{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Gas Safety and Compliance Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that our domiciliary care organisation upholds the highest standards of gas safety for service users, staff, and any individuals present in their homes. Safe gas use is critical for preventing accidents such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and explosions. {{org_field_name}} is committed to adhering to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements while implementing robust gas safety measures.

This policy outlines the procedures for gas appliance checks, emergency response, staff responsibilities, and compliance monitoring to ensure a safe living environment for all service users.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All domiciliary care staff, including care workers, management, and support staff.
• Service users receiving care in their homes.
• Contractors and maintenance personnel involved in gas appliance inspections or repairs.
• External agencies working in collaboration with {{org_field_name}}.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legal and regulatory standards:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Establishes employer responsibilities for ensuring safety.
• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 – Governs the installation, maintenance, and use of gas appliances.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Ensures service users are protected from risks related to gas safety.
• The Housing Act 2004 – Sets requirements for safe housing, including gas safety provisions.
• The Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Regulations 2018 – Mandates the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide alarms.
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 – Requires reporting of gas-related incidents.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Ensures confidentiality in gas safety reporting and documentation.

4. Gas Safety Responsibilities

To maintain a safe and compliant environment, {{org_field_name}} assigns specific responsibilities:

• Registered Manager:
  • Ensures compliance with gas safety legislation.
  • Coordinates annual gas safety checks for service users who require assistance.
  • Maintains records of gas appliance inspections and safety certificates.
• Care Workers:
  • Are trained to recognise signs of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Report concerns about faulty appliances or gas safety risks immediately.
  • Support service users in arranging gas safety checks where necessary.
• Service Users and Families:
  • Responsible for reporting any gas-related issues in their homes.
  • Must allow access for necessary inspections and servicing.
• Qualified Gas Engineers:
  • Conduct annual servicing of gas appliances and heating systems.
  • Issue Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) for serviced appliances.
  • Respond promptly to emergency callouts.

5. Gas Appliance Checks and Maintenance

To prevent gas-related incidents, the following maintenance plan is in place:

• Annual Gas Safety Checks:
  • All gas appliances in service users’ homes must be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • Service users who rent their property must ensure their landlord provides an updated Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
• Routine Servicing and Repairs:
  • Any identified faults must be rectified immediately.
  • Gas appliances and heating systems should be serviced according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
  • Every home must have a functional carbon monoxide detector.
  • Care staff are responsible for ensuring service users’ detectors are present and operational.

6. Emergency Procedures

In the event of a suspected gas leak or carbon monoxide issue, the following steps must be taken:

1. Immediate Actions:
   • Do NOT use electrical switches or naked flames.
   • Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
   • Shut off the gas supply at the mains valve (if safe to do so).
   • Evacuate the premises and ensure all individuals are at a safe distance.
2. Contact Authorities:
   • Call the National Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999.
   • Notify the Registered Manager and emergency contacts.
   • If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, seek immediate medical attention.
3. Follow-Up Actions:
   • No one should re-enter the premises until it has been declared safe by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
   • An internal incident report must be completed and reviewed by management.
   • Where applicable, incidents must be reported to RIDDOR.

7. Staff Training and Awareness

To ensure that all employees understand their role in gas safety:

• Mandatory training on gas safety awareness is provided to all care staff.
• Regular refresher courses are conducted to reinforce knowledge.
• Staff are educated on:
  • Recognising gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
  • Safely responding to gas-related emergencies.
  • Supporting service users in ensuring their homes are compliant.

8. Risk Assessment and Service User Support

Service users who are particularly vulnerable (e.g., elderly, individuals with cognitive impairments) require additional support:

• A gas safety risk assessment is conducted for high-risk service users.
• Where necessary, {{org_field_name}} liaises with landlords, local authorities, and family members to ensure compliance.
• A designated keyworker may be assigned to monitor gas safety needs for service users unable to manage their own home maintenance.

9. Monitoring, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement

To uphold high standards of gas safety:

• Quarterly audits of gas safety compliance records are conducted.
• Annual policy reviews ensure updates reflect new regulations and best practices.
• Feedback from service users and staff is collected to improve gas safety procedures.
• Any breach in gas safety protocol is investigated, and corrective actions are implemented immediately.

10. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if new legal requirements or safety concerns arise. All updates are communicated to staff and service users to ensure continued compliance.

11. Conclusion

By implementing this Gas Safety and Compliance Policy, our domiciliary care organisation ensures that all service users live in a safe environment where gas-related risks are minimised. Through strict adherence to legal requirements, staff training, proactive risk management, and emergency preparedness, we uphold our commitment to safeguarding those under our care and providing a secure, compliant service.

---

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.