Gas safety check clarity needed as associations struggle with social distancing measures

Jon Slade, director at Campbell Tickell, told Inside Housing: “There’s still no definitive word on how gas safety certification will adapt to the situation.

“There is talk of perhaps the term of gas certificates being extended from 12 to 18 months but that’s not confirmed.”

Updated guidance from Gas Safe Register, the official gas registration body for the UK, on 25 March said: “We have continued to operate gas safety inspections and investigations, focusing on the highest risk.”

In “high-risk” cases, tradespeople entering properties are expected to keep a minimum of two metres apart from other people, wash hands frequently and wipe down all surfaces, the guidance said.

The issues around gas safety checks come as housing associations across the country are reducing their repairs operations in order to stem the spread of the virus. Great Places, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and Plus Dane Housing are just some of the associations which have said they are carrying out emergency repairs only.

A lack of protective gear for staff is also a major issue, with associations struggling to source it and suppliers in some cases hiking prices. In a WhatsApp group of chief executives, summarised by consultancy Campbell Tickell, bosses warned even emergency repairs could be halted if the issue is not resolved.

There are also concerns that local contractors laying off staff and a lack of materials could hamper work. Self-isolation due to illness is an increasingly serious issue for repairs teams.

One organisation’s maintenance team is understood to have 20% of its staff off, while others are operating with between 4% and 8% of staff unwell. These figures are expected to grow.

Alan Long, executive director at Mears Group, said that the group which carries out repairs work for several housing association and council clients was working with partners to establish what emergency work entailed.

He said urgency of works will be judged in relation to a tenant’s circumstances as some issues that are not urgent for some tenants may be for others depending on their physical capabilities.

Alistair McIntosh, chief executive of the Housing Quality Network, said: “Everywhere under the sun is struggling to get hold of PPE equipment,” and suggested this problem reflected a “total failure of the current procurement model”.

Mr Simpson agreed: “PPE is becoming very, very scarce. Masks, gloves and sanitiser have been ordered but officials are not confident that they will arrive, which will restrict their work even more.”

Mr Long said that Mears staff are well-equipped at moment but added the situation is “going to get worse”.

Gas Safe Register and the HSE have been approached for comment.