Currently, this important document is in its fourth edition, with each edition undergoing across-industry consultation and review (including valuable input from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)), to ensure that technological and legal changes that inevitably occur are accurately reflected. This has allowed competent gas operatives to follow published guidance and offer their customer’s peace of mind that their gas appliances are safe and continue to be safe to use by using an approved classification procedure.
These classifications range from Not to Current Standards (NCS), and At Risk (AR) to Immediately Dangerous (ID), each resulting in different actions being applied. These classifications and actions are designed to reflect the level of risk posed for each situation:
- NCS - An installation which is not in accordance with current Regulations, Standards, Specifications or Codes of Practice, but does not constitute either an immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR) situation.
Action: Inform the responsible person of the situation, preferably in writing.
- AR - An appliance/installation which if operated may lead to a situation which could create a risk to life or property.
Action: Inform the responsible person of the situation, advising that the appliance should not be used until the necessary remedial work has been carried out. If immediate rectification cannot be carried out, with the permission of the responsible person, the appliance/installation is turned off, a suitably worded label is attached to the appliance/installation and a suitably worded notice is left with the responsible person.
- ID - An appliance/installation, which if operated or left connected to a gas supply is an immediate danger to life or property.
Action: Inform the responsible person of the situation, affix a suitably worded label to the appliance/installation and leave a suitably worded warning notice with the responsible person. Permission is sought to disconnect the appliance/installation if any necessary remedial work cannot be carried out at the time.
If you are a CORGI member you can view a copy of the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure online.