In support of Gas Safety Week 2024, 9-15 September, we are sharing Gas Safe-focused content on our website and social media channels. In this latest article, we caught up with one of our gas instructors to have a chat about the importance of gas safety.

Richard has been a gas instructor at Able Skills for nearly 10 years, at the forefront of training the next generation of gas engineers. Before moving into teaching, he worked as a gas engineer.  In this clip, he tells us how he started in the gas industry, where the work took him and how he came to teaching.  He also shares advice about the importance of regular gas safety checks and why it’s imperative to always make sure you use a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Watch Richard talk about gas safety on Able Skills YouTube channel.

Richard’s career in gas

I've been an instructor for nearly 10 years now. Previously I started self-employed working for small companies and large companies in people's houses and on new build sites.

I didn't specifically choose the gas industry, I just wanted to do some form of engineering.

I really enjoy the finer details of the gas industry. I think that's what also led me to teaching and, also, I enjoy helping people further their careers and improve their life.

Regular gas safety checks

During my time as a gas engineer, I've carried out lots of safety checks whether I'm installing appliances, servicing appliances or carrying out gas safety inspections.

Not to dramatize it, we can save lives.

We have to be careful what work and checks we carry out as a gas user. Of course, you must be Gas Safe registered to carry out gas work, but there are certain checks that you can do in your own home:

  • Keep an eye on your appliances to see if they change in any way. Do they become damaged? Do they have any dirty marks or stains on them?
  • Look out for the yellow flame – if your flame’s become large and yellow, it’s the time to get a Gas Safe registered engineer in to carry out safety checks.
  • Book your annual gas safety check – once a year it is a very good idea to have any gas appliance in your house checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Always check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. Look them up on the Gas Safe Register website and ask to see their ID card.

Gas Safety Week

Now in its fourteenth year, this year’s theme for Gas Safety Week is ‘Checking—Every Check Counts’: Regular gas safety checks are essential for keeping your home safe, your appliances running smoothly, and your family protected.

The annual awareness week aims to raise the profile of gas safety amongst landlords, tenants, consumers and commercial gas users.

Find out more at Gas Safety Week.