Gas Safety Week 2022 – why it’s important

What is Gas safety week?

Now in its 12^th year, Gas Safety week is an annual safety week that is organised to raise awareness of Gas Safety and the importance of taking care of gas appliances.  Gas Safety week will run from 12^th-18^th September and is coordinated by Gas Safe register.

If you use gas appliances in your home, it’s important to have them checked over each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer to help keep you, your family, and your home safe.  Having your gas appliances checked regularly can also increase the life expectancy of your appliances.

If you’re a landlord, it is a legal requirement to ensure any gas appliances in your rental properties are checked annually.  You must also have documented evidence of this in the form of a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.

What are the risks of unsafe gas appliances?

Gas appliance can produce carbon monoxide (CO) which is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, flammable gas that is highly poisonous.  If you have any unsafe gas appliances in your property, it can put you at an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires, and explosions.

What is a Gas Safety check (CP12) and what’s involved?

A Gas Safety check will inspect any gas appliances in the property including, boilers, cookers and fires to ensure they are in safe working order.  The full inspection involves checking the following:

• A gas tightness test on each gas appliance.
• The standing and working pressure if test points are available.
• The burner pressure/gas rate against the manufacturers data plate.
• Adequate ventilation.
• Satisfactory operation of any safety devices.
• Physical presence, stability, and effectiveness of brackets (where necessary).

In addition to the above safety checks, the engineer will also:

• Test the flue flow to ensure removal of products of combustion.
• Investigate and report any evidence of unsafe operation.
• Issue the landlord gas safety certificate (click here to book).

Tips to help keep you safe in your home

1. Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, repair, service and safety check your gas appliances.  You can find a reliable Gas Safe engineer at Gas Safe Register 0r call 0800 408 5500.

2. Check your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card to make sure they are qualified for the work you are needing carried out.

3. Have your gas appliances safety checked every year and serviced regularly. If you rent your home, you can ask for a copy of the landlord’s current Gas Safety Record

4. Check any gas appliances for signs they are not working properly.  Things to look out for include:

• The appliance isn’t working properly.
• The appliance produces a floppy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue one.
• Black/brown marks on or around the appliance.
• The boiler pilot light keeps going out.

5. Have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted – this will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.

6. Keep vents and chimneys clear – make sure you do not cover or block any vents as they are vital to ensure gas appliances burn properly.  Keep chimneys clear and make sure they are checked and cleaned regularly.

7. Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse, and loss of consciousness are all signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and can be caused by unsafe gas appliances.

What should you do if you think you can smell gas?

If you think you can smell gas within the property or suspect you may have a gas leak, you must call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999 immediately.  You should also follow the below steps to help keep you and the property safe:

1. Open doors and windows to help ventilate the property
2. Turn off the gas at the main shut-off valve – this is usually located near the gas meter and has a handle that can be turned 90 degrees.

DON’T do any of the following:

1. Turn any power or light switches on or off.
2. Light any sort of flame within the property.
3. Use any appliances that could cause a spark.

Where can I get a Gas Safety Certificate and how much does it cost?

You can get a gas safety certificate from any qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.  A Gas safety check with Celsius Plumbing and Heating costs £75.00 inc VAT (including certificate).  This is a fixed price covering up to 3 gas appliances in the property.  Please note – if a gas fire is present, the price may vary, please inform a member of the team during booking, who will advise depending on make and model.  A gas safety check can take between 1-2 hours depending on the number of appliances that need to be checked.