According to Gas Safe Register’s research, a third of UK adults (33%) do not know how to identify the signs of an unsafe gas appliance.
This Gas Safety Week, which runs from 17-23 September, Gas Safe Register will be raising awareness about the dangers of unsafe gas appliances, with support from the industry.
The signs to check if a gas appliance is unsafe were recognised by some people as; a lazy yellow flame (33%), the pilot light keeps going out (32%), black marks or stains on or around the appliances (29%) and increased condensation inside windows (12%).
One in six adults (17%) also admitted to taking no steps at all to ensure gas appliances in the home are safe. Nearly half (47%) said they have gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, two in five (38%) have an audible carbon monoxide alarm and one in three (29%) know to check that a gas engineer is on the Gas Safe Register.
During the eighth annual Gas Safety week, Gas Safe Register will focus on a different theme each day, with the aim of sharing important facts and advice about gas safety.
The themes will be:
| DAY | THEME |
| Monday | ‘FAMILY MATTERS’ – Unsafe appliances can be fatal; helping families know the signs to look out for to stay gas safe |
| Tuesday | ‘CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) AND GAS SAFETY RISKS’ – With CO gas known as the silent killer, it is important to know these symptoms |
| Wednesday | ‘RENTING RESPONSIBILITIES’ – Know the legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to renting a property |
| Thursday | ‘ILLEGALS’ – Only registered engineers can legally work on gas appliances. Stay on the right side of the law and stop energy theft |
| Friday | ‘EVERYDAY HEROES’ – Celebrating gas engineers as everyday heroes who keep UK families gas safe |
| Saturday | ‘DON’T DO IT YOURSELF’ – Leave gas work to the experts – registered gas engineers |
| Sunday | ‘SAFETY AT HOME’ – How to stay safe at home and spot unsafe gas appliances. |
Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive of Gas Safe Registers, said: “This Gas Safety Week we are encouraging families to learn about why keeping your gas appliances working safely is so important. A gas safety check by a registered gas engineer is the first line of defence from a potential fire or carbon monoxide poisoning and we recommend getting a gas safety check every year for peace of mind.”
Gas Safe Register has also recommended six steps to keep families safe and warm in the home:
1. Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer
2. Double check both sides of an engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card to know that they are registered and qualified to work on gas appliances
3. Have all gas appliances serviced and safety checked every year
4. Be familiar with the six signs of CO poisoning; headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness
5. Check appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly, for example black marks or stains on or around the appliance, lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones and condensation around the room
6. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm for a second line of defence against carbon monoxide poisoning.
To find out more about the dangers, preventable measures and to find a Gas Safe registered engineer, visit https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ or call 0800 408 5500.
