We are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2024. The event, coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, aims to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances.

Now in its fourteenth year, this year’s theme is Checking—Every Check Counts.

To support the event, at Able Skills we will be publishing Gas Safe-focused content on our social media channels and website, to reinforce the key safety messages from the Gas Safe Register.

Why is gas safety so important?

Incorrectly fitted and serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, causing fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it, or smell it. 

By taking care of your gas appliances properly, you are taking care of your home and your loved ones. No matter how big or small, every check counts.

This guide from Gas Safety Week has some simple checks that you can do at home:

  • Check that you’ve had an annual gas safety check. Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants, make sure your landlord arranges this.
  • Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer and ensure they’re qualified for the work that needs doing via the Gas Safe Register website and the engineer’s ID card.
  • Check for warning signs that could indicate your gas appliances are not working correctly. 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.
  • Check that vents or flues are not blocked. Vents and flues are there to ensure your gas appliances work safely. Blocking them could prevent this.
  • Check your knowledge. Remember the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
  • Check your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Regular testing ensures that alarms are operational and capable of alerting you to the presence of deadly CO. Also, check they are marked to standards EN50291 and still in date (if applicable).
  • Check before doing DIY. Before drilling or hammering, check that there is no risk of hitting a gas pipe. Never DIY on a gas appliance; if you suspect there is something wrong with your appliance or it is not working correctly, call a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find one at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

For gas safety advice and to find or check an engineer visit the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk. Alternatively, call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.