Explanatory note

This Order makes modifications to the Gas Safety Regulations 1972 in consequence of the enactment of the Gas Act 1995. The Act provides for various functions, carried out at one time by Area Gas Boards and latterly by British Gas plc as a public gas supplier, to be carried out by public gas transporters. Article 2 of the Order amends various references in the 1972 Regulations to Area Boards and the supply of gas so as to refer to public gas transporters and the conveyance of gas.

The 1995 Act also provides, by amendments to section 10 of the Gas Act 1986, for the owner or occupier of premises to be able to lay a service pipe connecting his premises to a gas main. In consequence, article 2 of the Order amends regulation 3(1) of the 1972 Regulations so as to exclude owners, occupiers and their contractors from the restriction imposed by that provision as to the persons who may install service pipes and related apparatus.