East Riding of Yorkshire Council to support Gas Safety Week
The week aims to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances
East Riding of Yorkshire Council says it is once again supporting Gas Safety Week.
Officers from the local authority will be joined by representatives of the council’s gas contractor and boiler manufacturer to promote gas safety across the East Riding at several East Riding Leisure (ERL) centres throughout the week.
The officers will be present between 9.30am and 12.00pm at:
- ERL Haltemprice on Tuesday 13th September
- ERL Beverley on Wednesday 14th September
- ERL Bridlington on Thursday 15th September
- ERL Goole on Friday 16th September
Gas Safety Week is now into its second decade of keeping people safe and organisations from across the UK are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
This year Gas Safety Week (Monday 12th September to Sunday 18th September) focuses on the steps consumers can take to ensure they stay safe, including not attempting DIY on gas appliances and being aware of the warning signs of unsafe appliances, such as dark or sooty staining around an appliance.
Paul Abbott, director of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This is a great opportunity to remind people how serious the consequences can be if you don’t have gas work carried out correctly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Having your gas appliances serviced also minimises future repairs and ensures that all gas appliances are working safely and efficiently, saving gas and money.
“By taking care of your gas appliances properly you are taking care of your home and your loved ones. The East Riding of Yorkshire Council have always supported Gas Safety week and by working alongside our local leisure centres we are able to raise awareness for a large part of our community.”
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “During these difficult times it’s important to stay aware of the warning signs of an unsafe gas appliance and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer if you’re worried something’s wrong, as well as having your annual gas safety check.
“We’re delighted to see so much support for this year’s Gas Safety Week, and by working together we can keep the public informed of gas safety and help reduce the risk of dangerous gas appliances across the UK, helping the whole nation to stay gas safe.”
Keep up to date with Gas Safe Register’s updates and advice throughout Gas Safety Week by following @GasSafeRegister on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and searching #GSW22 and #GasSafetyWeek.
To keep you and your family safe, follow the Gas Safe Register’s top tips:
- Know the symptoms of CO poisoning, headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
- Look out for warning signs your appliance may be unsafe, such as dark or sooty stains around the appliance, increased condensation and pilot lights frequently going out.
- Make sure you leave vents unblocked as these are there to help your appliance work safely and efficiently.
- 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.
- If you’re having your annual safety check, only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to carry it out.
- 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.
The Gas Safe Register is the official register for legally qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website.