#GSW21 is on the 13th to the 19th of September this year and despite the many limitations that presented themselves over the 2020-2021 period, there was a strong sense of togetherness as we came together to rise and tackle the unprecedented challenges. From those working to keep essential services going, to running errands for vulnerable neighbours, the sense of support and community has seen us through those dark times. Gas safety week is here to remind and encourage us, and those around us, to keep up to date with our gas safety checks.
Lots of people used this time to explore new hobbies and research conducted by B&Q shows that 86% of us took on a DIY project over the past 12 months (25th Mar 21). Unfortunately, some had felt empowered to DIY gas appliances. THIS IS A BIG NO NO! Gas appliances should only be delt with by gas safe registered engineers because they have had the appropriate training. Your local gas safe registered engineers can be found at www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
Gas appliances in our homes can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a highly poisonous gas which cannot be seen, smelt or tasted and occurs when natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) doesn’t burn as it should. This is the direct result of a gas appliance being improperly fitted, repaired or maintained, or when vents, flues or chimneys have become blocked. Another big risk is gas leaks, slightly more noticeable as it can be smelt however gas leaks can cause fires or explosions.
Hence why it’s so important to have all your gas appliances checked once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is also highly recommended to get your pipework inspected at the same time as your annual gas safety check. Landlords are required by law to maintain pipework, why should your home be any different?
As a gas related training supplier, we felt compelled to help raise awareness for this important campaign through posting informative content on our social media and support the gas safety week campaign with a flash sale. We have offered engineers £100 off our ACS re-accreditations booked within the week to ensure that the qualifications don’t get burnt out with an expired!
Please, if your annual check is due, take no chances and book a local gas safe registered engineer to inspect your appliances. We can all be guilty of putting things off because we are too busy or don’t want to spend any money. However, the risks can prove detrimental and should be a top priority.
Also, we must each look out for these signs below. If you spot any of them, you’ll want to get your gas appliance serviced or tell the owner to do so as soon as possible:
- Your appliance isn’t working properly
- It produces a floppy yellow flame rather than a crisp blue one
- Black/brown marks on or around the appliance
- The boiler pilot light keeps going out
- Increased condensation inside the windows
Apologies for adding to the mountain of safety messages being issued following the pandemic. However, we want to ensure everyone’s friends and family stay warm this winter and all that follow.