In the UK, 21 million households use gas for heating, cooking
and hot water. It's easy to take it for granted that the boilers,
cookers and gas fires we use to do these daily tasks are safe. More
often than not, they are, but in the last year, dangerous gas work
caused 18 deaths and more than 300 serious injuries.
Gas appliances that are not fitted, fixed or serviced properly
can cause:
There are gas safety laws to protect us. Only Gas Safe
registered engineers can fit, fix and service gas appliances in
our homes. To make sure you and your family are safe:
- Always use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix and
service your gas appliances, including your:
- gas boiler
- gas fire, gas cooker or hob
- central heating system, radiators or your hot water system, if
they are connected to a Natural Gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum
gas) supply.
- All registered gas engineers carry a Gas Safe ID card. It shows
you what they look like and what gas work they are qualified to do.
They have a unique licence number that you can use to check they
are still on the register. You can check
online or call Gas Safe Register on 0800 408
5500.
- Not all engineers are qualified to carry out all types of gas
work. Only allow an engineer to work on your gas appliances after
you have checked their qualifications. Look at both sides of their
Gas Safe ID card.
- Get your appliances serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered
engineer.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm that will make a sound if you're in
danger.
- If you think there might be a gas leak or notice any signs of
carbon
monoxide, act fast and follow the advice for gas
emergencies.
