Safety is not top priority for British holidaymakers
Holidaymakers are prioritising decor over safety when they book
their holiday accommodation, new research from Gas Safe Register
reveals. Yet, the tragic deaths of two children, caused by
dangerous gas appliances in a holiday apartment in Corfu,
highlights the importance of gas safety when on holiday.
When asked about the basic factors in choosing holiday
accommodation, cleanliness and price were the two most important
factors for Brits, followed by facilities available, a friendly
service and well maintained furnishings.
Worryingly, safety measures such as regular inspections of gas
appliances, having smoke alarms fitted, and swimming pool safety
were further down the list of priorities. Less than two in five
(37%) people said that having a life-saving carbon monoxide alarm
fitted in their accommodation was of the upmost importance to
them.
Sarah Hill, of Gas Safe Register advises: "Understandably price
is important when booking holiday accommodation in the UK or
abroad, but your family's safety should be your number one
priority. Disturbingly our research showed that a variety of safety
measures, including gas safety, scored less important than
surroundings, which suggests that people let their guards down with
safety on holiday."
Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause carbon
monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions. Whether
staying in a B&B, villa, chalet, hotel, caravan or boat, when
it comes to gas safety holidaymakers are more vulnerable than when
at home; they simply don't know how often gas appliances have been
safety checked and they may not know how to use gas appliances in
their accommodation safely.
Follow Gas Safe Register's top tips and enjoy a gas safe holiday
in the UK or abroad:
- Check the gas safety of your accommodation before you
travel. Ask whether the gas appliances have been safety
checked and serviced regularly. If you're holidaying in the UK
in cottages or caravans the landlord must do this by law. You can
ask the landlord for an up-to-date gas safety certificate.
- Ask if your accommodation has a carbon monoxide (CO)
alarm fitted. CO alarms are rare overseas. If you take one
away with you, make sure it is suitable for travel.
- Know how to use gas appliances safely.
Appliances in holiday accommodation will be different to those
you're used to at home. If you're not sure how they work read the
instructions, or ask your holiday landlord or rep for help.
- Recognise the signs of dodgy gas appliances.
Black marks or stains around the appliance, lazy orange flames
instead of crisp blue flames and too much condensation are all
signs that gas appliances aren't working properly.
- Don't mistake carbon monoxide poisoning with other
holiday sicknesses, such as food poisoning, dehydration or
a hangover. The six main symptoms include headache, dizziness,
nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
- If you smell gas or think there might be a gas
leak: turn off the gas at the meter, extinguish naked
flames, open windows, leave the area and inform the owner or
holiday rep immediately. Seek medical advice if you feel unwell. If
in the UK call the Gas Emergency freephone number 0800 111
999.
For further information and to download a free factsheet visit
www.gassaferegister.co.uk/travel
