1 Safety
1.1 Benchmark
1.1.1 Building Regulations and the Benchmark Commissioning
Checklist
Building Regulations (England & Wales) require notification of the
installation of a heating appliance to the relevant Local Authority Building
Control Department. This can be achieved via a Competent Persons Self
Certification Scheme as an option to notifying the Local Authority directly.
The Health & Safety Executive operates the ’Gas Safe Register’, a
selfcertification scheme for gas heating appliances.
This company is a member of the Benchmark initiative and fully supports
the aims of the programme. Its aim is to improve the standards of
installation and commissioning of central heating systems in the UK and to
encourage the regular servicing of all central heating systems to ensure
safety and efficiency.
Building Regulations require that installations should comply with
manufacturer’s instructions. It is therefore important that the
commissioning checklist is completed by the installer. The relevant section
of Building Regulations only relates to dwellings. Therefore the checklist
only applies if the appliance is being installed in a dwelling or some related
structure.
The flowchart opposite gives guidance for installers on the process
necessary to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.
1.1.2 The Benchmark Scheme
Benchmark places responsibilities on both manufacturers and installers.
The purpose is to ensure that customers are provided with the correct
equipment for their needs, that it is installed, commissioned and serviced
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions by competent persons
and that it meets the requirements of the appropriate Building Regulations.
The Benchmark Checklist can be used to demonstrate compliance with
Building Regulations and should be provided to the customer for future
reference.
Installers are required to carry out installation, commissioning and
servicing work in accordance with the Benchmark Code of Practice which
is available from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council who manage
and promote the Scheme. Visit www.centralheating.co.uk for more
information.
Fig.1 Benchmark
1 Safety
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