Lettings
Gas Appliance Safety Checks, Electrical Testing and Visual Inspections
It is a legal requirement to ensure that all gas appliances, in rented accommodation, be tested and a record kept on file.You can be sure that the breakdown of electrical appliances or circuitry will be dangerous and could even be fatal. Without a certificate of testing you run the risk of prosecution and invalidating your let property insurance policy. Electrical equipment ranges from any electrical appliance with a plug, to a 400kv overhead power cable.
The introduction of stringent UK and European safety regulations over the last 10 years has required us to become increasingly specialised in protecting our clients, by smoothing the path to compliance and removing the risks that lead to civil litigation and prosecution.
All our staff have many years of experience in dealing with agents, landlords and tenants. We have come to be regarded as a strong part of this group due to our years of experience and understanding of their requirements. That’s why we employ all our engineers, so that they have a vested interest in maintaining the high levels of professionalism you expect from your own staff.
We understand the challenges which you face on a day to day basis. In fact, on a number of occasions we have been invited to offer our experience and expertise in finding solutions to specific problems which were not directly related to our inspection work. All of our electrical engineering personnel are IEE 16th & 17thEdition Electricians. All of our gas engineers are Gas Safe Registered.
The Power Service has been providing an electrical testing and maintenance service for over a decade. We are members of the NICEIC, NAPIT and Safe Contractor. We also hold the Trustmark emblem as members of NAPIT.
Services
Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Reports (DEICR)
Gas Appliance Safety Tests and Gas and Oil Fired Boiler Servicing (GAS)
Portable Appliance Tests (PAT)
Inventory & Condition Reports (IR&CR)
Electrical Visual Inspections (EVI)
DEICR
Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report
Legislation/ Guidance
- Electricity at work regulations 1989
- BS7671:2008 ;IET wiring regulations 17th edition
- Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
What is a Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report?
A Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report is an inspection on the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against the national safety standard for electrical installations.
Why is a Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report required?
Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and age. It is important for the person responsible for the maintenance of the installation to be sure that the safety of users is not put at risk, and that the installation continues to be in a safe and serviceable condition.
When is a Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report needed?
It is recommended by the IET that fixed electrical installations should be inspected & tested at least once every ten years or on change of tenancy by a qualified person. If any faults are detected these should be remedied as soon as possible.
GAS
Gas Safety Reports
Every year about 14 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health. When gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, excess carbon monoxide is produced, which is poisonous.
by law, landlords are generally responsible for making sure that gas fittings and flues are maintained in good order, and gas appliances and flues are checked for safety once in a period of 12 months. They must also keep a record of the safety checks for at least two years and issue the latest certificate to existing tenants and any new tenants before they move in.
Gas and Oil Fired Boiler Servicing
Regular checks help ensure your boiler is working safely and may even help prolong its life. Many providers will also only cover you if you have an annual service.
PAT
Portable Appliance Testing
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place a “duty of care” on employers to maintain electrical systems to prevent danger where otherwise it may exist, the term electrical systems refers to all parts of an installation including portable appliances. The most efficient and comprehensive way of ensuring your duties are performed and adequate records are kept is by performing Portable Appliance testing (PAT) in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. By following this practice, you can be sure that your obligations have been met under the Health and Safety at Work Act so far as electrical safety is concerned and more importantly that your staffs, visitors, patients, buildings and possessions are safe.
IR&CR
Inventory and Condition Reports
An inventory is a list of everything that has provided with the property to be rented, including: furniture, carpets, curtains, appliances and kitchenware. It should also state the condition everything is in – particularly anything that was already damaged, marked or worn.
EVI
Electrical Visual Inspections
An annual visual inspection is designed to ensure that:
- Electrical leads are checked for damage and repairs and also that they are not in a position where they can be damaged
- All electrical appliances are working
- Extension leads are being used correctly.
- Plugs and sockets are intact i.e. not cracked or damaged, with no discolouration or burn marks.
- Socket outlets are not over loaded.
- Light sockets and switches are securely fitted with no discolouration or burn marks.
- Bathroom electrical outlets are at least 3 metres from the edge of a bath or shower cubicle and those electric heaters and boilers are permanently wired. They should not be free standing or portable.
Visual electrical checks are best used during the interim period between testing regimes to ensure that an installation remains in a ‘safe to use’ state. They are not to be used as a replacement for the formal periodic inspection tests as advised by the institute of Engineering and Technology. Here is an example of our visual electrical safety report.
