Covid19 Corona Virus Update
With the lockdown restrictions finally starting to be relaxed we will now be fully open for all our services as of Monday 19th April 2021, we believe that the responsible approach is for Property Services Wales to risk assess all non essential works for the entirety of the lpandemic. Our 24/7 emergency call out service will remain open for Plumbing, Heating, Gas, LPG, Oil and electrical emergencies.
What do the new restrictions announced by the UK Government mean for gas engineering businesses?
Given the restrictions have been put in place in order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it is essential that any registered businesses undertaking work still follows the guidelines in terms of:
- Keeping a minimum of 2m apart from other people (who are not from your household),
- Washing hands frequently,
- Wiping down all surfaces.
Guidance on businesses and trades that can continue to work through the restrictions can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#work-carried-out-in-peoples-homes
And: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
This is based on current guidance from the UK Government, at 24th March 2021, and is subject to change as the pandemic situation progresses.
We also note that registered businesses should conduct their own assessment of the risks before entering any property.
COVID-19: Advice for landlords
We are aware that the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK may make it more difficult for landlords to arrange annual safety checks in some cases, as tenants may need to self-isolate for 14 days, or longer periods, and as registered gas engineers availability reduces due to the same measures.
The latest restrictions on leaving the home, announced by the UK government on 23rd March currently allow Registered Gas Engineers to undertake essential work, whilst taking the appropriate precautions advised to avoid spreading or contracting the virus in a new setting.
Guidance on trades and services that can continue to work through the restrictions can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#work-carried-out-in-peoples-homes
Additional information can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
The HSE have stated that: "Landlords have a legal duty to repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in a safe condition, to ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue, and to keep a record of each safety check.
"If you anticipate difficulties in gaining access as the COVID-19 situation progresses, you have the flexibility to carry out annual gas safety checks two months before the deadline date. Landlords can have the annual gas safety checks at their properties carried out any time from 10 to 12 calendar months after the previous check and still retain the original deadline date as if the check had been carried out exactly 12 months after the previous check.
"You are encouraged to arrange your annual gas safety checks as early as possible, as a contingency against tenants being in self-isolation for a period of 14 days (in line with current guidelines), or gas engineers being unavailable due to illness. The two-month period to carry out annual gas safety checks should provide adequate resilience in most situations.
"In the event you are unable to gain access to the property, e.g. persistent refusal of access due to vulnerable tenants self-isolating, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to comply with the law, and that you are seeking to arrange the safety check as soon as all parties are able. This will need to include records of communication with the tenant, and details of your engineers attempts to gain access."
Registered Businesses/Engineers
Can gas engineers and tradespeople still work?
Given the restrictions have been put in place in order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it is essential that any registered businesses undertaking work still follows the guidelines in terms of:
- Keeping a minimum of 2m apart from other people (who are not from your household),
- Washing hands frequently,
- Wiping down all surfaces.
Full guidance on precautions to take to avoid transferring or contracting the virus can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
And: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
There is also information on Gov.uk regarding tradespeople working in people's homes: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#work-carried-out-in-peoples-homes
This is based on current guidance from the UK Government, as of 25th March 2021, and is subject to change as the pandemic situation progresses.
We also note that registered businesses should conduct their own assessment of the risks before entering any property, as with any other risk.
