Log In / Register
Basket
Free delivery on orders over £75 ex VAT
Earn points with My City Plumbing Rewards
Free click & collect from branches nationwide
Buy now, pay later interest freeGas Safety Week is a fantastic annual safety event that raises awareness of the importance of gas safety and taking care of your gas appliances.
This year, Gas Safety Week is being held between September 9th to 15th. Co-ordinated by the Gas Safe Register (which is an official list of seasoned gas engineers who are permitted to work on your gas appliance such as boilers, gas fires and cookers) this helpful event ensures that everyone works towards one common goal, that is keeping the nation gas safe.
Why is Gas Safety Week Important?
During Gas Safety Week, thousands of supporters will come together in an effort to actively encourage the public to get their gas appliances safety checked at least once a year.
It's extremely important that all gas appliances are checked because if left unchecked or poorly serviced, they run the risk of causing a gas leak, a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Signing up to the Gas Safe Register website is a great way to help you remember when your appliances are due a check. It's also a valuable website that helps you raise any concerns you may have with problematic gas work or workers as well as noting any unregistered gas appliances.
What’s Involved in a Gas Safety Check?
A safety check can last up to an hour, and your gas-safe engineer will test your gas appliances to guarantee they're safe to continue operating in your home.
- First, the engineer will check your appliances are appropriately set and altered so the gas can burn correctly.
- Following this, appliances will be checked to ensure they're physically in good working order and suitable for the room they're located in.
- Then, they'll ensure the appliances are securely fitted and properly connected to the gas pipework.
- They'll also make sure there's an adequate and permanent air supply that’s suitable for the appliance installed.
- All gas safety devices will then be checked to ensure they're functioning correctly.
- Lastly, any flues, chimneys, and air vents are examined and tested to ensure they're working well.
These checks can also be extended to a complete gas installation safety check. In this case, your gas safety engineer will;
- Check the installation of your appliances are in good condition by visually inspecting the pipework.
- Test all your gas pipework to ensure there are no leaks.
It's important to be aware that carbon monoxide can enter the building through shared vents, so keep in mind if you do live on a property with a shared chimney or flue, it’s your shared responsibility with other residents to get this checked out annually.
Do I Need a Gas Safety Check?
Everyone should be aware of the importance of annual gas safety checks, however the law surrounding them depends on whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or tenant.
As a homeowner, gas safety checks aren't legal requirements, yet they're certainly important as all gas appliances pose the risk of producing carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas that could prove fatal.
If you're a tenant in a rented property, you're not required to organise a gas safety check as this responsibility falls on the landlord. But, as a tenant, you can request a copy of the Gas Safe certificate to ensure the property has received the proper checks. Remember, while a landlord is not responsible for any appliances they don’t own or any appliances owned by tenants, they're still accountable for any pipework or flues that connect to a tenant-owned appliance.
Landlords are legally required to organise an annual gas safety check for their rental properties, as failure to do so can result in a weighty fine and up to six months in prison. As a landlord, you will need to acquire a gas safety certificate, often known as an LGSR (Landlord Gas Safety Record), for each property you own.
What are the Gas Safety Warning Signs?
It's good practice to be vigilant in the home and keep a watchful eye out for any of these signs. when it comes to your gas appliances:
- Your appliance isn’t operating correctly
- The flame appears to be floppy yellow rather than a crisp blue
- Visible black/brown marks on or around the appliance
- The pilot light keeps going out on your boiler
- Increased condensation inside the windows
However, it's important to stress that you shouldn't wait for signs to appear before scheduling an appliance service. If you do notice any of these indications, it's crucial you immediately seek the services of a gas-safe engineer for your gas appliances.
It's also recommended to check the guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your gas appliances to find out how often a service is needed. At a minimum, an appliance service is what you’ll need from a Gas Safe registered engineer if you notice any warning signs pointing to an unsafe appliance.
Take the incentive this Gas Safety Week and get your gas appliances checked by a reputable gas-safe engineer to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
When it comes to gas, it's imperative to remain proactive about safety and keep a watchful eye out for any warning signs to help prevent accidents and keep your home safe and comfortable.
If you require any further advice, then get in touch with our experts or use our handy branch locator to visit your local City Plumbing branch.
Other articles
Biomass Boilers: 5 Pros & Cons
11 Aug 2023 ・ 6 mins
Scotland’s 2024 Gas Boiler Legislation Changes Explained
20 Jul 2023 ・ 4 mins
Should You Lower Your Boiler Temperature?
18 Oct 2022 ・ 6 mins
The Many Benefits of 'Green Plumbing'
22 Aug 2022 ・ 7 mins
Help & Feedback
Chat With Us
Give Us Feedback