JOHN’S SCOOTER SAFETY SURVEYS ACROSS LONDON » Communities » 24dash.com

Helping to meet all his daily home safety inspection appointments, a London-based housing association surveyor has taken to using a motor scooter to beat the city traffic and ensure none are missed.

John Marenghi, a surveyor at ASRA Greater London Housing Association, part of the LHA-ASRA housing group, uses his Vespa motor scooter to do regular inspections, and to sort out any safety issues highlighted by contractors’ checks on gas fired appliances, arranging remedial works where necessary.

Gas fired appliances, including gas boilers for central heating systems, can produce carbon monoxide if they are not regularly maintained and serviced to the manufacturer’s standards.  In the UK, around 40 people die unnecessarily each year from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The law governing this area is covered by the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 and requires both private and social landlords like ASRA Greater London to check all gas installations and appliances they own once a year, to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.

John, who lives in Herne Hill, said:  “These home visits are really important as carbon monoxide is a killer and appliances should be regularly checked. Safety is our number one priority and it is important that tenants allow access so that we can carry out these annual checks.

“I become involved when there is a problem, for example where an appliance has to be replaced, or where the contractor discovers a leak in gas pipework inside the property.

“The Vespa is a great way for me to get to inspections on time, and is saving me many, many hours in travel time over the course of a year.

“ASRA tenants think it’s very unusual that I arrive on a motor scooter, but it really is the only way I can effectively do my job.”

Asit Acharya, Managing Director of ASRA Greater London Housing Association, said:  “Safety in our homes is paramount and it’s vital that we keep to appointment dates and times.

“It’s good to see that John has found a way to do his very important job in a fast, efficient and safe way.”

ASRA manages over 3,000 homes across London and the Home Counties.

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Press release issued: August 30 2006