Gas safety week 2016
19/09/16
saha has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week (19-25 September 2016) and will be helping to raise awareness of gas safety and urge the public to support the most vulnerable in society, to help keep them safe from dangerous gas appliances.
The sixth annual Gas Safety Week is here! It will see organisations from across the UK working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
With 22 deaths and nearly 1,000 gas-related injuries in the last three years, it’s vital that people make sure their gas appliances are safety checked every year, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Anyone working on gas appliances while not being Gas Safe registered is working illegally. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas Safety Register estimates that up to 250,000 illegal gas jobs may be carried out each year, making it vital that trusted providers who carry the Gas Safety Register accreditation are used.
Some top tips for staying safe
Check for warning signs: regularly check your appliances for any indications that they may be working incorrectly. If you see condensation in a room, black marks or stains and no blue flames then it’s likely your appliance could pose a risk.
Know the symptoms: unsafe gas appliances can pose serious health risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Typical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and a loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning has taken place.
Use appliances for their correct purpose: always use your gas appliances for their intended use. Using a gas oven to heat a room or bringing exterior gas appliances indoors can pose a serious safety risk.
Correct ventilation: gas appliances need proper ventilation, notably air vents that provide a direct air supply. Ensure all vents are free of blockages and that gas has enough space to safely burn.
for more information on gas safety week please visit: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gassafetyweek
