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Buy now, pay later interest freeFor those who don’t know, Gas Safety Week is an annual safety event that raises awareness of the importance of gas safety and taking care of your gas appliances.
This year, Gas Safety Week is being held between September 11th to 17th. It is coordinated by the Gas Safe Register (which is an official list of seasoned gas engineers who are permitted to work on your gas appliance such as boilers, gas fires and cookers) and ensures that everyone comes together for one common goal - keeping the nation gas safe.
Why is Safe Safety Week Important?
During Gas Safety Week, thousands of supporters will be rallying together to encourage the public to get their gas appliances safety checked at least once a year.
It is extremely important to get your gas appliances checked because if left unchecked or poorly serviced, the appliances can run the risk of causing a gas leak, a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Signing up for the Gas Safe Register website is a great tool to help you remember when your appliances are due a check and make good use of the interactive gas map to discover how many unsafe gas appliances are lurking in your area.
What’s Involved in a Gas Safety Check?
A safety check can last up to an hour, and your gas-safe engineer will test your gas appliances to guarantee they are safe to continue operating in your home.
The engineer will carry out several checks on your appliances…
- First, the engineer will check your appliances are appropriately set and altered so the gas can burn correctly.
- Following this, appliances will be checked to ensure they are physically in good working order and suitable for the room it’s located in.
- Then, they will ensure the appliances are securely fitted and properly connected to the gas pipework.
- They will also make sure there is an adequate and permanent air supply that’s suitable for the appliance installed.
- All gas safety devices will then be checked to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Lastly, any flues, chimneys and air vents are examined and tested to ensure they are functioning correctly.
These checks can also be extended to a complete gas installation safety check. In this case, your gas safety engineer will;
- Check the installation of your appliances are in good condition by visually inspecting the pipework.
- Test all your gas pipework to ensure there are no leaks.
It is important to be aware that carbon monoxide can enter the building through shared vents, so keep in mind if you do live on a property with a shared chimney or flue, it’s your shared responsibility with other residents to get this checked out annually.
Do I Need a Gas Safety Check?
Everyone should be aware of the importance of annual gas safety checks, however the law surrounding them depends on whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or tenant.
As a homeowner, having a gas safety check isn’t a legal requirement - however, it is very important as all gas appliances pose the risk of producing carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas that could be fatal.
If you are a tenant in a rented property, you are not required to organise a gas safety check as this responsibility falls on the landlord. As a tenant, you can acquire a copy of the Gas Safe certificate to ensure the property has received the proper checks. Remember, while a landlord is not responsible for any appliances they don’t own or any appliances owned by tenants, the landlord is still accountable for any pipework or flues that connect to a tenant-owned appliance.
Landlords are legally required to organise an annual gas safety check for their rental properties, as failure to do so can result in a weighty fine and up to six months in prison. As a landlord, you will need to acquire a gas safety certificate, often known as an LGSR (Landlord Gas Safety Record), for each property you own.
What are the Gas Safety Warning Signs?
If you think there might be a problem with your gas appliances and feel as though you are at risk, then keep a watchful eye out for any of these signs.
- Your appliance isn’t operating correctly.
- The flame appears to be floppy yellow rather than a crisp blue.
- Black/brown marks on or around the appliance.
- The pilot light keeps going out on your boiler.
- Increased condensation inside the windows.
It is important to note that you should not wait for signs to appear before scheduling an appliance service. However, if you notice any of these indications, it is paramount to immediately seek the services of a gas-safe engineer for your gas appliances.
It is also recommended to check the guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your gas appliances to find out how often a service is needed. At a minimum, an appliance service is what you’ll need from a Gas Safe registered engineer if you notice any warning signs pointing to an unsafe appliance.
Take the incentive this Gas Safety Week and get your gas appliances checked by a reputable gas-safe engineer and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
When it comes to gas, it's imperative to remain proactive about gas safety and keep a watchful eye out for any warning signs to help prevent accidents and keep your home safe and comfortable.
If you require any further advice, then get in touch with our experts or use our handy branch locator to visit your local City Plumbing branch.
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