Sandwell Council tenants are being urged to keep essential gas safety inspection appointments.
All annual gas safety inspections at council properties are being carried out in a safe and socially distanced way.
Tenants are being reassured that staff will carry out checks in line with government guidance and current risk assessments.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for homes Councillor Jo Hadley said: “It’s really important that people allow us to carry out gas safety checks.
“By law, we must carry out annual gas servicing on all council properties.
“We’ve amended how our staff are working to meet government guidelines.
“Staff who are visiting people’s homes are following all relevant guidance and tenants will be asked to stay in another room while they carry out their work.
“These checks are vital to make sure tenants’ gas appliances are safe to prevent gas and carbon monoxide leaks.
“Of course, if anyone is shielding, or very vulnerable, and they are concerned about having a gas safety check they should get in touch with our repairs team to discuss their appointment,” she added.
Yearly landlords gas safety inspections are a legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Tenants are asked to allow gas engineers access to all gas appliances including cookers and boilers, gas meters, electrical consumer units and any smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
Tenants are also asked to stay in another room while the inspection is taking place, and to wipe down appliances with an antibacterial product before and after the engineer’s visit.
If anyone in a tenant’s home has Covid-19 symptoms, or is having to self-isolate, the tenant must inform the council so their appointment can be rearranged.
Anyone who is in a high-risk category or who is shielding should also contact the council to discuss any concerns they have about their gas safety check.
Sandwell Council’s gas services team can be contacted by calling 0121 569 6000.
