People who do not work directly on gas installations
or appliances, but who work in areas where there are implications
for gas safety - such as architects, builders and local authorities
working with flues and venting - have a general duty of care under
civil law. They should refer to the appropriate regulations covering
their work. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
place specific duties on gas users, installers, suppliers and landlords.
The regulations place a number of restrictions on gas appliances installed
in bathrooms, shower rooms and bedrooms which are detailed and prescriptive.
It is illegal to install instantaneous water heaters, which are not
room sealed or fitted with a safety device that automatically turns
the gas supply off before a dangerous level of poisonous fumes builds
up.
For further information please
call the Health and Safety Executive Gas Safety advice line on 0800
300 363 (or 0800 032 0121 in Northern Ireland).
