Gas Hob Isolation valve - regulations?

[pete_t]

Hi,

Just got my landlord's gas safety check back and failed on 'gas hob - no isolation valve'. It passed last year and when I queried this the chap at British Gas gave a generic 'new legislation' reason. Fair enough but looking around here and elsewhere I can't find exact updates and here suggests this has always been the case. So is this new/update regs since last year?

Thanks

Pete

 

[picasso]

You cant "fail" a landlords gas safety cert, its more like a snapshot of what they found on the day, a lack of isolation valve is being picky (the valve is for servicing so not a safety concern)

 

[pete_t]

Thanks for that - have also been trying to find the ramifications of the 'not safe' verdict on this, i.e. do we have to do the work, is it urgent etc or is it advisory - having read a bit on here and seen that this vcalve is for servicing.
Cheers
Pete

 

[Agile]

It is sensible to have the iso valve.

The Gas Regulations say there should be one.

BUT if there is not one, its just not installed to current standards.

Tony

 

[pete_t]

Thanks again - all helpful. However since this was not mentioned last year, have there been any changes in regs since last year. Just wondering.

Pete

 

[Agile]

None, except that the classification of Not to Current Standards has been removed without any obvious way to state those deficiencies.

 

[Gasguru]

As Tony says the classification of NCS has been removed with the latest Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure and IMHO (to cover yourself as a gas registered installer) it leaves little option but to upgrade those installations.

Unfortunately a very stupid homeowner decided to ignore the advice and warnings about using their own unsafe gas installation and their demise followed. Since there is always someone else to blame for stupidity the corroner decided to stick his nose in with the result that the NCS category now has no place.

When these more minor faults are now stumbled on (90% of properties) we are left to make a decision....and I've intepreted this to mean we can't ignore them otherwise we leave ourselves open to prosecution if a fault develops...hence BGs view perhaps (of course it's also an option to increase revenue too).

 

[gas112]

not having an isolation valve will not affect the safety of the appliance in anyway it is there purely to isolate the appliance if someone is working on it to save turning off the gas to the entire premise . And many doing LGSC make it out to be dangerous and cut it off to generate more income others are just stupid and dont actually know the regs

 

[hertsboilers]

Agree with gas112. a NCS is not unsafe, just not to standard, you don't have to bring it up to current standards.

 

[petit_pablo]

Wouldn't worry about it. Safety check hasn't failed and you have a valid CP12 for the next 12months.
I don't write NCS issues on gas certs for this reason. It just confuses everyone.

 

[Agile]

I do note any NCS deficiencies on the form, but point them out to the landlord.

In the case of the earth bond on the incoming gas supply I do suggest that it should be fitted. However as far as I am aware its only in what was the NCS category. But in the event of an electrical fault it could provide protection. Without it potentially some faults could result in the gas supply pipe becoming live at mains voltage. Not all properties have RCDs fitted.

Tony

 

[FiremanT]

..... (to cover yourself as a gas registered installer) it leaves little option but to upgrade those installations.

When these more minor faults are now stumbled on (90% of properties) we are left to make a decision....and I've intepreted this to mean we can't ignore them otherwise we leave ourselves open to prosecution if a fault

And folk give BG a kicking for lining their pockets. You are not suppose to note the old NCS scenarios on a warning notice, but there is no reason why you don't note effects on your invoice or job sheet.
Doing unnecessary but chargeable work to "cover YOUR back", is exactly why punters distrust tradesmen

 

[Phill Peck]

Nct still exists just doesn't require paperwork.
Upgrading not isolation valve from ncs to not safe is a bit harsh.
Possibly Bg have their own policy on it??

 

[gas112]

its not just harsh it is totally wrong

 

[Dan Robinson]

Since when has that stopped BG?