Do you have gas appliances in your home? Boiler? Oven? Fire? Hob?
Are they safe? Are they checked regularly? Do you make sure you’re using qualified tradespeople to do work on your gas appliances?
As Autumn and Winter approach, now’s the time to make sure your gas appliances are safe.
Here are some important tips being shared as part of Gas Safety Week 2021.
- Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service your appliances. You can find and check an engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
- Check both sides of your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card. Make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing. You can find this information on the back of the card.
- Have all your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year. If you rent your home ask for a copy of the landlord’s current Gas Safety Record.
- Know the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of CO poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions. Here’s a useful guide to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
- Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
- Keep vents and chimneys clear. Make sure you don’t block any vents, as they are vital to ensure gas appliances burn properly, and chimneys need to be cleaned and checked regularly.
- Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose. Don’t be tempted to use them for something they weren’t meant for (e.g using a gas cooker to heat a room).
- Know the emergency procedure. If you smell gas or suspect immediate danger, make sure you familiarise yourself with the emergency procedure and contact the relevant number for your UK region.
And finally – spread the word. Share vital gas safety information with friends, family and neighbours to make sure your community stays safe.
(If you want to be shocked, check out this interactive map which shows how many unsafe gas appliances have been identified in your area!)
So this winter, stay Gas Safe.