Do You Know the Rules?

. Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Building Regulations

· Manufacturer’s Instructions

· Approved Codes of Practice

· British Standards and

· Industry ‘best practice’ guidance

The ‘Corner Stones’ of our associated industries, there to ensure the work we carry out is safe, compliant, professional and reliable!

A myriad of documentation, many of which, make use of the following terms:

Must – identifies a requirement to comply ‘By Law’ here in Great Britain at the time of publication.

Shall – prescribes a requirement which, shall be complied with in full and without deviation from that requirement.

Should – prescribes a requirement which, it is intended to be complied with, unless after prior consideration, any deviation would be acceptable.

If you choose to deviate, you must be able to demonstrate the action taken, is sufficient to comply with ACoP or other legislation, otherwise you may find yourself facing prosecution, where a Court will find you at fault.

Please note: The above terms may have different meanings when used in Legislation or HSE ACoP’s / guidance and reference must be made to those documents for clarification of your legal obligations.

Gas Safe Register’s ‘Gas Engineer’ publication for March/April 2025 highlighted the article entitled;

Do You Know Your RIDDOR?

(Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).

A very important question and equally, a very important piece of legislation.

RIDDOR 2013 is a legal requirement for mandatory reporting to the HSE of workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

RIDDOR 2013, is not restricted the gas, oil or solid fuel industries. The law requires employers, self employed people and anyone else who is in control of work premises, to maintain records and to report to the HSE;

· Gas-related incidents

· Reportable injuries

· Occupational diseases

· Dangerous occurrences

Gas Incidents include;

Dangerous gas appliances or fittings resulting in a spillage of the products of combustion (fumes) to an extent that could result in death, loss of consciousness or require hospital treatment.

Gas incidents also include dangers resulting from the design, construction, installation, modification or servicing of any appliance, or a fitting used on any gas system or appliance that could cause for example;

· An accidental leakage of gas

· Incomplete combustion of gas

· Inadequate removal of the products of combustion

The Health & Safety at Work (etc) Act 1974, is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health & safety in Great Britain. It serves as an enabling act, that allows for further specific health and safety regulations to be passed and enforced under it.