The Local Authority uses Gas Safe registered engineers to check appliances in council homes and ensure they are safe and in good working order.
During the ongoing lockdown, these visits and inspections have become even more important as Stirling residents spend most, and in some cases all, of their time at home.
Essential gas safety checks
Housing Portfolio Holder, Councillor Evelyn Tweed, said: “It is important that our engineers still have access to people’s homes to carry out these essential checks, even more so during the lockdown period when so many of us spend so much time within our homes.
“We understand these are challenging times for everyone, but the Council requires to carry out this work to keep tenants safe in their homes. The Council has a legal duty to carry out these checks and we would request everyone’s assistance and co-operation during this difficult period so we can continue this work.”
Precautions to ensure safety for all
When an annual inspection is due the tenant will be contacted to arrange a convenient time for engineers to call. The inspections will be carried out taking all necessary precautions to protect both the resident and engineer.
These include:
- Asking those living in the home to vacate the room where the tradesperson is working until the task is completed.
- Asking that the tradesperson has access to washing facilities while working in the home.
- If anyone in the home is self-isolating they will be asked to re-arrange a visit once the isolation period has ended. Our Gas Servicing Team would be happy to provide advice and guide those who are shielding through the gas safety check process. Further information can be obtained by contacting 01786 237669.
The recommended social distancing rules will be followed by engineers. Due to the current social distancing requirements it will not be necessary to have documentation signed by the customer.
Follow the safety guidelines
Vice Convener, Councillor Danny Gibson said: “Our engineers are taking a range of precautions when carrying out gas safety inspections to ensure the safety of residents and the workers themselves. This includes following social distancing rules, ensuring appropriate hand hygiene is regularly carried out and ventilation of the property is undertaken.
“We would ask that tenants also follow the safety guidelines to protect both themselves and the engineers, and allow these essential gas checks to be carried out in a safe manner.”