Gas boilers in loft: the law?

My ongoing house buying saga goes…on.

We're looking at a house with a gas boiler in the loft. I've found a couple of websites which suggest that, by law, the loft needs boarding to the boiler and, by law, requires a hinged drop-down ladder attached to the loft access hatch. But none of the websites actually state which laws apply. Anyone know?

Naturally, neither of these things are in place at the house we're looking at (and that's not to mention the gaps in the unlined roof….)

i've no idea, but having boarded and put a ladder into my loft, its a satisfying long day's work, costs about £200 (note – this is just to board it properly, not to convert it into living space or owt). So I'd not let it be a dealbreaker

I was told that the loft was required to be boarded out, loft ladder for access and adequate lighting above the boiler to enable a repair. That was from my brother in law who was a gas safe registered fitter. Also when we last had it serviced they asked at the time of booking about the above as well.

There is the 'gas safety (installation and use) regulations' but I don't know more than that.

Cheers fellas. I'll chase that up Chris H – and remember the DIY option 5lab! Boarding shouldn't be a problem but before the ladder went in the access hatch will needing to be enlarged and I wouldn't trust myself to do that.

A couple of things to consider are:
1. Frost protection. If the boiler is above the insulation, you run the risk of it and the fittings be susceptible to frost; and
2. IIRC you'll need a building warrant or approved installer if you need to cut trusses to increase the size of the access hatch.

enlarging a hatch is pretty simple too, but if you didn't feel comfortable with it – if its a couple of hours work it shouldn't cost more than a hundred quid to your local freindly pole.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/jan/08/uknews4.mainsection

Shirley compliance with this sort of reg is only for new installations?

About boarding out – I'd recommend paying someone to do it. Ours was 120 quid inc materials, a lot better done than I would and total cost was only 20 quid or so more than I would've spent on materials.

loft ladder
walkway and working platform
light
guard rail / handle to assist with access into roof.

hmm, that might be true al but we'd still need a gas engineer to have some way of getting to it 🙂

I can tell the DIY/get someone in debate will run and run in my head; i can also guess which one my missus will prefer. Save a few quid or have a quieter life… hmm. There's a light up there already so that's covered.

The points about being above the insulation are good ones and I'll make sure that they're mentioned in our revised bid.