Gas Safety Week is back with a bang! Now in its 13th year, the event is taking place from 11th to 17th September, and promises to bring installers, organisations and the public together, as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of gas safety.
Everyone can be a part of the awareness week, with installers and businesses in particular urged to pledge their support. This in turn gives access to free materials designed to help promote gas safety and keep customers and employees safe.
As an avid supporter of the Gas Safety Week, the CIPHE has put together its top ten gas safety tips to help spread the word.
Tip 1) Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances
Not only is it against the law to employ an unregistered gas fitter, but it could also cost you your life. Poorly installed and maintained gas appliances are at best unreliable and expensive to fix, and at worst can be deadly. It is never worth the risk.
Tip 2) Service appliances annually!
Gas appliances should be serviced annually to ensure they are working safely and efficiently. This will also save you money in the long run as regularly serviced appliances are less likely to break down.
Tip 3) Set a safety check reminder
Did you know that you can set an annual gas appliance safety check reminder (for free) at www.staygassafe.co.uk? So there’s no excuses, set one today!
Tip 4) Make sure you check your installer’s ID
Installers should always carry their Gas Safe Register ID card and clients should always verify an engineer’s credentials. Anyone can verify a Gas Safe ID online at https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
While we’re on the subject, did you also know that you can verify a CIPHE membership card online too? https://www.ciphe.org.uk/public/verify-a-member/
Tip 5) Know the signs of incorrectly operating appliances
Be aware of the danger signs that appliances are not working correctly. These include:
- Lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones
- Black marks on or around the appliance
- Too much condensation in the room.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to call in a registered professional to have your appliance checked over. It’s better safe than sorry.
Tip 6) Know the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
Everyone needs to know the signs, including:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
- Collapse and loss of consciousness.
You can find out more about CO poisoning and symptoms on the CIPHE’s Carbon Monoxide page.
Tip 7) Always have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm
To stay safe, households should have an audible carbon monoxide alarm fitted. This will alert you if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home. Portable alarms are a must to take on holiday too.
Tip 8) Test your alarm
Just like your smoke alarms, you should test your Carbon Monoxide alarm regularly. This is especially important if you have a battery powered alarm.
Tip 9) Visit the Gas Safety Week website
Packed full of tips, advice, real life stories and articles on gas safety, this is the place to find help and resources: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gassafetyweek/
Tip 10) Spread the word
It’s never too late to get involved. Join in on social media using the hashtag uk #GSW23 and make sure you follow @GasSafetyWeek on twitter.
To find out more about Gas Safety week visit: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gassafetyweek