OUR TOP TIPS FOR GAS SAFTEY IN YOUR HOME

Here are the top tips for making sure your home or rental property is gas safe.

Anyone who uses gas in their home needs to be aware of the gas risks and how to keep safe.

An unsafe gas appliance has the potential to lead to gas leaks, fires and explosions, and Carbon Monoxide poisoning but these are all risks which can be avoided by following some simple gas safety advice.

1. Get an annual gas safety check - Get a Gas Safe registered engineer to check all gas appliances in your property once a year. They’ll also do a visual inspection of your gas pipework and a tightness test to confirm there aren’t any gas leaks. If you’re a tenant renting a property make sure you landlord arranges a gas safety check.
2. Find a Gas Safe registered engineer - You can use their online search or call 0800 408 5500 on to find a registered engineer in your area.
3. Check your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card - You’ll want to check the front and back - this is how you’ll know they’re qualified to do the gas work they’ll be carrying out.
4. Look out for gas appliance warning signs - If your appliance isn’t working as it should be, there are certain signs to look out for like floppy yellow flames, extra condensation and black marks around the appliance.
5. Know the signs of CO poisoning - You’ll want to look out for headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness. More severe symptoms are collapse and loss of consciousness.
6. Buy an audible CO alarm marked EN 50291 - Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the alarm, so if a CO leak occurs, you’ll be alerted to it.
7. Ensure adequate ventilation - This is essential for gas appliances to burn properly. You’ll want to make sure that no air vents or chimneys are blocked.
8. Only use gas appliances for their intended purpose - Don’t use an appliance for something it wasn’t meant for - for example, using a cooker to heat a room.

If you have any queries about your gas appliances in your rented property, give us a call 01723 341557 and we'll be happy to help.

Source: Gas Safe Registered