Gas Safe ACS - Accredited Certification Scheme Unsafe Situations and Notices Questions and Answers

Question 1

An engineer inspects an older, open-flued gas boiler.
The boiler itself is in good working order and passes a flue flow test, but it is installed in a room where the homeowner has recently fitted a powerful mechanical extractor fan without any additional purpose-provided ventilation.
How should the engineer classify this situation according to the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP)?

Accepted Answer

At Risk (AR), because a potential danger exists when the fan and boiler operate concurrently.

Answer

Immediately Dangerous (ID), as the fan will cause spillage when operated.

Answer

Not to Current Standards (NCS), as the ventilation was likely adequate before the fan was installed.

Answer

Not Unsafe, provided a warning notice about using the fan is issued to the homeowner.

Question 2

Which of the following sets of information MUST be included on a 'Warning/Advisory Record' issued to a responsible person for an unsafe situation?

Accepted Answer

The engineer's name, Gas Safe registration number, details of the defect, and the classification (e.g., AR/ID).

Answer

The cost of a replacement appliance and the date of the next required service.

Answer

The engineer's personal mobile number and the appliance manufacturer's helpline.

Answer

The property's council tax band and the time the engineer arrived on site.

Question 3

While performing a Landlord's Gas Safety Record inspection in a tenanted property, you identify an 'At Risk' (AR) situation with the gas cooker. The tenant is present, but the landlord is unavailable by phone. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the appliance with the tenant's permission, issue a Warning Notice to the tenant, and make all reasonable efforts to send a copy to the landlord.

Answer

Take no action until the landlord can be contacted to authorise the work.

Answer

Verbally inform the tenant of the risk, turn off the appliance, and leave without issuing any paperwork.

Answer

Disconnect the entire gas supply to the property as the landlord is uncontactable.

Question 4

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), which of the following events requires a mandatory report to the HSE by a Gas Safe registered engineer?

Accepted Answer

A gas fitting that, due to its faulty design or installation, causes a person to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Answer

Discovering a gas installation that is dangerous solely due to a lack of routine maintenance.

Answer

An appliance that breaks down and requires a replacement part to be ordered.

Answer

Finding pipework that does not meet current standards but was compliant when installed and is otherwise safe.

Question 5

You are servicing a gas cooker and find that the hotplate burners do not have flame supervision devices (FSDs). The cooker was installed in 1995, is in good condition, and all burners operate with stable, blue flames. According to the GIUSP, how should this be classified?

Accepted Answer

Not to Current Standards (NCS), as it was compliant when installed but new standards require FSDs.

Answer

Immediately Dangerous (ID), as it lacks a modern safety feature.

Answer

At Risk (AR), because if a flame goes out, gas could continue to escape.

Answer

A reportable defect under RIDDOR.

Question 6

A customer reports a faint, intermittent smell of fumes around their open-flued gas fire. After a visual inspection of the appliance, flue, and ventilation, what is the most critical and logical next step for the engineer?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a spillage test using a smoke match or smoke puffer at the draught diverter.

Answer

Immediately classify the appliance as 'Immediately Dangerous' and disconnect the gas supply.

Answer

Perform a flue gas analysis on the appliance's combustion products.

Answer

Recommend the customer installs a carbon monoxide alarm and arrange to return next week.