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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Gas Safety and Compliance Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out how {{org_field_name}} ensures full compliance with legal, regulatory, and health and safety obligations in relation to gas safety. The safe management, installation, inspection, and maintenance of all gas appliances, fittings, pipework, and flues is essential to safeguard the lives of residents, staff, and visitors within our care home environment. This policy is informed by the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and current CIW guidance, with the aim of preventing gas-related hazards, including fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and maintenance personnel involved in the management, maintenance, or use of gas appliances and installations within {{org_field_name}}. It encompasses the full lifecycle of gas equipment—from installation and routine servicing to emergency procedures and record-keeping. It applies to all areas of the premises where gas is present or in use, including kitchens, laundry facilities, plant rooms, and any accommodation areas with gas-fired appliances.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside the following:

• CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW19 – Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
• CHW20 – Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures
• CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
• CHW25 – Notification of Other Incidents Policy

4. Policy Statement and Implementation

A. Legal Compliance and Responsibility
{{org_field_name}} recognises its duty under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to ensure that all gas appliances, pipework, flues, and ventilation systems are installed, maintained, and operated in a safe condition. The organisation is committed to working only with Gas Safe registered engineers for any installation, inspection, servicing, or repair work.

Responsibility for overseeing gas safety compliance lies with the Responsible Individual and the appointed Health and Safety Lead. The Fire Safety Lead, {{org_field_the_fire_safety_lead_name}}, also supports the coordination of fire-related risk arising from gas equipment.

B. Annual Gas Safety Checks and Servicing
All gas appliances and systems are subject to annual safety inspections and servicing by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes boilers, water heaters, cookers, and any backup gas generators. The annual check is documented using a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), which is securely filed and available for inspection by CIW or Health and Safety Executive (HSE) upon request.

The Registered Manager ensures that annual checks are scheduled in advance and that any faults identified are addressed immediately. No gas appliance is used if a fault is suspected or identified.

C. Record Keeping and Certification
We maintain a comprehensive Gas Safety Log which includes:

• Certificates of annual inspections
• Details of all gas-related repairs and maintenance
• Engineer credentials and Gas Safe registration numbers
• Equipment specifications and installation documentation
• Evidence of corrective actions taken following any issues

Records are stored both digitally and in hard copy format, in a secure but accessible location for inspection purposes.

D. Installation and Use of Gas Appliances
All new installations are carried out only by Gas Safe registered professionals. Appliances must be suitable for use in a care home setting, with built-in safety features such as flame failure devices and carbon monoxide (CO) detection. Installations are verified against current safety standards before being commissioned.

Staff are instructed not to tamper with or attempt to move gas appliances. All use of gas-operated equipment is conducted in accordance with manufacturer guidance and the Safe Care and Treatment Policy (CHW11).

E. Carbon Monoxide Detection and Alarm Systems
CO detectors are installed in all areas where gas appliances are present. These devices are tested monthly by the designated maintenance officer, and records of each test are logged. All detectors meet BS EN 50291 standards and are positioned at appropriate locations and heights as per national guidance.

In the event of a CO alarm activation, staff are trained to immediately evacuate the area, ventilate the space if safe to do so, and notify emergency services.

F. Staff Training and Awareness
All care home staff receive annual training on gas safety awareness as part of our Health and Safety training (CHW27). This includes:

• Recognising signs of gas leaks or CO poisoning (e.g., hissing, unusual smells, headaches, nausea)
• Emergency procedures and evacuation routes
• Use of CO detectors and safe appliance operation
• Incident reporting procedures

Training records are monitored by the Registered Manager and refreshed in line with updates to regulations or following any incident involving gas systems.

G. Emergency Procedures for Gas Incidents
If a gas leak or CO incident is suspected, staff must:

1. Raise the alarm and evacuate the building immediately.
2. Contact emergency services (999 and National Gas Emergency Line).
3. Notify the Registered Manager and Fire Safety Lead.
4. Avoid switching electrical devices on or off.
5. Wait for confirmation from authorities before re-entry.

This response is rehearsed through fire drills and emergency simulations as part of our Business Continuity Plan (CHW19).

H. Risk Assessment and Environmental Monitoring
Gas safety is embedded into our general and fire risk assessments (CHW18 and CHW20). We assess the condition and use of gas appliances, location of pipework, flues, and cylinders (if applicable), and any factors that may elevate risk, such as confined spaces or vulnerable service users. Findings are acted upon without delay.

A dynamic approach is taken to monitoring the environment—where structural changes or renovations occur, we reassess gas safety implications immediately.

I. Contractor Compliance and Supervision
All external contractors involved in gas work must be Gas Safe registered and provide evidence of current certification. Contractors are supervised while on site and must follow our visitor protocols and infection control measures (CHW17).

A contractor compliance checklist is completed before and after any gas-related work.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner where there is a change in legislation, CIW guidance, or following a gas-related incident or near miss. The review will be carried out by the Health and Safety Lead in consultation with the Registered Manager and updated copies will be made available to all staff and relevant stakeholders.

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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}}
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