Park homes Get The Full Inspection
Article by David Tallis
According to the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) 50 per cent of the British population take a park holiday in their lifetime. This figure is expected to increase as holidaymakers battle to book holidays on an ever-tightening budget as the devastating affects of the economy take shape.Residential park homes are a popular alternative as they not only offer visitors a home-from-home experience, but are normally located on sites that specialise in family holidays with associated activities, especially during peak holiday seasons.”Park home holidays have always been popular and are regarded as the great British summer holiday adventure. However, as with all accommodation, there are some basic safety precautions that residents need to be aware of,” says John Davidson, managing director of gas-elec, a leader in the field of gas and electrical safety inspections, services, products and advice.Residential park homes fall within the definition of a caravan as specified in the Caravan Sites Control and Development Act 1960 and therefore, if used for hire purposes, the gas installation will require a Gas Safety Inspection Record on an annual basis.According to the National Park Homes Council there is a legal duty for the owners of rented park homes to ensure that all gas installations, including the appliances and their flues, are maintained in a safe condition.”In order to achieve this, the appliances and their flues must be safety checked at intervals of not more than 12 months,” adds John.Any work carried out in relation to a gas fitting must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer with their ID card showing their competencies in natural gas/ LPG. The certificate must be issued under the Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) for individual gas fitting operatives.In addition to keeping records of the previous two year’s checks, the gas safety inspection record must be prominently display within the residential park home.The following is also required that:
a copy of the Gas Safety Inspection Record is presented within 28 days of the actual check taking placea copy of the last current Gas Safety Inspection Record must be provided before the premises is occupieda copy of the current record form be prominently displayed within the premises (e.g. holiday homes) for ‘short lets’ (i.e. less than 28 days)”All residential park homes are built and the gas appliances installed in accordance with the safety requirements of UK Legislation and the associated Industry Codes of Practice and British/European Standards. It is essential to maintain your park home to prevent any risk to you and your family,” adds John.All gas appliances in a residential park home should be serviced annually to keep them in a safe and efficient condition. Properly maintained appliances are safe in use and should be no cause for concern. The service should include:Ventilation check (air inlets are clear and adequate)Flue check (smoke spillage test)Appliance safety devices are working correctlyAppliances are safe for further useA check for gas leaks and condition of pipework and hosesWhen accidents do occur as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation, there is a combination of circumstances, usually involving two or more of the following factors:Inadequate ventilation (permanent air inlets)Unsatisfactory flueingPoor appliance performanceUser interferenceLack of routine maintenanceSafety needs to be a top priority… make sure your inspections are current!
About the Author
gas-elec carries out impartial gas safety checks and light remedial works. Its unique gas inspection service provides the residential lettings market with multiple gas checks and electric checks.