CH151-Gas Safety and Compliance Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Gas Safety and Compliance Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} ensures full compliance with gas safety regulations in a home care environment, ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the people we support, staff, and visitors. This policy supports our legal duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It is also aligned with CQC Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment) and Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), which require that care is provided in a safe, well-maintained environment with secure and properly functioning systems, including gas installations and appliances.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all premises operated by {{org_field_name}} where gas appliances, fittings, or installations are present. It includes residential care settings, supported living environments, and any accommodation provided as part of care and support. The policy also applies to staff who are responsible for reporting, monitoring, or maintaining gas-related systems and to contractors working on behalf of {{org_field_name}}. It ensures a clear framework for risk assessment, maintenance, emergency action, and staff responsibilities related to gas safety.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:

CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CH15 – Premises and Equipment Policy
CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CH19 – Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
CH25 – Notification of Other Incidents Policy
CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

{{org_field_name}} complies with the following key legislation:

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
CQC Regulation 12 and Regulation 15 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
All gas appliances, fittings, and flues are maintained in a safe condition. We ensure that installations are carried out and inspected by Gas Safe registered engineers only. Records of inspections, servicing, and repairs are retained for a minimum of two years.

5. Gas Safety Inspections and Certification

All properties under the responsibility of {{org_field_name}} that have gas appliances or installations undergo an annual gas safety inspection. These inspections are carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is issued upon completion. This certificate is logged centrally and stored securely, both in the premises file and digitally. It is reviewed annually by the Registered Manager to ensure timely renewal. If any defect or safety risk is identified, the equipment is immediately taken out of service, and necessary repairs are arranged urgently.

6. Installation, Maintenance, and Repairs

Only Gas Safe registered engineers are contracted to install, repair, or service gas appliances and fittings. All contractors must provide evidence of current registration and appropriate liability insurance before commencing any work. Installation and repair works are subject to a post-installation check and verification by the maintenance lead or site manager. Equipment that is obsolete, beyond repair, or presents a hazard is removed and replaced in accordance with our maintenance policy. All maintenance works are recorded, dated, and monitored for trends.

7. Risk Assessment and Preventative Measures

Gas safety risk assessments are carried out at least annually or whenever a new appliance is introduced, a service is altered, or when advised by competent professionals. Assessments identify potential hazards such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, improper ventilation, or user misuse. Preventative measures include:

Annual gas safety servicing
Carbon monoxide detectors installed and regularly tested
Gas appliances securely installed and operated per manufacturer’s guidance
Emergency shut-off procedures clearly displayed
Education and supervision of people we support (where appropriate)

8. Carbon Monoxide Monitoring and Safety Devices

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed in all areas where gas appliances are present, in accordance with current legislation. These are tested monthly and recorded in the premises safety log. Staff are trained to recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. If an alarm is activated or symptoms are reported, the premises are evacuated immediately, emergency services are contacted, and a Gas Safe engineer is dispatched to investigate and resolve the issue.

9. Emergency Procedures and Reporting

In the event of a suspected gas leak, carbon monoxide alarm, or unusual appliance behaviour, the following steps are taken immediately:

Evacuate the premises and ensure the safety of all occupants
Do not use any electrical switches or naked flames
Turn off the gas supply if safe to do so
Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999
Notify the Registered Manager and complete an incident report
Arrange for an urgent inspection by a Gas Safe engineer
Staff are trained to follow these procedures during induction and refresher training. Any incident involving gas is logged and reported in line with our CH25 – Notification of Other Incidents Policy.

10. Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff receive gas safety awareness training as part of their induction, including how to identify warning signs, how to report faults, and what to do in an emergency. Maintenance staff and managers responsible for premises receive additional instruction on compliance and certification processes. Refresher training is conducted annually and following any incident or regulatory change. The Registered Manager is responsible for overall compliance and audit, while the Health and Safety Lead oversees implementation and staff competency.

11. Record Keeping and Audit

All gas safety records are stored securely and are accessible to the CQC, local authority, and emergency services on request. This includes:

CP12 Gas Safety Certificates
Maintenance and servicing records
Contractor qualifications and Gas Safe registration evidence
Risk assessments and training logs
Incident reports relating to gas safety
Monthly audits are conducted by the premises manager and reviewed by the Registered Manager to ensure compliance, highlight recurring issues, and identify necessary actions. Audit findings form part of our continuous quality improvement plan.

12. Safeguarding and People We Support

Where people we support have cognitive impairments or physical disabilities, risk assessments are adjusted to ensure additional safeguards are in place, such as locking gas appliance controls or using timers. We ensure that individuals are not left alone with gas appliances unless deemed safe. Any concerns around neglect, harm, or misuse related to gas appliances are treated as safeguarding concerns and escalated immediately in line with CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier in response to changes in legislation, guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), or in response to an incident or audit outcome.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.