Understanding gas safety
Gas appliances such as boilers, cookers and gas fires are safe when they burn fuel correctly. A crisp blue flame shows the appliance is operating efficiently.
Warning signs of an unsafe appliance include:
- a floppy, yellow or orange flame
- soot, scorch marks or black residue around the appliance
- increased condensation on windows
- a strong smell of gas
- a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounding
If you notice any of these signs, act immediately and follow the emergency guidance below.
Key contact information
What should I do... in a gas emergency
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, take the following actions straight away:
- call the National Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999
- turn off your gas appliances (if it is safe to do so)
- do NOT switch lights or electrical appliances on or off
- do NOT smoke or use naked flames
- open windows and doors to ventilate the property
- leave the property immediately and wait outside
- if there is fire, explosion or immediate danger, call 999
- do not return to your home until you are told it is safe to do so
What should I do... if my carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounds
- call the National Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999 immediately
- turn off all gas appliances (if it is safe to do so)
- ventilate the property by opening windows and doors
- leave your home immediately
- if anyone is feeling unwell, call 999 for medical assistance
- do not re-enter the property until advised it is safe to do so
If the issue relates to any Watford Community Housing appliance, we will arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit.
Gas concerns
If you are worried about a gas smell, appliance issue or ventilation problem, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Please note down your reference number and provide it to us as this allows us to get a copy of your report.
Our responsibilities as your landlord
Watford Community Housing has legal duties to keep you safe. We will:
- carry out an annual Gas Safety Check (LGSR) on all landlord-owned gas appliances
- ensure all engineers entering your home are Gas Safe registered
- repair or address issues or unsafe defects with landlord-owned boilers, chimneys and heating systems in a timely manner
- keep detailed records of all inspections and certificates
- act in accordance with The Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure where an unsafe situation is identified and make safe any ‘At Risk’ or ‘Immediately Dangerous' appliances
- provide and replace carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in line with legal requirements
These safety checks are a legal requirement and must be carried out every year.
Your responsibilities as a resident
You also play an important role in keeping your home safe. You must:
- maintain and service any gas appliances that you own, such as cookers or gas fires
- ensure all gas work you arrange is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- follow any safety advice given during a gas safety visit
- take action to repair, disconnect or replace resident-owned appliances marked as 'At Risk'
- provide access to your home so our engineers can carry out the annual mandatory gas safety check
- Never tamper with boilers, gas meters, flues, vents or pipework
Failure to repair or replace any of your appliances marked 'At Risk' or 'Immediately Dangerous' could result in the appliance being disconnected at your next annual gas safety check.
Servicing your appliances
At least once every 12 months, a Gas Safe registered engineer will visit your home to inspect your gas system and landlord-owned appliances - this is called a Gas Safety Check (LGSR). This check ensures:
- gas is burning safely and efficiently
- appliances are correctly installed and adjusted
- safety devices are working properly
- flues, chimneys and ventilation systems are functioning correctly
- there is no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure
Please note that this check can be carried out up to two months before the due date without changing the original renewal date. This flexibility allows us to align checks for multiple appliances or properties, making the process smoother and reducing the need for multiple appointments.
You will receive a copy of the LGSR certificate once the check is completed.
If you own gas appliances (such as a cooker or gas fire), we strongly recommend you arrange an annual service. Regular servicing helps prevent carbon monoxide leaks, dangerous combustion, potential breakdowns during cold weather and blocked or unsafe flues. If a resident-owned appliance remains unsafe, we may disconnect it at your next service appointment to keep your household safe.
Carbon Monoxide safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. It can build up without warning.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include persistent headaches, dizziness or weakness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion or tiredness, chest or muscle pain, collapsing or falling unconscious.
Symptoms often worsen indoors and improve when you go outside. If multiple people or pets are affected, treat this as a CO emergency.
Your carbon monoxide alarm is one of the most important safety devices in your home.
You should:
- test the alarm once a month
- never remove, cover or relocate the alarm
- check the battery if the alarm beeps regularly
- report faulty landlord-provided detectors immediately
Get winter ready
To reduce winter breakdowns and stay warm:
- keep your boiler pressure topped up
- insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing
- check your outside condensate pipes during cold spells
- understand how to use your thermostat and heating controls efficiently
- report issues early rather than waiting for extreme weather
Checks to try before calling an engineer
Is your thermostat or heating programmer set correctly?
Is your boiler pressure within the recommended range?
Have you tried pressing the reset button once?
Are radiator valves open and radiators bled?
Do you have credit on your gas meter (for prepayment customers)?
Are vents and air bricks clear and unobstructed?
Have you checked the CO alarm battery?
If these checks do not resolve the issue, contact us for support.
Need some extra support?
We offer additional help for residents who may need extra support, including those who are elderly, disabled, living with long-term health conditions, and those struggling to arrange access for engineers.
Available support includes:
• flexible appointment times
• help with access or arranging a trusted person to be present
• extra notes on your tenancy record
• assistance from your Housing Officer