Gas and electrical safety

Gas safety is enforced by the HSE. If gas appliances, such as ovens, cookers and boilers, aren't properly installed and maintained, there's a danger of fire, explosion, gas leaks and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Gas Safe Register

Employers need to comply with the relevant regulations to help ensure worker and public safety. You can do this by following our advice on maintaining and servicing gas appliances by using a Gas Safe registered engineer or a competent person.

In domestic properties and workplaces such as shops, restaurants, schools and hospitals, this must be carried out by someone on the Gas Safe Register who is qualified to work on gas appliances.

You can check if an engineer is registered by using the Gas Safe Register online or call them on 0800 408 5500.

Registered engineers carry a Gas Safe ID card, which shows the type of work they're qualified to do and whether their qualifications are up to date.

You can find more advice on the gas safety pages on the HSE website. 

Electrical safety

Electricity can kill or severely injure people and cause property damage. Every year many accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported. Poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fire, which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straightforward precautions.

Guidance on portable appliance testing (PAT), including the frequency of checks, is available from the electrical safety pages of the HSE website. 

It's recommended that fixed installations (the wiring and equipment between the supply meter and the point of use, for example, socket outlets) are inspected and tested periodically by a competent person.

Page last updated: 23 April 2024