Gas Works

No access to turn off valve in Gas Emergency - Safety Regulations and Compliance?

Anonymous user 23 February 2024 - 3.54 PM

ISSUES My full questions are below but the background and circumstances are a bit complicated. So putting my concerns simply:- 1.Cadent is responsible for the single gas supply pipe ( with no consumer turn off valve) that enters the scullery of my building and divides and feeds 2 separate meters supplying my home (A) and the separately owned overhead flat (B). 2.The flat and house have their own entrances. B has no physical means to or legal right of access to A. 3. Cadent agrees that in a gas emergency B would be unable to enter A and turn off and make safe the gas - e.g. if I was out /away. 4. But Cadent claims that - a. This arrangement was considered safe and legal at the (unknown) time /circumstances of the installation ( sometime pre-1995(?) . NB It is possible but not known whether there was shared access up to 1995) -b. But nowadays, this is an agreed safety risk. -c. However - under current regs - ensuring that consumers are able to access their meter turn off valve is still not a mandatory and only an optional/advisory requirement. i.e. Cadent say that It might be permissible for a new installation in 2023 e.g. if B’s meter could not be situated inside B or in an external place. -c. There is no regulatory/legal obligation on Cadent to ensure that the current subsisting configurations are upgraded /modified to meet current safety standards. NB Cadent are wanting to 'upgrade' the common supply pipe but declining to 'upgrade' the installation to ensure safety of the house and flat and occupants. 5. NB In 2016, after B ceased to have access to A, Cadent disconnected /capped the supply at B's meter because there was no cut off point inside B. But their gas engineer claimed it was safe and reconnected the supply. Cadent say this makes B's gas engineer responsible and not Cadent - for A's safety. QUESTIONS Please could anyone 1. Explain if Cadent’s above assertions are correct – or am I being given the run-around and does Cadent has an overriding duty to ensure consumers’ safety ? 2. Specify ( or advise how I might find out ) any changes in and relevant Gas safety /installation requirements regs for periods - pre-1995 - between 1995 and 2016. - 2016 and 2023. NB Cadent variously gives inconsistent accounts and is never able to give details of the relevant regs. Thank you.

Anonymous user

I believe that you want to contact your gas supplier and tell them of your situation. As they provide the gas they will say whether they deem it safe or not. And if you need two independent meters outside the building to feed each flat.

Answered22 November 2023

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Anonymous user

According to IGEM/G/11 edition 2 with amendments, July 2022. In an emergency, where there is restricted access, or there is no handle fitted to the ECV, it is categorised as an immediate danger (ID) For non-emergency, where no access or restored access to ECV is categorised as at-risk (AR). For both situations, Cadent, for example, has to be notified.

Answered11 December 2023

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Barry Constable

Rating: 5 out of 55552 reviews

Thornton Heath

The best option for you is to contact Gas Safe to get a confirmed information. There maybe a fee if you want a report where they would have to visit your property otherwise they will not put this in writing. Gas regulations were so different pre 1995, if the property has been converted then this would of been the best time to have the properties have there own separate supplies. The primary Emergency Control Valve ( ECV ) should have a control handle to isolate the gas supply and both properties should have access, the previous information is correct about the ID and AR criteria, or a secondary Emergency Control Valve ( ECV ) can be installed in the above property but this should be clearly labelled to inform you at the main Emergency Control Valve ( ECV ) at the gas meter and where the secondary Emergency Control Valve ( ECV )is fitted.

Answered14 December 2023

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MLA Plumbing And Heating

Rating: 4.8 out of 54.85115 reviews

Skegness

The buck stops with cadent. Their sole responsibility is public safety. That's the only reason they exist. If they say it is so then it is so. As has already been suggested to you a few weeks ago, the most logical option is to have a AECV installed. (Additional ecv). Properties sharing a meter is a nightmare arena. If anybody knows the current laws and regs it is cadent. There is no by-passing there system/decision.

Answered18 December 2023

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