2
0086
ISO 9001
FM 00866
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.
Natural Gas
British Gas Potterton Precision
G.C.N
o
41 - 592 - 33
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 self-certification scheme for gas heating appliances.
These arrangements represent a change from the situation
whereby compliance with Building Regulations was accepted as
being demonstrated by completion of the Benchmark Logbook
(which was then left on site with the customer).
With the introduction of Self Certification Schemes, the
Benchmark Logbook is being withdrawn. However, a similar
document in the form of a commissioning checklist and service
interval record is incorporated at the back of these instructions.
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.