With the news that ASCP is in discussion with HSE and has asked for an extension to the 12-month deadline for carrying out landlord gas safety checks under Regulation 36, Paul Hull, Campaign Director of the Gas Safety Superheroes, has questioned the wisdom of a year-long extension.
The background
Writing on LinkedIn on March 26th, CORGI Services CEO Claire Heyes said: “The AGSM, ASCP and CORGI are in discussion with HSE regarding the practicalities of carrying out the Landlords Gas Safety Checks under regulation 36. We have asked for an extension of the current 12 month deadline. We have seen the DVLA extend the MOT deadline by six months this week and feel there should also be a grace period for the gas safety checks for a number of obvious and practical reasons.
“Whilst progress is slower than we would like, we have been able to get the HSE to agree to look at what ‘reasonable steps’ looks like and offer guidance in certain scenarios such as over 70’s or self-isolation, so we can have some clarity on matters such as these, which we welcome at this time. We understand how challenging this global crisis is and how difficult it is to discharge the landlords statutory duty and we will do all we can to help to alleviate this uncertainty.”
The response
Paul Hull has concerns about the possibility of a 12-month extension, saying: “A year is too much. I would welcome a three-month extension with the option of a further three months if necessary.
“A lot of these appliances are already poorly maintained and serviced, with many getting a cursory safety check rather than a full service as recommended by manufacturers. Under no circumstances should an engineer be made to carry out a landlord certificate if they’re not happy that the proper precautions can been taken.
“There’s also the very real worry that residents might be tempted to carry out their own repairs because they’ve been given the impression nobody is coming out for 12 months.
Surely a three-month extension would be a far more sensible approach.”
