If you’re a commercial landlord in the UK, understanding your gas safety obligations is crucial to keep tenants safe and maintain compliance. The most commonly required certificate is the CP42 Certificate, but other commercial gas certificates may also apply depending on the equipment, property type, and business activities. Here, we’ll explore the different certificates needed for gas safety in commercial properties and explain their importance.

Why Do Commercial Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates?

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, commercial landlords must ensure that all gas appliances, pipework, and flues within their properties are safe and well-maintained. Meeting these standards not only protects tenants but also prevents legal issues, fines, and even potential criminal liability for landlords.

Let’s look at the essential gas certificates and when each one applies.

Key Gas Safety Certificates for Commercial Properties

CP42 Certificate (Commercial Gas Safety Certificate)

• The CP42 Certificate is the most widely recognised gas safety certificate for commercial properties. It’s required for commercial kitchens and other environments with complex gas setups. This certificate covers:
• Gas appliances such as cookers, water heaters, and boilers used within the premises.
• Gas pipework that connects appliances to the main supply, checked for leaks and deterioration.
• Flues and ventilation to ensure they’re clear of obstructions and safely vent any combustion gases.
• Emergency controls that allow quick shutdowns in case of a gas leak or emergency.

A CP42 inspection must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer annually. Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other establishments with commercial kitchens typically require this certificate to operate legally.

Learn more: Commercial Gas Certificate and Commercial Gas Engineers

CP15 Certificate (Gas Testing and Purging Certificate)

A CP15 Certificate is often required for properties with large or complex gas systems, especially if there’s a need to add new appliances or sections of pipework. It certifies that:

• Gas pipelines are purged of air or other contaminants before new installations or repairs are carried out. This reduces the risk of dangerous gas-air mixtures that can lead to explosions.
• The system is leak-free and tested to the required pressure standards, ensuring safety and optimal performance.

This certificate is usually required after substantial work on a gas system or when commissioning new installations. It’s commonly needed for larger commercial buildings or industrial properties where gas infrastructure is complex.

CP16 Certificate (Commercial Pipework Integrity Test)

The CP16 Certificate applies to properties with extensive gas pipework systems. This inspection and certification focus on the integrity of the pipework, ensuring it meets pressure standards without leaks.

Specifically, it involves:

• Testing high-pressure pipelines to verify they’re safe for use, particularly in high-demand environments like factories or large commercial buildings.
• Ensuring all sections of the pipework are free from leaks and damage that could lead to gas hazards.

A CP16 Certificate is essential for properties with high-capacity or high-pressure gas systems, and inspections should be completed whenever there are modifications to the system.

CP17 Certificate (Commercial Gas Tightness Testing and Direct Purging)

The CP17 Certificate is closely related to the CP15 and is particularly relevant in environments that require thorough gas tightness testing and purging to prevent leaks:

• Gas tightness testing checks the system for any small leaks, ensuring complete safety for properties with large gas installations.
• Direct purging is often done to remove any flammable gas mixtures from the system, reducing the risk of explosion.

This certificate is particularly necessary for larger buildings and is generally part of annual maintenance checks or after installation modifications.

CP12 Certificate (Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate)

While the CP12 Certificate is typically associated with residential properties, commercial landlords may need it if there’s a residential component in their commercial property. For example:

Mixed-use buildings: If your commercial property includes a flat above a shop or restaurant, you’ll likely need a CP12 Certificate for that residential area.

Staff accommodations: If you provide living accommodations within a commercial property, a CP12 is required for the safety of those spaces.
The CP12 requires annual checks on gas appliances, pipework, and flues in the residential sections of a commercial property.

How to Ensure Compliance with Gas Safety Certificates

Staying compliant with gas safety standards means keeping up with the relevant inspections and certifications. Here’s how to manage these requirements effectively:

Schedule Annual Inspections: Whether you need a CP42, CP15, CP16 or CP17, make sure to schedule inspections at least once a year, or whenever significant system changes occur.

Use Qualified Engineers: Always hire Gas Safe registered engineers who are specifically qualified for commercial gas systems. These professionals are trained to issue the correct certificates for your specific setup.

Keep Records: Maintain records of all certificates, as well as any repairs or upgrades, for at least two years. This documentation will protect you legally and make audits easier.

Educate Staff and Tenants: Inform anyone who uses the premises about gas safety procedures, including emergency shutoff points and how to detect potential gas leaks.

Consequences of Non-Compliance for Commercial Landlords

Failing to obtain the required gas safety certificates can lead to:

Fines and Legal Penalties: Non-compliance may result in significant fines, especially if a safety violation is detected.

Criminal Liability: Severe cases of negligence, especially those leading to harm, could lead to criminal charges for landlords.

Invalidated Insurance: Many insurance providers require proof of compliance with gas safety regulations. Without it, claims may be denied, leaving you financially exposed.

In Summary

As a commercial landlord, it’s your duty to ensure gas safety in your property by obtaining the appropriate gas certificates. While the CP42 Certificate is the most common requirement for commercial kitchens, other certificates like the CP15, CP16, and CP17 are crucial for larger, high-pressure gas systems.

Staying on top of these requirements not only keeps your tenants safe but also protects you from potential legal and financial repercussions. Schedule annual inspections, keep documentation up to date, and always work with qualified professionals to ensure your property meets the highest standards of gas safety.

Further Reading