Gas Safety Week is the biggest annual gas safety awareness event. Organisations across the nation are working together to raise awareness of gas safety and the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances.
This year’s theme is ‘Every Check Counts’. Emphasising the importance of regular gas safety checks, and other simple checks people can do at home.
By taking care of your gas appliances properly you are taking care of your home and your loved ones. No matter how big or small every check counts.
Here are some simple tips that you can use to stay gas safe at home:
1: Every check counts
The best way to ensure your boiler is gas safe is to organise an annual boiler check with a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. They will check everything is working as it should be, giving you peace of mind. Take the time to remind family and friends to book in, making sure they are also gas safe aware.
2: Be risk aware
Unsafe gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. You cannot see, smell, or taste CO; so it is important to check your CO alarm is working. Also, check they are marked to standards EN50291 and still in date (if applicable).
It is important to remember the six main symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
3: Landlords and tenants must act responsibly
Check if your landlord has provided a current gas safety record, and if they have organised an annual gas safety check – as it is a legal requirement.
4: Only use a gas safe registered engineer
All of our engineers are vetted and gas safe, but it is important to know that illegal fitters can put you at risk. You can check the official gas safe register to ensure your engineer is legally registered and qualified to do the work.
5: Do not do gas-related DIY
When doing any DIY, check for gas pipes before drilling or hammering, and leave any direct gas works to the experts. If you suspect there is something wrong with your appliance or it is not working correctly, call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
6: Be prepared for winter
Check for warning signs that could indicate your gas appliances are not working correctly. 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, too much condensation in the room, or error messages on the appliance’s control panel. Also check that vents or flues are not blocked, and your carbon monoxide alarm is working.
Keep up to date with more gas safety tips and tricks on their X page: