Free talk helps residents stay safe from the dangers of gas

Published: 3 September 2024

People are being invited along to a talk about gas safety and how to check for tell-tale signs that gas appliances are not working properly.

It’s Gas Safety Week from 9 to 15 September and the free talk has been organised by Exeter City Council’s housing services, working closely with Liberty – the Council’s gas contractor - to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety.

Residents are invited to a coffee morning at at Grandisson Court Community Room at 10am on Wednesday 11 September. They will be able to hear about illegal gas works, get practical tips on keeping gas safe and ask any questions that they have on the subject of gas safety.

Cllr Marina Asvachin, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor with responsibility for Housing, said: “It’s so crucial that people take gas safety seriously, it could save lives. Just taking time to take onboard a few tips and recognise some of the tell tale signs could make all the difference.”

Gas Safety Week helps remind people how to stay gas-safe, and this year Liberty is working with more than 60 clients across England and Wales to share top tips to help people keep safe.

Poorly maintained boilers, ovens, gas fires and other gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

By taking care of gas appliances properly and spotting the warning signs of an unsafe appliance people can take care of their home and loved ones.

Follow these few simple steps to stay safe:

• Check for warning signs that could indicate a gas appliance is not not working correctly. Signs may include lazy yellow /orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out, or too much condensation in the room.
• Avoid blocking vents during cold spells. Vents are there to ensure gas appliances work safely. Blocking them could prevent this.
• Never try to fix a gas appliance personally. Those who suspect there is something wrong with their appliance or it is not working correctly, should call a Gas Safe registered engineer. They can be found at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or by calling 0800 408 5500.
• Be aware of the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm and make sure that friends and relatives have one too.
• Make sure to have an annual safety check. Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If renting a home, make sure the landlord arranges this. Set a reminder to avoid forgetting at StayGasSafe.co.uk.
• Look out for the local community – spread the word about how to stay safe to family, friends and neighbours.
• Make sure that engineers are qualified for the type of gas work that needs to be done by checking both sides of their Gas Safe ID card.

Karen Sloan, Managing Director for Heating and Compliance at Liberty, said: “We take pride in our work to ensure people’s gas appliances are operating safely and efficiently in around a quarter of a million homes across the country.

“Nothing is more important than staying safe in your home - that’s why we are supporting Gas Safety Week. We are here to help share simple tips with everyone in Exeter so they can spot faulty gas appliances or signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and take action to stay safe.”

Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive Officer for Gas Safe Register, said: “This is the fourteenth Gas Safety Week and the theme for 2024 is Checking — Every Check Counts. The week will encourage checking, in many guises, and shine a light on the importance gas safety in keeping ourselves and our community safe.

“Throughout Gas Safety Week, our partners, stakeholders and Gas Safe Register will share information to help everyone be gas safe, so I am very pleased to have the support of Liberty to help share those messages, such as check the Gas Safe Register to ensure your engineer is registered and qualified.”