Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedures (GIUSP): What to Know

Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedures (GIUSP): What You Need to Know

When it comes to gas safety, the margin for error is razor-thin. That’s why the UK gas industry follows a nationally recognised protocol called the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP). This procedure provides guidance for Gas Safe Registered engineers to identify, categorise, and respond to unsafe gas installations or appliances in a consistent and legally compliant way.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what GIUSP is, the types of unsafe situations, and what action Gas-Go Heating takes to keep your home and family safe.

🔍 What Is GIUSP?

GIUSP stands for Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure and is currently published and maintained by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) under document reference IGEM/G/11. It is used by Gas Safe engineers across the UK to assess gas-related risks and determine the correct response — whether it's turning off the gas supply, issuing a warning notice, or carrying out immediate repairs

🛑 What Counts as an “Unsafe Situation”?

An unsafe situation can be caused by:

  • Incorrect appliance installation
  • Poor ventilation or flueing
  • Signs of gas leaks
  • Flue gas spillage or carbon monoxide risks
  • Corroded, leaking, or poorly supported pipework
  • Appliances not being serviced or maintained

Unsafe situations are categorised into two levels under GIUSP:

⚠️ 1. At Risk (AR)

This means a potential risk exists, but it is not immediately dangerous.

Examples include:

  • Flues that terminate too close to windows
  • Ventilation slightly below required levels
  • Pipework not clipped or supported correctly
  • Missing safety labels or instructions

What we do:
The appliance is turned off (with your permission) and labelled “At Risk”. You’ll receive a warning notice, and we’ll recommend urgent corrective action.

🔥 2. Immediately Dangerous (ID)

This means the situation poses an immediate danger to life or property — for example, a suspected gas leak, serious flueing issues, or confirmed carbon monoxide spillage.

Examples include:

  • An appliance spilling combustion fumes into the room
  • Severely corroded pipework leaking gas
  • Open-flue appliances in sealed rooms with no ventilation
  • Appliances installed contrary to manufacturer instructions

What we do:
We will isolate the gas supply immediately — with or without your permission if necessary. The appliance will be labelled “Immediately Dangerous” and disconnected from use. A formal notice will be issued, and corrective work will be recommended.

📜 Warning Notices & Labels

In both AR and ID situations, Gas-Go engineers will:

  • Attach an official warning label to the affected appliance or installation
  • Provide a written Unsafe Situations Notice to the property owner or tenant
  • Log the situation for compliance and evidence
  • If necessary, notify the gas supplier or relevant authority

We do this not only because it’s required, but because your safety is our top priority.

👷 Why It Matters to You

If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, understanding GIUSP helps you:

  • Know what to expect during a safety inspection or service
  • Recognise the importance of appliance servicing and ventilation
  • Stay compliant with landlord gas safety obligations
  • Avoid costly and dangerous situations caused by neglect

At Gas-Go Heating, we always work to GIUSP standards. Whether we're installing a new boiler or inspecting an old cooker, we know what to look for — and how to act quickly and professionally when things aren’t right.

🛠 Common Unsafe Situations We Find

  • Boilers with blocked or damaged flues
  • Appliances with no ventilation in sealed rooms
  • Cookers installed too close to combustible surfaces
  • Signs of historic gas leaks never investigated
  • DIY gas pipework not up to standard

✅ Trust Gas-Go Heating for Gas Safety

Our engineers are fully Gas Safe Registered and trained in the latest GIUSP guidelines. We take safety seriously and never cut corners — because we know how important it is to protect your home and the people in it.

📞 Call Gas-Go Heating today to book your gas safety check or appliance service. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or letting agent, we’re here to keep your property compliant and safe.

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