Gas Safety Week is an annual event organised by the Health and Safety Executive. Each year, the week sees a coming together of groups across the UK who work together to raise awareness about the potential dangers of gas appliances.

Even though this year has felt a little different, Gas Safety went ahead in September, aimed at keeping us free from the danger of poorly maintained gas appliances.

With a whole week devoted to the safety of gas, it is worth asking why is this level of awareness raising so important.

The dangers of unsafe gas appliances

Poor maintenance of equipment, such as your boiler, can lead to CO poisoning. This carbon monoxide poisoning can have potentially deadly consequences. You should have a CO monitor in your home. However, you should not wait for the alarm. Proper maintenance of your gas appliances will ensure that you are safe.

When gas appliances are not properly maintained you run the risk of leaks. Gas might not be poisonous like carbon monoxide, but a build-up can lead to fires or explosions. The significant reason for odorising gas is to allow people to raise alarm when they smell it. Any sign of rust or green discolouration on your pipes should be addressed immediately, too.

Remember, gas is highly combustible. When lighting your hob, you are glad of this. However, if there is a build-up of gas in your home, the ignition could have potentially devastating results.

Who should care?

If you are a tenant in a house or a homeowner, you should ensure regular checks and services of gas appliances are carried out for the safety of you and your family.

If you are a landlord or housing provider, you have a duty of care to the people living in your properties. Therefore, as part of your due diligence, you should organise regular servicing of boilers and similar appliances, with the help of a Gas Safe registered engineer.

We should all care about gas safety, as the consequences of poor maintenance are so significant. Therefore, if you are an occupant of a home or an employee in a working environment, you too should see it as your duty of care to maintain your safety and that of the people sharing the space with you. This does not mean that you should bear the cost of your actions, but that you take responsibility for reporting any concerns about gas immediately.

How we hope to help

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your gas appliances working safely. It is more than just about saving money and enjoying the convenience of your home comforts – it is the security of your family.

We are keen to raise awareness, and support the aims of Gas Safety Week – and we continue with our commitment throughout the year. We are all using our gas appliances more in the colder months and need to be more aware than ever of the potentials for danger.

Therefore, our reminders to have annual services during the summer months are not just about efficiency and the prevention of breakdown. Using the guidance and support of a Gas Safe registered engineer is to promote your safety in the workplace and in the home. Your wellbeing, as our valued customer, is our highest priority.