According to the latest information from the Gas Safe Register, more than 5.5 million consumers in the UK could be putting their health and their finances at risk by not having their gas appliances checked regularly, on at least a yearly basis.
In the last year there have been 67,000 emergency call outs to homes in the UK, the equivalent of 186 per day. Alongside this information, Gas Safe Register (the gas authority) found one in six gas appliances in the 142,000 homes it had visited in the last 5 years to be dangerous, causing six deaths and over 300 injuries. Common problems associated with faulty or poorly maintained appliances can be black staining of surrounding walls, excessive condensation and burst gas pipes. If left unchecked, these appliances can be at risk of gas leaks, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fires and even explosions.
On top of the obvious health risks, leaving these appliances in this sort of condition, where there is a risk of fire or explosion, can end up causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to property. Given the relative cost of a gas safety check compared to the potential thousands of pounds worth of damage and health issues that could be caused by faulty appliances, it seems a small price to pay for peace of mind. For landlords, gas safety checks are a legal requirement, but for homeowners, it is their responsibility to keep on top of the maintenance and servicing of their gas appliances. Given the amount of other things homeowners need to remember, it can be very easy for a seemingly small and not overly important thing, such as a gas safety check, to be forgotten. Luckily, the Gas Safe Register runs a free annual gas safety check reminder service that people can sign up to at: www.staygassafe.co.uk
The Gas Safe Register recommends these top tips for keeping you and your family safe:
Get your gas appliances checked and serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year. If you live in rented accommodation your landlord has a legal obligation to get this done.
Recognise the warning signs that your gas appliances are not working properly – these include lazy yellow flames and black marks around the appliance.
Know the symptoms of CO poisoning, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Robinsons is accredited with the Gas Safe Register and can advise on all aspects of gas safety. If you would like to know more about our Planned Maintenance Service or to discuss this further, please contact.