Gas Safety Week: how to keep your household safe
It’s Gas Safety Week: here’s how to protect your home and loved ones. We’ve added advice for landlords too.
From September 11 to September 17 2023 it’s Gas Safety Week. We’re proud to support this important initiative, which really can save lives. Coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, Gas Safety Week spreads the word about the importance of properly maintaining gas appliances to prevent hazards such as gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
The silent threat: carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that’s sometimes called the silent killer because you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Without carbon monoxide detectors and proper gas safety checks, it can strike without warning – and it can kill.
Recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning
Familiarise yourself with the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse, and loss of consciousness. If you or a family member experience these symptoms, seek fresh air immediately and call for medical help.
CO warning signs to watch for:
- Flame colour: Check the flames on your gas appliances. An unusual flame colour can indicate an issue. They should be crisp blue. Lazy yellow or orange flames can indicate a problem.
- Strange noises: Pay attention to your boiler. Unusual noises could signal a problem that needs immediate attention.
- Error messages: If your gas appliance displays error messages, don’t ignore them. These messages often indicate a malfunction.
- Sooty stains: Dark and sooty stains around your gas appliance are a warning sign that something is amiss.
Further vital steps to ensure the safety of your household:
Maintain proper ventilation
During colder months, it’s tempting to block vents to keep the cold air out. However, these vents are crucial for ensuring your gas appliances operate safely, so resist the urge to seal them off.
Leave gas repairs to the experts
Never attempt DIY repairs on a gas appliance. If you suspect a problem or your appliance isn’t working correctly, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately. Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas.
You can find a registered engineer by visiting gassaferegister.co.uk or calling 0800 408 5500.
Instal CO alarms
Instal an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home and encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. Ensure that the alarms are marked “EN50291” and display the British Standards’ Kitemark.
Annual safety checks are a must
Gas appliances should receive an annual safety check and regular servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you’re a tenant, make sure your landlord arranges these checks (more advice for tenants below). You can schedule a reminder at gassaferegister.co.uk
Verify your engineer’s qualifications
Always double-check if your engineer is qualified for the specific gas work you need, for example natural gas or domestic boilers. You can find this information on their Gas Safe ID card and the Gas Safe Register Website.
Landlords’ Responsibilities
If you’re a landlord, remember that you are legally responsible for the safety of your tenants.
Here are your obligations:
- Maintain gas pipework, appliances, and flues in a safe condition.
- Arrange annual safety checks for all gas appliances and flues used by your tenants. Your tenants can report you to the HSE if you don’t provide one, so it’s important to remember! To make sure you don’t forget, you can set a free email and/or text reminder at StayGasSafe.co.uk.
- Provide a Gas Safety Record to your tenants within 28 days of completing the check.
- Keep copies of Gas Safety Records until two more checks are performed.
- Ensure that maintenance and safety checks are carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Verify that all gas equipment is safe or removed before re-letting the property.
As mentioned above, make sure your gas engineer is qualified to carry out the work that needs doing. You can find this information on the Gas Safe Register website or by checking the back of the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Encourage your tenants to also check the card when the engineer arrives at the property, and to be aware of any warning signs that their gas appliance is working incorrectly, such as dark or sooty staining, excess condensation, pilot lights which frequently blow out and error messages on the appliance’s control panel.
Extra tips for tenants
If you’re in a rented property, your landlord has certain responsibilities to ensure your safety – but there are other steps you will need to take yourself. Familiarise yourself with the advice in the sections above, and make a note of these additional tips:
- Check our landlord’s gas safety record: Your landlord is legally obligated to maintain gas pipework, appliances, and flues in good condition. They must arrange an annual gas safety check and provide you with a record of this inspection. If they don’t comply, you can report them to the HSE.
- Contact your landlord or a Gas Safe registered engineer if you spot signs of malfunctioning gas appliances, as outlined in the sections above. You can find an engineer at Gas Safe Register or call 0800 408 5500.
- Get your personal appliances checked: Your landlord isn’t responsible for your personal gas appliances. Arrange an annual safety check and regular servicing for them through a Gas Safe registered engineer. Set a reminder at StayGasSafe.co.uk to stay on top of this essential task.
Verify your engineer’s qualifications: Don’t assume your landlord has done this. Check that your engineer is qualified for the type of gas work you require. You can find this information on their Gas Safe ID card and the Gas Safe Register Website.
One last thing:
Look out for your community
Take a moment to consider your neighbours, friends, or family members who might need assistance with their gas safety checks. Offer a helping hand to those who are unable to arrange these services on their own. Your support can make a significant difference in keeping everyone safe
Need help?
At ADS we have a team of qualified Gas Safe engineers ready to provide top notch service and peace of mind.
Get in touch today if you’d like to arrange a visit.