Safety In the Home

Gas Safety Checks

The Co-operative is required by law to carry out annual gas safety checks to all properties with gas central heating. You must allow access for this check to be carried out.

Please make sure that you allow access as unsafe gas appliances are a major danger to both you and your neighbours.

Due to the importance of these checks, failure to allow us access to carry out a gas safety check will result ultimately in us forcing access to your property. All costs relating to forced access will be charged to the tenant.

You will be given plenty of notice by letter requesting access to carry out the annual check. If you receive a letter giving you an appointment that does not suit (for example, if you are working) please contact the Co-operative and we will change the appointment to a more appropriate time.

If you smell gas….

DO NOT turn electric switches on or off
DO NOT smoke or use a naked flame
DO turn off the gas supply at the meter
DO open doors and windows to get rid of the gas
Phone TRANSCO on 0800 111 999 BUT DO NOT use the phone in your home if that is where the smell is.

Periodic 5 yearly Electrical Checks

Electrical inspections are carried out at your home every 5 years or when properties become vacant. The Co-operative has an ongoing dedicated programme of Electrical Installation Condition reports (EICR) and our Contractor will be in contact to make arrangements for access with those involved in this year’s inspections. These inspections are undertaken to ensure the electrical system in your home is and continues to be in a safe condition. As part of the inspection, the electrician may require to carry out essential repairs should they be identified. These inspections are a requirement and we would ask that you provide access to your home when your electrical inspection is due.

What do I do if I lose power or the lights go out?

Check to see if your neighbours are also affected. If so, call Scottish Power on 0845 2700 700.

If the fault is in your home only:

Check that your power card or meter is in credit
Check your trip switches.

Open the cover on your consumer unit (usually next to the meter in the hall cupboard) and check that the trip switches are in the ON position.

If the power goes on again, it is likely to be caused by a faulty appliance. Unplug all appliances, reset the trip switch and plug the appliances in one at a time until the switch trips again. You will then know which is the problem appliance.

Test Your Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Test your smoke alarms throughout your property on a weekly basis to keep you and your family safe. Use the integral test button on the alarms, press and hold the button for a few seconds. The alarm should sound. If you have a missing or faulty smoke, heat or carbon monoxide alarms, or require assistance with testing your alarms, please contact our office on 01698 687222.

Fire Safety In Your Home

Get a free home fire safety visit from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Fire Officers carry out an inspection of your home and can warn you of potential fire risks. Should you wish a visit contact the Co-operative and we can make a referral to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for this free visit to be carried out. Alternatively, you can contact them direct by texting “FIRE” to 80800 from your mobile phone or calling 0800 0731 999.

Fire Safety In Closes

The common close is not an extension of your home to store items. No household items, personal possessions, bikes, prams, furniture etc should be stored within the communal areas within your close.

This area must be kept clear of items to ensure a safe escape route in the event of a fire.

You may think a few items stored in your close may not appear to pose a risk. However in a smoke filled area, any items could help fire to spread and also cause a hazard which prevents a safe escape.

To keep everyone safe by making sure nothing is left in your close or communal area at any time.

Water Hygiene Guidance

Bacteria are common in water systems and thrive in temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius. You probably have your boiler thermostat set to deliver your hot water between 60 and 70 degrees and your cold water is delivered at below 20 degrees. There are some ways that you can minimise the risk of bacteria developing in your domestic water supply:-

Ensure that water is run for a few minutes weekly from all taps and showers, particularly following a period of non-use i.e. when you have been on holiday. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Clean shower heads every 3 months and following a period of non-use by immersing the shower outlet and clean with a standard disinfectant cleaning product.

Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the Co-operative’s maintenance team.

Following the simple guidelines could help to protect you, your family and your home.

If you notice anything unsafe around your home, close or community always report it to the Co-operative.