The Gas Wise Initiative – Does It Apply To Me?

The Council 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’.

The key points for employers are:

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.

Gas Wise Initiative.

Click here to view and download the Gase Wise poster

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.

This will happen in 4 stages during the next twelve months with different premises being contacted in each stage. Premises likely to use gas will be requested to make a return to the department. Letters in the first stage were sent out to premises on the 7th April 2006.

Officers will be requiring that documentary evidence (e.g. an appropriate gas safety certificate) be forwarded to the department before the 30 June 2006 (for Stage 1). 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. Link to CORGI website to find an installer near you >>

Failure to provide the necessary documentary evidence before 30 June 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.

Therefore, if you receive a letter from us it is important that you either forward on the necessary information or if you don’t use gas at your premises you contact us to let us know. If in doubt please contact us for further advice.*

*Please Note: If however you do not receive a letter from the department you are still required to comply with the relevant regulations if you use a gas system at your premises. (See 'Gas Safety - The Law' Section)

Philip O’Doherty, 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”.