Maintenance of gas equipment in a block of flats

Today it is already difficult to imagine a well-established way of life without the use of gas. Thanks to this natural type of fuel in our houses is warm, hot water flows from the taps, there is the possibility of cooking. However, gas supply in urban homes is one of the most dangerous public utilities, since even a small leak of gas can lead not only to property damage, but also to numerous human victims.

According to statistical data, the main cause of accidents is the unsatisfactory state of gas communications and instruments. Timely and regular maintenance of gas equipment in an apartment building, as well as strict observance of the rules of its operation, are the two most effective ways to avoid irreparable consequences.

Professional service WDGO - obtrusive service or necessary security measures

Any apartment is equipped with one or several types of indoor gas equipment (VDGO), for example, a gas stove, a water heater, a boiler. Convenience and availability of the "blue fuel" have become common, and many people sometimes forget that it is a source of danger, so it requires careful attention. People of older generations probably still remember how in the Soviet times the inspectors of gas farms regularly visited consumers, checked serviceability and carried out maintenance of gas equipment in a multi-apartment building. Money for this service the master did not take, because its value was already laid in the gas tariff.

Such a scheme was used until 2006, after which the cost of maintenance from the total amount of payment for gas supply was excluded. Since then, installation and maintenance of gas equipment in the apartment building is carried out at a separate tariff and only on the basis of contracts concluded with the tenants. This innovation was perceived negatively by the majority of consumers, as it looked like an attempt to impose additional paid services on the part of service companies. In this regard, many refused to enter into a contract for the maintenance of gas equipment in the apartment building. Absence of contracts caused the almost complete cessation of preventive examinations of WDGH and, as a result, the increase in cases of explosions of residential premises caused by the leakage of domestic gas.

Ensuring the safety of gas consumers at the state level

In connection with the massive refusal of citizens to voluntarily enter into contracts for the maintenance of gas equipment in the apartment building, in 2008 the government adopted Resolution No. 549, according to which the existence of the contract became mandatory. In the absence of this document, the gas supplier has the right to suspend its submission, having previously notified the consumer. Since the supply of "blue fuel" to gas equipment that has not been officially inspected is unacceptable, therefore, sanctions can be applied even to consumers making full and timely payments for consumed gas.
Gas supply can be restored only after the contract on maintenance of gas equipment in the apartment building is concluded, and the responsible organization will check its condition. However, you will have to pay for the connection again.

What is the contract?

The contract contains requirements for the safe maintenance and operation of EDC and VKGO, prescribes the duties of a specialized service organization, the list and procedure of work, as well as the cost of the services provided.

In addition, the civil legislation of the Russian Federation requires mandatory addition of information and conditions to the document, including:

• Date of the contract;
• Name and requisites of a specialized organization that will perform maintenance of gas equipment in a multi-apartment building;
• Information about the customer;
• The address of the serviced object;
• Full list of gas equipment;
• Terms of payment by owners of housing for the services provided.

Who should sign the contract

The obligation to conclude a contract for the maintenance of gas equipment in an apartment building law places on the following parties:

• The initiator of registration of a contract with a specialized company for maintenance of in-house gas communications and equipment in an apartment building must be the organization managing the common property of the tenants, a partnership or a cooperative. The general property of the tenants are: a facade gas pipeline and a disconnecting device, an internal pipeline that includes risers and part of the gas pipeline communications in the apartments located up to the disconnecting devices (gas cranes).

• The contract must be concluded by the owner of the flat in which the gas appliances are located, or he can entrust the organization that manages the common property of citizens living in this apartment building. In addition, a group of residents has the right to delegate their authority to sign a contract to one of the neighbors-owners of housing in this house or a management organization. In such a case, a general meeting of all tenants of the apartment building must be held in advance, within the framework of which a unanimous decision will be made to grant authority to this or that person.

Who is responsible for maintaining the gas equipment

The rules for servicing gas equipment of apartment buildings clearly determine who, how and when to conduct these events. So, technical, emergency dispatching and repair of EDC and VKGO have the right to carry out only specialized companies - gas distribution organizations that have the permission established by the legislation of the Russian Federation to conduct this activity. Requirements for companies servicing gas equipment in an apartment building are determined by rules approved by the federal service responsible for environmental, technological and nuclear supervision.

Obligations of the supervising organization

A set of activities that involve the maintenance of gas equipment in a multi-apartment building:

• Checking the condition of the painting layer of gas pipes and the quality of their fastenings;
• Bypass and visual control of external gas communications;
• Inspection of the integrity of the cases in the external and internal structures of buildings through which gas pipes pass;
• Control the tightness of valves and gas pipeline connections using special devices or a soapy emulsion;
• Verification of the scheme for laying gas pipelines and installing gas -using equipment for compliance with regulatory requirements;
• Testing of serviceability and lubrication of shut-off valves (cranes, latches) installed on gas pipelines;
• Replacement of sealing glands (if necessary);
• Control of draft in ventilation and smoke channels;
• Check the presence of the necessary air for combustion;
• Quality control of the connections of exhaust pipes with smoke channels, etc.

The contract prescribes a complete list of works performed. Services that are not included in this list are related to individual repair works performed at the request of the consumer. In the event of failure of the items of equipment and the need to replace or repair them, the subscriber pays for the work and spare parts.
The user should also remember that an independent change in the design of gas pipelines and the replacement of any gas-consuming equipment is strictly prohibited. Perform these works only the experts of the accredited organization are entitled. Naturally, all these operations are paid. In addition to the diagnostic and repair measures stipulated in the contract, the responsible organization must provide 24-hour emergency dispatch support.

Regulations for the maintenance of gas equipment

According to the established requirements, the maintenance activities of the civil defense should be carried out according to the following schedule:

• Revision of aboveground and underground gas pipeline routes - once a year;
• Survey of the general condition of gas pipelines - once in 3 years;
• Maintenance of domestic gas equipment (plates, water heaters, boilers, columns) - every 3 years, unless another schedule is specified by the manufacturer of this equipment;
• Maintenance of group balloon installations for liquefied gas included in the WDGO - once in 3 months.

Cost of services under the contract

Prices for services are prescribed in the contract for the maintenance of gas equipment, but their total cost is calculated on an individual basis for each consumer. When forming the final amount, technical characteristics and the number of equipment installed in a particular apartment are taken into account.
Prices can vary, so consumers are advised to periodically visit the official site of the responsible gas distribution organization, where they can get acquainted with the current price in the section "Information for subscribers".

Order of payment for works

The customer pays the payment for repairing and connecting the indoor or in-apartment apartment house to the tariffs established by the performing company, which were in force on the date of the application of the relevant application. The money must be transferred not later than the date stipulated in the service agreement. If the payment terms in the contract are not established, payment is made no later than the 10th day of the next month.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, despite all the security measures taken by the state, tragic incidents due to the gas explosion still take place. This precious natural energy source "does not forgive" an irresponsible attitude, therefore, every consumer should strictly observe the rules for the operation of devices, monitor their working life and do not violate the rules of their maintenance. All these measures will become a guarantee of personal and public security.