Gas Safety in Commercial Property
Written by Scott Jones, founder of CommercialPropertyKiln · Last updated
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Where a commercial building has gas appliances or pipework, there are safety duties. They are less talked about than in housing, but they still apply.
The duty
Gas safety in commercial premises is governed by health and safety law, including the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. Whoever is responsible for the gas installation and appliances, under the lease and in practice, must ensure they are maintained in a safe condition and checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Who is responsible
As with other systems, the split depends on the lease. A landlord typically retains responsibility for gas serving common or shared parts and plant, while tenants deal with gas in their demised areas and their own appliances. On a full repairing lease more falls to the tenant. Read the lease to be sure.
What to do
- Have gas appliances and pipework you are responsible for serviced and safety-checked by a Gas Safe engineer at appropriate intervals.
- Keep records of checks and any remedial work.
- Act promptly on any unsafe finding.
Confirm the specifics
The exact requirements depend on the type of installation and the use of the building. Use a Gas Safe registered engineer and confirm what applies to your premises. See the wider landlord obligations.
Do commercial buildings need gas safety checks?
Where there are gas appliances or pipework, whoever is responsible must keep them safe and checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Who is responsible for gas safety under a lease?
It depends on the lease. Landlords usually keep gas serving common parts, while tenants deal with their demised areas.