Martin Whitfield MSP has pledged his support for this year’s Gas Safety Week (11 – 17 September 2023) to help raise awareness about the importance of gas safety.
Gas Safety Week is here to remind the public how to keep themselves gas safe, and organisations across the nation are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
This year, the week focuses on celebrating the breadth and diversity of gas engineers and the essential role they play in keeping the nation gas safe. It will also help remind the public about gas safety and highlight tips to help ensure they stay safe at home.
Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“Gas Safety Week is a welcome opportunity to highlight the excellence and expertise of those working in the gas industry, as well as to promote important gas safety messages. I want constituents to know it’s essential they stay aware of vital gas safety advice as we go into the winter months. They should look for signs of unsafe gas appliances, such as a lazy yellow flame, boiler errors, and uncommon noises to help stay gas safe this winter.”
Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive Officer for Gas Safe Register, said:
“We’re delighted to see so much support for Gas Safety Week 2023 – now in its thirteenth year. This year we are celebrating the breadth and diversity of gas engineers, their skills, and experiences, which help to keep the nation gas safe all year round. And we’re reminding the public of the importance of always using a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to fix, fit or service gas appliances.”
To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips:
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
- Look out for warning signs your appliance may be unsafe, such as a lazy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue flame, error messages or unexpected noises from your boiler or dark and sooty stains around your gas appliance.
- Make sure you leave vents unblocked as these are there to help your appliance work safely and efficiently.
- If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
- Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
- If you’re having your annual safety check, only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to carry it out.
- Always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified to work on.
Gas Safe Register is the official register for legally qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting www.gassaferegister.co.uk.