DCW151-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 ensure that {{org_field_name}} maintains the highest standards of gas safety and compliance, protecting service users, staff, and visitors from gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire hazards. This policy sets out our legal obligations, risk management strategies, and emergency procedures in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (RISCA), and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) requirements.

As a domiciliary care provider, we play a key role in identifying and managing gas safety risks in service users’ homes while ensuring staff are trained to respond appropriately to potential gas hazards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All service users’ homes where gas appliances, heating systems, or gas-powered equipment are in use.
All employees, including care workers, administrative staff, and management.
External contractors, including gas engineers and maintenance teams.

This policy covers:

Gas safety checks and servicing in service users’ homes.
Identifying and reporting gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks.
Emergency procedures in case of a gas-related incident.
Staff training on gas safety awareness.
Collaborations with landlords, local authorities, and gas safety inspectors.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

To ensure full compliance, {{org_field_name}} follows the legal framework governing gas safety:

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 – Ensures that all gas appliances, pipework, and flues are properly maintained and inspected.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Places a duty of care on employers to ensure a safe working environment for staff.
Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (RISCA) – Requires care providers to ensure safe environments for service users.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – Requires landlords to conduct annual gas safety checks in rented properties.

Failure to comply with these laws may result in fines, legal action, or endangerment of service users and staff.

4. Gas Safety Risk Assessment for Service Users

4.1 Identifying Homes at Risk

Upon initial assessment and during regular care plan reviews, care staff will evaluate service users’ homes for gas safety risks, including:

Presence of gas appliances (boilers, cookers, gas fires, heaters).
Age and condition of gas equipment (checking for outdated or poorly maintained appliances).
Carbon monoxide alarm availability and functionality.
Evidence of ventilation issues (blocked air vents, damp or mould caused by gas leaks).
Whether the service user is aware of gas safety procedures and emergency contacts.

This assessment is updated annually or sooner if concerns arise.

4.2 Supporting Service Users in Gas Safety Compliance

Ensuring service users understand how to safely use gas appliances and turn off the gas supply if needed.
Encouraging landlords or homeowners to conduct annual gas safety inspections.
Providing assistance in booking a Gas Safe engineer if maintenance is required.
Ensuring carbon monoxide alarms are installed, tested, and replaced when necessary.

If a serious risk is identified (e.g., strong smell of gas, lack of gas safety certificates in rented homes), {{org_field_name}} will escalate the issue to the Registered Manager, local authorities, or gas emergency services.

5. Managing Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide Risks

5.1 Recognising Gas Leaks

Signs of a gas leak include:

Strong smell of gas (similar to rotten eggs).
Hissing sounds near gas pipes or appliances.
Headaches, dizziness, nausea (signs of carbon monoxide poisoning).
Black stains or sooty marks near gas appliances.

5.2 Immediate Actions if a Gas Leak is Suspected

If staff or service users suspect a gas leak:

Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it is safe to do so.
Open windows and doors to allow ventilation.
Do not use electrical switches, mobile phones, or naked flames (to prevent ignition).
Evacuate the service user and others from the home if necessary.
Contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.
Inform the Registered Manager and update care records accordingly.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, immediate medical assistance (999) must be sought, and the service user should be moved to fresh air.

6. Ensuring Compliance with Gas Safety Checks

6.1 Landlord Responsibilities in Rented Properties

For service users in rented accommodation, landlords are legally required to provide an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
Care staff should request a copy of the certificate and record the expiry date in the service user’s care plan.
If a landlord fails to provide a gas safety check, {{org_field_name}} will escalate the matter to the local authority housing department.

6.2 Supporting Homeowners

If a service user owns their home, care staff will encourage them to arrange an annual gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Where service users are unable to manage maintenance independently, we will assist in contacting relatives or support agencies to ensure compliance.

7. Training and Competency for Care Staff

To ensure staff can recognise and respond effectively to gas safety risks:

All staff receive gas safety awareness training during induction and annual refresher courses.
Training covers:
- Identifying gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks.
- Emergency response procedures.
- Correct reporting and escalation processes.
- How to support service users in managing gas safety.

Failure to comply with gas safety procedures will result in disciplinary action under the Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy (DCW28).

8. Incident Reporting and Escalation

8.1 Reporting a Gas Safety Concern

If staff identify faulty gas appliances, lack of gas safety certification, or a suspected gas leak, they must:

Report the issue immediately to the Registered Manager.
Log the concern in the service user’s care plan.
Contact the landlord (if applicable) to arrange an urgent gas safety inspection.
Escalate serious risks to the Local Authority Environmental Health Team.

8.2 Recording and Investigating Incidents

All gas-related incidents (e.g., leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, non-compliance issues) must be formally documented in the Incident Reporting System.
The Registered Manager will conduct an investigation and implement corrective actions to prevent future risks.
Where necessary, CIW and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be notified in compliance with RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).

9. Collaborative Working with External Agencies

To enhance gas safety and compliance, {{org_field_name}} collaborates with:

Gas Safe registered engineers for safety inspections and urgent repairs.
Local authorities to escalate concerns in rented housing.
Energy suppliers and fuel poverty schemes to ensure vulnerable service users can afford heating.
Emergency services and the National Gas Emergency Service for rapid response to leaks and incidents.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16)
Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19)
Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18)
Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11)

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, CIW regulations, or best practices change. Any updates will be communicated to all staff.

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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