In support of Gas Safety Week (13-19 September 2021), local Gas Safe registered engineers are participating in Gas Safety Week, to inform the public of gas safety issues and to remind everyone of the importance of having an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Gas Safety Week is now into its second decade of keeping people safe and this year has an ongoing focus on keeping communities gas safe, as well as advising on topics such as illegal gas fitters, and avoiding carrying out DIY gas work on your own appliances.
Gas appliances that have not been maintained properly can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell or taste it. Therefore, it is highly important to have your gas appliances checked by an engineer who is listed on the Gas Safe Register.
Paul Raynor who owns More Than Gas in Poole said: “It is our job to make sure that people’s gas appliances are operating safely and efficiently. In some instances, people do not know the signs and symptoms of faulty gas appliances and carbon monoxide poisoning. Because of this, we are supporting Gas Safety Week in order to alert the public of the seriousness of unsafe gas appliances and how they can keep themselves and their families safe.”
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “It’s really important to keep community safety at the forefront of everything we do, and gas safety is no exception. This Gas Safety Week we’re delighted to have the support of Lewis Dean Estate & Letting Agents of Upton and by working together we can keep the public informed of gas safety and help reduce the risk of dangerous gas appliances across the UK, helping the whole nation to stay gas safe.”
Top tips on how to stay Gas Safe this Gas Safety Week:
· Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
· If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
· Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who can work on your gas cooker, boiler or fire in a safe way.
· Don’t cut corners - only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home.
· Always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified to work on.
Gas Safe Register is the official register for legally qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.