This year’s theme is Take No Chances.
It’s a simple message, but an important one: if something does not feel right, do not ignore it.
If an appliance needs checking, do not put it off. And if gas work needs doing, always choose someone qualified and Gas Safe registered.
Taking the right action can help protect your home, business and everyone in it from risks such as gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Remind yourself and others of these simple steps to stay gas safe.
Here are a few steps that can help keep your appliances working safely and your home or business running smoothly:
- Book an annual gas safety check with a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Have gas appliances serviced regularly, in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered before any work begins.
- Ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card when they arrive. This may be a physical or digital card.
- Never attempt DIY gas work. However small the job may seem, always leave it to a qualified expert.
Get in the know with CO
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is highly poisonous and can be deadly. It has no smell, taste or colour, which is why it is known as the silent killer.
Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly, just as you would with a smoke alarm. Check that it is marked to the standard EN50291, and that it is still in date where an expiry date is shown.
It is also important to know the symptoms of CO poisoning, which can include headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, turn off the gas appliance if it is safe to do so, get fresh air straight away and call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention.
Do not ignore warning signs
Take no chances if you notice anything unusual.
Signs that an appliance may not be working safely can include lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks onor around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out, too much condensation in a room, or error messages on the appliance’s control panel.
If you spot any of these signs, stop using the appliance and arrange for it to be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If you rent, know what to expect
Landlords are legally responsible for arranging an annual gas safety check, providing you with a copy of the gas safety record,maintaining gas appliances, and installing carbon monoxide alarms. So if you're renting your home or a work premises, make sure this is all booked in and documented- and if you're a landlord, remember your responsibility!
Help stop unsafe gas work
Unsafe gas work can put people at risk. If you believe gas work has been carried out by someone who is not registered, report it to Gas Safe Register. By speaking up, you could help protect your household, business and others in your community.
Take No Chances – and breathe easy
This Gas Safety Week, Take No Chances. Take the rights teps today, so you can breathe easy knowing you have helped protect what matters most. For gas safety advice, or to find or check a Gas Safe registered engineer, visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.
If you need any help please give our friendly team a call on 01452 379687 or email admin@townandcountryheatingandplumbing.co.uk
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