Gas Safety Week 2024 takes place 9th – 15th September and is an annual safety week to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of gas appliances. It is coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas. The theme this year is “Checking – Every Check Counts”.

Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it, or smell it. No matter how big or small, every check counts.

Here is a guide to some simple checks that can be done:

• Check that you have had an annual gas safety check. Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For tenants, make sure your landlord arranges this.
• Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer and ensure they are qualified for the work that needs doing via the Gas Safe Register website and the engineer’s ID card.
• Check for warning signs that could indicate your gas appliances are not working correctly. Signs may include lazy yellow/orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out, too much condensation in the room, or error messages on the appliance’s control panel.
• Check that vents or flues are not blocked. Vents and flues are there to ensure your gas appliances work safely. Blocking them could prevent this.
• Check your knowledge. Remember the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
• Check your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Regular testing ensures that alarms are operational and capable of alerting you to the presence of deadly CO. Also, check they are marked to standards EN50291 and still in date (if applicable).
• Check before doing maintenance works. Before drilling or hammering, check that there is no risk of hitting a gas pipe. Never try to fix a gas appliance; if you suspect there is something wrong with your appliance or it is not working correctly, call a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find one at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

For gas safety advice and to find or check an engineer visit the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk. Alternatively, there is a free helpline: 0800 408 5500. The HSE also provides useful information: Domestic gas health and safety (hse.gov.uk)