Checks/Services you have to carry out every year/time period

Heedtheadvice

Poor old Risteard getting daggers thrown at him again for maybe just stating the formal situation and the documentation amplifying and supporting that!

I am sure many on these boards are just trying to help and having knowledgeable statements and sensible opinion are both of value but as with most things on the net not everything points the reader in the right direction or sometimes even misleads.Consider the following: as to the discussion about periodicity.

In the workplace there are specific laws and regulations that only apply there. Some that apply to landlords property etcetera. There are also laws and regulations that apply across the board. One point in common with all these is that some laws and regulations are not very specific in practice and often case law and formal guidance impact massively on what is acceptable....Or what should be practice.
Deviation from practice, when the worst comes to the worst such as accidents, fire etc etcetera needs to be supportable. All this is in part to prevent injury or loss. If guidance says inspect or test every stated period or as advised by an inspector then that is the best approach in law and in practice unless other events trigger a change. Consider Portable Appliance Testing is such where although periods may be stated rough handling should make it more frequent.

Now you may be wondering why some of that is mentioned (such as P.A.T. does not apply to domestic homes). Most people inside their homes (even if they do not value safety!!!) do have insurance and thus have need to follow guidance too.

Should the worst occur and there is an adverse event caused by a gas or electrical fault the insurance company are usually (depending upon terms and conditions) well within their rights to refuse cover if the property has not been properly maintained. If your inspector says retest in X years and you have not done so for 2 or 3 times that time or you have deviated from recognised guidance (maybe no test in living memory or a record of such!) can you prove that your property has been correctly maintained and if cover for the event is refused for lack of evidence who would you believe to be at fault?

Nevertheless I value my family more than insurance T&Cs and don't judge periodicity of tests based upon hearsay or websites that have a vested interest. Those responsible for the regulations and guidance take priority.......In my mind anyway!

Remember the saying "don't shoot the messenger".