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Gas and Electrical Safety

Gas and electrical checks are important to keep you safe. Help us, help you.

Your safety is our priority. That’s why it is important that you help us to keep you safe.

We do annual checks on your gas heating systems and we check your electrics every 5 years. This is important to keep you safe and can reduce the risk of fire.

Gas Safety

Regular gas safety checks mean we can ensure your gas supply is safe and working correctly, they also allow us to pick up on any issues that need repairs. We are legally required to carry out these gas safety checks so it is important you allow us access to do so.

Gas safety checks mean that we can ensure your gas supply is safe. Gas can be very dangerous if it is not managed properly. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and even explosions. These checks make sure to keep you, your family, and your neighbours safe.

Heating systems can also sometimes not work as well as they could do meaning that you may be paying more to heat your home.

Gas safety checks are there to keep you and your neighbours safe. Failure to do so is in breach of your tenancy agreement.

If access is not given, Trident can serve a ‘notice of seeking possession’ and gain legal access to your property for the safety of you and your community.

We will contact you by sending you a letter when your gas safety check is due asking you to book an appointment by calling 0121 633 4633. It is important that you do this as it can put you and your neighbours in danger. It is also part of your tenancy agreement.

The gas safety checks should take less than an hour and will be done by trained gas safe engineers who will provide a certificate.

  • Open doors and windows to let fresh air in
  • Turn off the gas at the meter
  • Leave the property immediately
  • Do not turn electrical switches on or off
  • Do not smoke, light matches or use naked flames
  • Contact the National Gas Emergencies number: 0800 111 999 – only do this once you are safely outside the property

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a leak, you should:

  • Open doors and windows to let fresh air in
  • Switch off all appliances
  • Leave the property immediately
  • Contact the National Gas Emergencies number: 0800 111 999 – only do this once you are safely outside the property
  • Do not go back into the property

Carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelt or tasted but high amounts can be fatal. If you suspect you’ve been exposed, seek immediate medical help.

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Confusion
  • Chest and/or muscle pain

Electrical Checks

We also check your electrical systems every 5 years. This helps to keep you and your family safe as in 2021 to 2022, 31% of the 24,000 accidental home fires in England were caused by misuse of electrical equipment.

Before you move in we check all your electrics to make sure that they are working correctly. We will then check the electrics and your home every 5 years. It is important that when you get your letter asking you to book your appointment you do so as soon as possible.

It is important that you follow the guidance below to help reduce the risks of electrical fires:

  • Book your electrical checks every 5 years when asked.
  • Make sure you know where your fuse box is, so you can turn the mains switch off in an emergency.
  • Never overload sockets or plug adaptors into other adaptors.
  • Clean your tumble dryer filter after every load.
  • Take extra care with second-hand appliances, ensure they have been safety checked and are not listed on the product recall register.
  • If you are concerned about the safety of a product stop using it and make your concern known to the retailer or Trading Standards office.
  • Ensure plugs, sockets and leads are not visibly damaged and replace if necessary.
  • Always use a Residual Current Device (RCD) on outdoor electrical equipment (this instantly turns off the power if there is a fault).
  • Never store combustible materials near the fuse box or the electricity meter.
  • Never store anything on top of a microwave.
  • Never run cables under carpets or rugs.
  • Never take mains-powered electrical items into the bathroom.
  • Always switch off electrical items when you are not using them.

It is important you report any issues with your electrics as soon as you can by calling 0121 633 4633.

We will contact you by sending you a letter when your electrical safety check is due asking you to book an appointment by calling 0121 633 4633. It is important that you do this as it can put you and your neighbours in danger. It is also part of your tenancy agreement.

Home safety

Our engineers should always be able to prove their identity – if you are unsure, call 0121 633 4633 before letting someone into your home. Find out more about gas and electrical safety in Trident’s Home Safety Handbook.

Have your say on our building safety

If you are someone who is passionate about building safety and wish to help Trident keep you and our other residents safe, then you can join our building safety panel and customer voice group.

Find out more about how you can get involved.

Have concerns or issues in your home, apartment, or neighbourhood? Then report your issues to the Building Safety team by using the form below or calling on 0121 633 4633.