Published date: 13 September 2021
How to stay safe this Gas Safety Week 2021
In the blog, Mike Turrell, National Combustion Lead, NHS Property Services, explains the importance of gas safety for homeowners, landlords, tenants and carers too.
At NHS Property Services we have robust and ever improving guidance, processes and requirements to ensure the safety and compliance of gas related installation across our estate.
Gas Safety Week runs from 13th - 19th September and is a great opportunity to remind our friends and colleagues of the importance of gas safety within the home. Whether you’re a home owner, landlord or tenant there’s some basics you should know.
This year’s focus for Gas Safety Week 2021 is identifying the tell tale signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and dangerous appliances.
Carbon monoxide is a (CO) is a poisonous gas which has no taste, colour or smell. It can make you seriously ill and even kill quickly without warning. To find out what the signs of a CO leak are, and the symptoms of poisoning are, have a good read of this carbon monoxide factsheet from Gas Safe Register.
This year there is also a specific focus on carers that may go to another property to look after a loved one. 1 in 8 of us are a carer. If you are a carer and look after someone in their own home please take a moment to look at the this gas safety guide for carers produced by the Gas Safe Register, for advice about how to ensure the vulnerable person you care for is in a safe place when it comes to gas.
To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips:
- Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
- 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 who can work on your gas cooker, boiler or fire in a safe way.
- Don’t cut corners - only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home.
- 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.
