Gas Safety Week 15-21 September 2014 is a good reminder to all of us to get our gas appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you rely on a a gas boiler, a gas fire or a gas cooker now is the time to make sure that they are safe and operating efficiently before winter starts.
Check Your Gas Appliances Every Year
Modern gas appliances are pretty safe but without regular maintenance householders can put themselves and their families at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. As a minimum you should have a gas safety check which will check the following:
- That the gas appliance is at the correct operating pressure, burning correctly and on the right setting
- That dangerous gases are being removed to the air outside thee home
- That essential ventilation is clear and working effectively
- That every safety device is working
If you haven’t already got one, buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm for your home and make sure it is located near to your gas appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance. Carbon monoxide can leak from appliances and kill.
For more details on gas appliance servicing see gas boiler service.
Check Your Engineer Is Gas Safe Registered
It is important that any service and safety work is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. To check that an engineer is Gas Safe registered ask for their Gas Safe ID card number or the company’s Gas Safe registration number and check it on the gas safe website at gassaferegister.co.uk.
Check Your Engineer’s Gas Safe ID card
When a heating engineer calls you should ask to see his Gas Safe ID card before allowing him to start work. That way you can protect yourself from cowboys and illegal gas fitters. If still unsure about an engineer you can also ring the number found on the Gas Safe ID card.
What About Rented Properties?
A landlord’s responsibilities to make sure tenants are safe are covered in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. For those living in rented accommodation your landlord should ensure gas appliances are checked for safety every year.
Can I Get A Free Gas Safety Check?
Energy suppliers can offer free gas safety checks for those on means tested benefits. you should qualify if you:
- Are of pensionable age, disabled or chronically sick and either live alone or with others who are all of pensionable age, disabled, chronically sick or under 18
- Are living with others where at least one is under 5 years old
- Have not had a gas safety check carried out at the premises in the last 12 months
A gas safety check is a test of the safety of the appliance. Appliances should also be regularly serviced to ensure that they perform at optimum efficiency.
For more details on Gas Safety Week visit Gas Safety Week .co.uk
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