CENWAT Gas Safe Regulations & Commissioning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Gas Emergency Service number in the UK and when should it be called?
- 0800 111 999 — called when there is a smell of gas or a suspected gas escape that cannot be safely isolated (Correct answer)
- 999 for all gas emergencies
- The Gas Safe Register directly
- The boiler manufacturer's helpline
Correct answer: 0800 111 999 — called when there is a smell of gas or a suspected gas escape that cannot be safely isolated
0800 111 999 (National Gas Emergency Service) should be called immediately if there is a smell of gas, suspected gas leak or CO concern that cannot be safely controlled; this is a 24/7 free emergency line.
Question 2: What is a tightness test and when is it required?
- A test to check for gas leaks in the installation pipework using a manometer — required after any gas pipework work or before commissioning a new appliance (Correct answer)
- A test of boiler output pressure
- A flue integrity test
- A water pressure test on the heating circuit
Correct answer: A test to check for gas leaks in the installation pipework using a manometer — required after any gas pipework work or before commissioning a new appliance
A tightness test uses a manometer to check that the gas installation pipework holds pressure without drop, confirming there are no gas leaks before commissioning any appliance or after any pipework modification.
Question 3: What instrument is used to perform a gas tightness test?
- A manometer (U-gauge or digital manometer) (Correct answer)
- A flue gas analyser
- A CO detector
- A multimeter
Correct answer: A manometer (U-gauge or digital manometer)
A manometer (either a traditional U-tube water gauge or a digital manometer) is used to measure and monitor gas pressure in the pipework during a tightness test, detecting any pressure drop that indicates a leak.
Question 4: What is the accepted pressure drop limit in a domestic gas installation tightness test (using the working pressure method)?
- No pressure drop over the test period (steady pressure indicates gas-tight installation) (Correct answer)
- Up to 10 mbar drop is acceptable
- Up to 5% pressure drop
- Up to 2 mbar per minute is acceptable
Correct answer: No pressure drop over the test period (steady pressure indicates gas-tight installation)
The IGEM/UP/1B procedure specifies that for a working pressure tightness test on a domestic installation, there must be no pressure drop over the stabilisation period, confirming the installation is gas-tight.
Question 5: Under the GSIUR, who has the right of entry to inspect gas installations?
- An authorised gas inspector (a Gas Safe registered engineer authorised by HSE or the gas transporter) (Correct answer)
- Any Gas Safe registered engineer
- The local authority building inspector
- Only the gas supplier's own engineers
Correct answer: An authorised gas inspector (a Gas Safe registered engineer authorised by HSE or the gas transporter)
Under the GSIUR, authorised inspectors (appointed by HSE or the gas transporter) have a right of entry to inspect gas installations to check compliance and safety.
Question 6: What is the Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR)?
- A record issued after an annual gas safety check of all gas appliances in rented accommodation, required by GSIUR Regulation 36 (Correct answer)
- A record of all Gas Safe registered engineers
- A planning permission record for gas work
- A boiler manufacturer's warranty document
Correct answer: A record issued after an annual gas safety check of all gas appliances in rented accommodation, required by GSIUR Regulation 36
GSIUR Regulation 36 requires landlords to arrange annual gas safety checks of all appliances in rented accommodation and provide tenants with a copy of the resulting Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days.
CENWAT Gas Safe Regulations & Commissioning 2
What is the Gas Emergency Service number in the UK and when should it be called?