Students warned about gas safety

Students have a lot to think about when finding somewhere to live for the new term.

But the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning them not to forget to check that their gas appliances have received their annual safety check - to prevent them suffering carbon monoxide poisoning.

HSE North West Regional Director David Ashton says: "Carbon monoxide poisoning is senseless.

"You can't see it, hear it, taste it, or even smell carbon monoxide (CO), yet every year it kills around 20-30 people.

"The symptoms can be mistaken for influenza, so don't become an unwitting victim.

"If you are becoming a tenant of rented property, ask your landlord for your gas safety certificate. He is required by law to show it to you so you know your gas appliances have been serviced annually."

If you are renting property then by law your landlord must:

* Ensure that gas appliances, flues and associated gas pipe work etc are maintained, in a safe condition, by a CORGI Registered installer.

* Have an annual safety check carried out, by a CORGI Registered installer, on each gas appliance that they own in the properties that they let.

* Provide you with a copy of the record before you move in and within 28 days of each subsequent annual check being performed.

David Ashton adds: "Always check the record to ensure it is current and, if it indicates any appliance is defective, check that remedial action has been taken or the appliance has been made safe.

"Remember, it is your responsibility to maintain any gas appliance that you own e.g. cooker or mobile heater."

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