We are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2020, taking place 14th – 20th September.
Gas Safety Week is an annual safety week to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. It is coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas.
Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it.
By taking care of your gas appliances properly you are taking care of your home and your loved ones.
Follow these few simple checks to keep you and your family safe.
1. Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm and check it regularly.
Check it is marked EN50291 and displays the British Standards' Kitemark. Read the instructions carefully as it will tell you where and how the alarm should be fitted. Carbon monoxide detectors are not placed on the ceiling like smoke detector's as the deadly gas does not rise the same as smoke. Remember to check on your friends and relatives to ensure that they have one too.
2. Check for warning signs that could indicate faulty gas appliances.
Signs may include lazy yellow/orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and too much condensation in the room.
3. Don't try to DIY with gas appliances.
Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find or check an engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
4. Check your gas appliances every year.
Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Set a reminder so you don’t forget at StayGasSafe.co.uk.
Tenants – make sure your landlord arranges this and you should also ask for a copy of the Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
5. Always ask to see your engineer's Gas Safe ID card
This ID proves they are Gas Safe registered. On the back of the ID, you will find the information to see if they are qualified for the type of gas work you need doing e.g. natural gas, domestic boiler. You can also find this information on the Gas Safe Register website.
6. Know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it. But there are some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
7. Look out for friends and relatives.
Some people may be unable to arrange their own gas safety check or may be unaware of what they need to do to keep safe. Help your loved ones by ensuring that they have their appliances checked and serviced regularly.
For more gas safety advice and to find or check an engineer visit the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk. Alternatively call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.