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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Gas Safety and Compliance Policy

{{org_field_name}} Supported Living Services

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a robust Gas Safety and Compliance Framework within {{org_field_name}} to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of service users, staff, and visitors. Gas safety is a critical component of Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which requires service providers to ensure premises and equipment are safe, clean, secure, and properly maintained.

This policy aims to:

• Ensure compliance with UK gas safety laws, including the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Prevent gas-related hazards such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, and explosions.
• Outline clear responsibilities for gas safety management, including risk assessments, routine maintenance, and emergency procedures.
• Provide staff training on recognising and responding to gas safety risks.
• Implement robust monitoring and reporting systems to ensure ongoing compliance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All premises operated by {{org_field_name}}, including supported living accommodations and office spaces.
• All gas appliances, pipework, and heating systems within our facilities.
• All staff, contractors, and maintenance personnel responsible for gas-related infrastructure.
• Service users, visitors, and external agencies interacting with our facilities.

It is the responsibility of senior management, maintenance teams, and external contractors to uphold the highest gas safety standards across all locations.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy ensures compliance with the following key legislation and regulations:

3.1 Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014

• Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment): Requires providers to ensure that premises and equipment are safe, secure, and properly maintained.
• Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment): Ensures that all risks associated with premises and equipment are assessed and mitigated.

3.2 Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

• Mandates annual gas safety checks on all gas appliances, flues, and pipework.
• Requires that only Gas Safe registered engineers carry out work on gas installations.

3.3 Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• Ensures employers take reasonable steps to prevent risks related to gas safety.
• Establishes a duty of care towards employees, service users, and visitors.

3.4 The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2022

• Requires carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in rooms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (e.g., gas boilers, gas fires).

4. Gas Safety Management at {{org_field_name}}

To effectively manage gas safety, {{org_field_name}} follows a structured approach that includes risk assessments, regular maintenance, staff training, and emergency planning.

4.1 Gas Risk Assessment and Compliance Checks

• A qualified Gas Safe engineer conducts a comprehensive risk assessment of all gas installations annually.
• The risk assessment covers:
  • Condition of gas appliances, pipework, and flues.
  • Ventilation and air circulation in rooms with gas appliances.
  • Presence and functionality of carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Emergency shut-off valves and accessibility.
• Any identified risks are documented in a Gas Safety Compliance Report, with corrective actions assigned immediately.

4.2 Annual Gas Safety Inspections (Landlord Gas Safety Record – LGSR)

• All gas appliances, pipework, and flues are inspected at least once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is issued following each successful inspection, and records are kept for a minimum of two years.
• Any faults or hazards identified during inspections are immediately rectified, with an alternative heating source provided if necessary.

4.3 Installation, Servicing, and Maintenance of Gas Appliances

• All new gas appliances and heating systems are installed only by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Routine servicing and maintenance schedules ensure that gas appliances remain in safe working condition.
• Any outdated or unsafe appliances are immediately replaced or decommissioned.

4.4 Carbon Monoxide Monitoring and Prevention

• Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed in all rooms containing a gas appliance in compliance with the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2022.
• CO alarms are tested monthly, and batteries are replaced annually.
• Staff and service users are trained to recognise CO poisoning symptoms, such as:
  • Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
  • Weakness and breathlessness.
  • Loss of consciousness (in severe cases).
• If a CO alarm is triggered, the area is immediately evacuated, and emergency procedures are followed.

5. Staff Training and Awareness

Fire Safety Lead: {{org_field_the_fire_safety_lead_name}}

Role: {{org_field_the_fire_safety_lead_role}}

To ensure that gas safety is effectively managed, all staff receive mandatory gas safety training covering:

• Recognising gas leaks, CO poisoning, and appliance malfunctions.
• How to shut off gas supply in an emergency.
• Steps to take if a CO alarm is triggered.
• Reporting procedures for faulty gas appliances.

Training is refreshed annually and recorded in staff training logs.

6. Emergency Procedures for Gas-Related Incidents

If a gas leak, fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide emergency occurs, the following emergency protocols must be followed:

6.1 Gas Leak Procedure

1. Evacuate the area immediately – Do not attempt to fix the leak.
2. Do not turn electrical switches on or off – This can ignite gas.
3. Shut off the gas supply using the emergency shut-off valve.
4. Open all windows and doors to ventilate the area.
5. Call National Gas Emergency Service (0800 111 999).
6. Inform the on-call manager and maintenance team.
7. Only return to the premises after clearance from a Gas Safe engineer.

6.2 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Trigger Procedure

1. Evacuate everyone from the affected area immediately.
2. Do not re-enter the premises until advised by emergency services.
3. Call emergency services and a Gas Safe engineer for immediate inspection.
4. Provide medical attention if any service users or staff exhibit CO poisoning symptoms.
5. Investigate the cause and take corrective actions (e.g., servicing or replacing faulty appliances).

7. Record Keeping and Compliance Monitoring

To ensure continued compliance, {{org_field_name}} maintains detailed records of:

• Annual gas safety certificates (CP12).
• Maintenance logs for gas appliances.
• Carbon monoxide alarm testing reports.
• Risk assessments and remedial actions taken.
• Emergency incident reports related to gas safety.

These records are audited annually by senior management, and corrective actions are implemented immediately.

8. Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

• This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislative changes occur.
• Staff feedback, incident reports, and new regulations are used to improve safety procedures.
• Any updates to gas safety laws will be communicated promptly to all staff and contractors.

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or whenever there is a change in gas safety regulations or operational requirements. Updates will be communicated to all staff, service users, and 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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.