latest news

A new annual programme of gas service checks starts next month (April) which covers every housing trust home.

Area by area qualified engineers will be visiting tenants to check all gas appliances fitted by the BCHT Group, such as boilers, and also test for any leaks or faults.

The free service checks are carried out by the Trust’s contractor, Propertycare and they will write to households at least 7 days before their gas service appointment time.

The inspection takes up to one-hour and these are carried out between Monday and Friday. Appointments can also be arranged for tenants on a Saturday if a weekday time is inconvenient.

On the successful completion of a home gas safety check, a gas service certificate is posted to the tenant free of charge.

Ken Nicholson, Director of Investment and Regeneration said: “The safety of our tenants is paramount and the new 2007/8 programme aims to ensure all our appliances are safe and problem free.

“To ensure everyone’s safety it is essential that engineers are given access to peoples’ homes to carry out their annual gas service check. If the appointment time is inconvenient the tenant needs to contact Propertycare on the telephone number on the appointment notice they receive.

“As well as checking appliances the engineers will give important gas safety advice and deal with any questions a tenant may have.”

It is extremely important that every tenant gives access to their home to carry out the gas service. As a last resort, BCHT may be forced to take legal action in some instances to ensure they can carry out a home gas safety check.

The gas engineers are unable to inspect gas appliances owned by the tenant, such as a cooker or fire, but they will check flues fitted by BCHT.

ends

Note – At the end of 2006 every BCHT tenant was sent a guide about the importance of providing access for their free annual gas service checks and also safety advice.

27.03.07