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Raising the importance of gas safety checks

Raising the importance of gas safety checks

We’re supporting this year’s Gas Safety Week, between 9 and 15 September, which sees organisations from across the UK working together to raise awareness of the importance of gas safety. It’s coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas.   

The theme for 2024 is Checking—Every Check Counts; from checking that any engineer working on gas appliances in your home is Gas Safe registered and qualified for the work, to checking that you know what to do in a gas emergency, every check (no matter how big or small) helps to keep you gas safe! 

Golding Homes Gas Manager, Scott Foreman said: 
 
“It’s essential that everyone takes care of their gas appliances, such as boilers and fires and practises good gas safety. Badly-fitted and poorly-serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. 

“We carry out over 7,000 gas safety checks every year. At a recent inspection, we found a large gas leak which we traced to a faulty pipe under the concrete floor. The customer hadn’t smelt any gas or aware there was a problem. She was really grateful that we’d found and repaired this and made her home safe again. This highlights why these checks are so important.” 

Steps you can take to keep gas safe: 

  • Annual gas safety checks  

We’re required by law to arrange a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer in each of our homes every 12 months. 

We’ll contact you up to 10 weeks before the expiry of your gas safety certificate to make sure that the check is completed in time. Please support the safety check by keeping your appointment and allowing us access on the day. You can check when your next gas safety check is due by contacting us. 

  • Check the engineer working in your home is Gas Safe registered 

All our contractors will be happy to show you their Gas Safe Register ID card. If in doubt, please contact us. You can also check an engineer’s qualifications at the Gas Safe Register or call 0800 408 5500.  

  • Check gas appliances for any warning signs.  

Signs may include lazy yellow/orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out, too much condensation in the room, or error messages on the appliance’s control panel. If you spot any of these signs contact us, or, if you own the appliance, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.  

  • Check your knowledge.  

Remember the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect CO, get into fresh air immediately and call the gas emergency services for your area.  

For further gas safety advice and to find or check an engineer, visit the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.