Is the gas safe in my tower block?

Gas safety is important in every home, but in tower blocks there are additional reasons for checking that everything is secure.

A gas explosion can be really serious — and as has been shown by previous disasters, it can even make the entire building collapse.

What does the law say?

The relevant law is the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

This says that landlords must make sure there is a gas safety check at least once every twelve months. It must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Within 28 days after this check, your landlord must provide tenants with a copy of the gas safety record.

Landlords are also responsible for making sure that all gas pipes, fittings and appliances are kept safe and in good working condition.

There is an extra consideration if your block was built with the Large Panel System, in which gas explosions are a particular concern.

The government has instructed the removal of gas systems (for heating or cooking, etc) from all blocks that could not withstand an explosion of five pounds per sq inch (psi). However, at the time of writing, there are several blocks in England for which this has not been carried out.

What action to take

If you think there’s a gas leak, or you can smell gas

Open windows.
Call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.
Also let your landlord know.

If you think your landlord has not been conducting annual gas safety checks

Contact your landlord to ask when the last gas safety check was carried out, and to see a copy of the gas safety record.
If there is no reply, or your landlord does not provide these documents, you can:
- Complain to the Health and Safety Executive (using this form).
- Complain to your local council’s environmental health department.