Stay safe this Gas Safety Week

Published by Lucy Bradwell for The Regenda Group in Housing and also in Communities, Health

North West housing provider The Regenda Group is calling on local residents to take care and be gas safe this national Gas Safety Week from 10th -16th September 2012.

Gas Safe Register, the official list of registered gas engineers, is launching its second annual Gas Safety Week to raise awareness of gas safety in the home. 

Regenda is marking the week by offering residents moving into their new home the opportunity to have their new gas cooker installed free of charge by a gas engineer from M&Y, Regenda’s repairs and maintenance company,  providing a saving of between £50 and £70.

Chris Dale, Head of Property Services at Regenda said: “Making sure that gas appliances are fitted properly is vital for everyone’s safety.  Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure that the job is done correctly and safely.  It really isn’t worth employing someone who isn’t qualified, just to save a few pounds, as the consequences could be fatal.  Why take the risk?”

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive at Gas Safe Register said: “Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. In the last year alone 18 people have died and a further 399 were hospitalised. With Gas Safety Week we want to encourage the public to only use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix and service their gas appliances and to raise awareness of the importance of having an annual safety check.

“This Gas Safety Week we are sharing our Top Tips to encourage everyone to stay gas safe:

• Have your gas appliances safety checked every year. If you rent your home make sure your landlord arranges this.
• Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix or service gas appliances.
• Ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card.
• Lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones could be a sign your gas appliance is not working correctly.
• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm. Choose an audible alarm which will alert you if there is carbon monoxide (CO) in your home.
• If you smell gas call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999.

Always remember that if someone other than a Gas Safe registered engineer carries out gas work at your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property. For more information on gas safety go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

The Regenda Group is a leading housing and regeneration organisation, with 12,000 properties across the North West providing homes for more than 25,000 people.