ducting. The danger is that poisonous gases can leak from the flue. This could cause serious illness or even death to occupants of the flat. Therefore the flue needs regularly checked to ensure it is safe.
If you have a gas boiler you must obtain a copy of a safety certificate, provided by a Gas Safe engineer. Alternatively you can provide your occupants with written confirmation that you do not have a gas supply to your flat.
In order to have your boiler and flue passed as safe by a Gas Safe engineer, you will need to ensure that the entire length of the flue can be inspected. Where the flue is inside ducting, a wall or a ceiling, you will need to install an inspection hatch, or hatches, so that access is available throughout the length of the flue. This may take a few weeks/months to organise and as the new regulations take effect from 31st December 2012 it is recommended that you start on the process now.
As of 1st January 2013, any Gas Safe registered engineer will turn off gas supplies where the boiler or flue are considered unsafe - including where the flue cannot be inspected.
No doubt that this new legislation will have an impact on some buildings and the costs incurred will have to be paid for. The cost within the property will be at the owners expense but if the communal areas also need attention, then this will be borne by the Leaseholders through an increase in their service charges yet again.
If you are unhappy about your block management and or you feel that you have unreasonable service charges, BW Residential Property Consultancy offers expert advice and guidance and have helped many leaseholders get the service they deserve at a fair price.
For more details please visit: http://www.leasehold-advice.co.uk/
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If you are unhappy about your block management and or you feel that you have unreasonable service charges, BW Residential Property Consultancy offers expert advice and guidance and have helped many leaseholders get the service they deserve at a fair price. For more details please visit: http://www.leasehold-advice.co.uk/
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