Press Release

Environmental Health Targets Gas Safety in The Workplace

Thursday 8th December 2005

The Environmental Health Department of Derry City Council will be launching the GAS WISE initiative, today Thursday 8th December 2005 in the Civic Offices, Strand Road.

The initiative is part of a Northern Ireland wide campaign aimed at reducing the risk of gas related injury or deaths, Environmental Health departments across Northern Ireland will be running the ‘GAS WISE’ initiative over the next three years.

It is estimated that there are over 6,000 catering premises in Northern Ireland. The preferred fuel used for cooking in the vast majority of these premises is gas. In addition, gas is also used in other workplaces such as, residential homes, offices, hairdressers and warehouses. District Councils are responsible for enforcing health and safety in all of these premises.

During the last 2 years a number of serious incidents involving gas have occurred locally. In one incident a large section of Strabane town centre was cordoned off by the emergency services for a number of hours while they investigated a gas leak at a takeaway. In another incident in Derry a gas explosion at a takeaway resulted in the building being completely destroyed. Serious damage was also caused to two adjacent buildings leading to their demolition.

The risks associated with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) can be properly managed if employers make sure they take the appropriate safety measures. The main hazards associated with the use of gas are explosion, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning which may lead to serious injury, ill health and even death. And because gas explosions are extremely violent, many people may be affected and damage to property may be considerable.

The Council will be asking duty holders such as employers and landlords to be ‘Wise’ about the safety of their gas system is key to the message of ‘GAS Wise’.

W - work on gas systems should only be undertaken by appropriately registered CORGI installers
 I - instruct staff on how to operate equipment correctly and safely
S - service appliances in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
E - ensure adequate ventilation in premises at all times.

The Environmental Health department will be writing to workplaces within the Derry City Council area to remind employers of their statutory duties if they use gas.

Officers will also be requiring that documentary evidence (e.g. an appropriate gas safety certificate) is forwarded to the department before the 31 March 2006. This must confirm that the gas system used at the premises has been properly maintained and that an appropriately registered CORGI installer has carried out all such work on the system.

Failure to provide the necessary documentary evidence before 31 March 2006 will result in an inspection of the premises being carried out by a health and safety inspector from the department. If contraventions are detected the premises may be subject to formal enforcement measures such as service of Improvement or Prohibition Notices.

The Mayor, Councillor Lyn Fleming said: “I am very pleased to launch the Gas Wise initiative within the Derry City Council Area. Many businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and catering sectors, rely on the use of gas in order to provide valuable services for all of us. It makes sound business sense, therefore, to ensure that these gas systems are maintained in an efficient and safe manner. The Gas Wise initiative will ensure that gas safety within our workplaces is given the priority it deserves”.

Philip O’Doherty, Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer said: “The Gas Wise initiative is all about promoting gas safety in the workplace. Its purpose is to inform employers who use gas and landlords who provide gas appliances of their duties under health and safety legislation. In addition to providing advice and guidance my officers will be inspecting premises to ensure that no one is placed at undue risk from poorly maintained gas systems in the workplace”.

A spokesperson from CORGI (The Council for Registered Gas Installers) said:

"CORGI is delighted that this initiative has been launched in Northern Ireland. Gas is an extremely safe fuel, but can have devastating consequences when appliances are not working correctly. Quite often employers or landlords overlook the maintenance of appliances in commercial premises. However, the efforts and commitment by all of the 26 District Councils should ensure that this is addressed."

Members of the public who require any further information should contact the

Environmental Health Department,
Derry City Council
98 Strand Road
Derry BT48 7NN

Ends

Photo Opportunity :

The initiative will be launched at the Civic Offices, Derry City Council by the Mayor, Cllr Lynn Fleming on Thursday 08 December at 11.30 am.

Notes to Editor:

Duties

The laws relating to gas safety apply to work places as well as the home.

Employers and the Self-Employed

Employers and self-employed persons (SEPs) have a statutory duty to ensure that the gas system they use has been installed by a competent person, is being used safely and is properly maintained.

In accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 2004 only *appropriately registered CORGI installers are permitted to undertake work on any gas system.

Employers and SEPs must also, by law, take reasonable steps to ensure that the person undertaking such work is an appropriately registered CORGI installer.

Landlords

As well as employers and SEPs, Landlords have duties under the regulations. In many occasions these apply to domestic situations but may also in certain circumstances apply to the workplace.

Duties of a landlord include:

• Ensuring gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition,
• Ensuring an annual safety check is carried out on each gas appliance/flue,
• Having all installation, maintenance and safety checks carried out by an appropriately registered CORGI installer,
• Keeping a record of each safety check.

***Ends***

For additional information contact:

Press Office

return to previous page