Published on:
05
November 2008
The law changed this year in respect of gas cookers in flats. So if you live in a flat and are thinking about buying a new gas cooker read on.
The new regulations have been poorly publicised to date and consumers may be confused about the installation and selection of cookers and the need for flame supervision on all burners. The new law means that only gas cookers fitted with flame supervision devices may be installed in flats and other multi-occupancy buildings such as maisonettes and four-in-a-block properties. A flame supervision device (FSD) will cut off the gas supply if it detects that the flame is extinguished.
Unfortunately some retailers have occasionally sold gas cookers without an FSD to residents of flats. These residents have been unable to have their new cookers installed. These new rules mean that if a resident or tenant in a flat buys a gas cooker without a FSD, a CORGI engineer will not be able to fit it.
However, the requirement for FSDs only applies to new cookers - there is no need to buy a new cooker because of this change in legislation.
Councillor Sam Ovens, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: "These new flame supervision devices are a safety feature which help in ensuring gas is safely managed in the home. Although the new regulations only apply to residents of multi-occupancy properties such as flats and maisonettes, anyone who is considering buying a new gas cooker should seriously consider buying one with a flame supervision device."
Clackmannanshire Council Trading Standards Officer Brian Wilson warned that unless you make it clear to the retailer selling you the new cooker that you require it for a flat or other multi-occupancy property then you will not be entitled to your money back if the fitter refuses to fit it because it doesn't have an appropriate flame suppression device.
More information is available on the Corgi Technical Helpline 0870 401 2400 or on the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers website www.igem.org.uk
You can also contact the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Council Joint Trading Standards Service during normal office hours on 0845 277 7000, by emailing tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk or by visiting Municipal Buildings, 8-10 Corn Exchange Road, Stirling, FK8 2HU.