Demystifying the "CP17 Gas Safety Certificate"

If you're a commercial landlord or manage a commercial property in the UK, you might have heard the term "CP17 Gas Safety Certificate." While used in the industry, it's crucial to know that this is not the official name of the required legal document.

The legally recognized document is the Commercial Gas Safety Record. This record is mandated by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, the cornerstone of gas safety legislation in the country.

The "CP" codes are essentially industry shorthand, legacy terms from the previous CORGI scheme, used by Gas Safe registered engineers to categorize different types of gas work.

What Are the 'CP' Industry Forms?

Engineers use various "CP" forms to document specific tasks. Understanding them can help clarify what work has been done. A CP17 form, for instance, is typically a Commercial Gas Installation Safety Report, often used for tightness testing and purging of systems.

CP17 - Commercial Gas Installation Safety Report: Used to document gas tightness testing and purging for non-domestic installations.
CP12 - Landlord/Homeowner Gas Safety Record: The standard form for domestic rented properties.
CP15 - Commercial Boiler Service: Relates to the servicing and maintenance of a commercial gas boiler.
CP16 - Gas Installation Testing/Purging: Used for the formal testing and purging of commercial gas pipework.
CP42 - Commercial Catering Gas Safety Certificate: The specific record required for establishments with commercial kitchen appliances like ovens, hobs, and fryers.

Regardless of the form number, the outcome must be a comprehensive Gas Safety Record that proves compliance.

What Does a Commercial Gas Safety Inspection Include?

A qualified Gas Safe engineer will perform a comprehensive annual check to ensure the entire gas installation is safe. This includes:

Appliance Safety: Thorough examination of the condition, operation, and safety devices of all gas appliances.
Pipework Integrity: A visual and physical inspection of all accessible gas pipework to identify leaks, corrosion, or damage.
Flue & Ventilation: Ensuring flues are clear, correctly installed, and ventilation is adequate to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Gas Tightness Testing: A test of the entire system to confirm there are no gas leaks.
Issuing the Record: Upon completion, the engineer provides a Gas Safety Record detailing all checks, results, and any remedial actions required.

Your Legal Obligations as a Landlord or Duty Holder

As the person responsible for a commercial property, you have clear legal duties under UK law:

Schedule Annual Checks: Arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect all gas appliances and installations at least once every 12 months.
Maintain Records: You must keep a copy of the Gas Safety Record for at least two years.
Provide Tenant Copies: Tenants must receive a copy of the latest record within 28 days of the check.
Act on Defects: Any identified safety issues must be rectified immediately by a competent person.

Prioritise Safety, Ensure Compliance

Failing to meet these standards can result in severe penalties. By ensuring regular checks and keeping your Gas Safety Record up to date, you fulfill your legal duty and protect the lives of your tenants and employees.

Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified to work on commercial appliances.