Press Release

Tenants safe from gas poisoning

04/05/2004
Ref: pr 0049

100% of CHP's gas appliances have been tested for safety - over 3,600 gas appliances in total

"This really is a great achievement," said Tony McDevitt, Mechanical Services Surveyor. "It shows real commitment from us and excellent team work with our gas service contractors. It's not easy to get access to all those properties."

CHP contracts gas servicing to RG Francis who use their 'Gas Track' system to monitor progress. The on-line system keeps accurate records of all appliances due for servicing and triggers action if properties are continually inaccessible. After extensive attempts from both RG Francis and CHP, including a personal visit from CHP's Mechanical Services Surveyor, Tony McDevitt, access can be forced via a section 16* notice and action from solicitors.

"As landlords of over 6700 properties, CHP is responsible for all gas safety checks and servicing," said James Henderson, Head of Asset Management. "The consequences of not servicing these appliances could be fatal - you can't see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, but it can kill within hours. A lot of this work relies on effective and thorough administration - CHP have trained additional administrative staff to deal with this. It's really important to be thorough and persistent."

ENDS

Editor's notes:

• 100% of gas appliances were serviced for the period March 2003 - March 2004. CHP is completely committed to ensuring all our gas appliances are serviced annually. All CHP's non-moveable gas appliances have been serviced within the last twelve months.
• CHP combine a gas safety check and service in the same appointment. We are required to check all the pipe work, and non-movable gas appliances.
• For more information contact Victoria Norton on 01245 613111 or James Henderson on 01245 613103