As Gas Safety Week enters its 13th year, the industry directs its annual spotlight towards gas safety awareness and the significance installers’ roles have on educating homeowners. Here, Jonathan Kidner, product engineer at Alpha, comments on the pivotal role installers play.
Research undertaken by Alpha uncovered a concerning trend which highlighted that a considerable number of UK homeowners are either neglecting gas safety concerns or lacking essential knowledge about it. Shockingly, 63% do not check or replace batteries in their carbon monoxide detectors, and over 40% fail to schedule their annual boiler service, often citing cost as a deterrent.
As the cost-of-living crisis persists, this statistic is expected to worsen as individuals are compelled to make difficult choices – choices that might even endanger their lives.
Installers are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring gas appliances adhere to safety standards and are properly installed. Yet, as a collective, the industry bears a communal duty to arm homeowners with the facts. Installers, working alongside gas service engineers, possess a unique opportunity to educate consumers right within their homes.
Conversations with our installers reveal that many already take the time to guide homeowners through the operation and optimisation of their newly installed appliances. However, how frequently do discussions revolve around gas safety? If the answer leans towards ‘infrequently’ or ‘almost never,’ it’s worth considering the pivotal role that could be played as the primary guardians of your customers’ gas safety. In essence, the dialogues initiated by installers have the potency to save lives.
1. Begin by engaging the homeowner in conversation at an opportune moment such as while the kettle boils (for those hospitable enough to offer you a cuppa!). Through simple enquiries, you can identify and seize teaching opportunities. For instance, enquire about their ability to recognise the signs of a gas leak. If unfamiliar, provide insight into the telltale indicators. While the scent of gas is the most recognisable sign, more subtle symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and headaches can also be indicative of a problem.
2. Ask the homeowner to indicate the location of their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Together, perform a swift test to ensure their functionality. Remind them that regular testing, ideally weekly, is essential. While not every household possesses a carbon monoxide detector, explain its benefits. This affordable device, which can be priced at less than £20, can offer peace of mind. Should scepticism arise, whip out your phone and show them!
3. While acquainting the homeowner with their new appliance, include a prompt tutorial on locating and shutting off the main gas emergency control valve. With their attention engaged, you can illustrate how they can swiftly and safely halt the gas supply in the event of them detecting a gas odour, prior to seeking assistance.
4. Equip homeowners with stickers bearing the National Gas Emergency Service contact number. They can affix these stickers onto appliances such as their boiler. Also encourage them to add contact details to their mobile device so they don’t have to hunt around in an emergency. This straightforward gesture ensures homeowners have critical information at their fingertips during emergencies.
5. If you’re tech-savvy, design a branded checklist for homeowners as a ‘takeaway’. This could encompass useful steps to follow if they suspect a gas leak, such as opening windows, waiting outdoors for a gas engineer and recognising when it’s imperative to seek medical attention. Be sure to share practices to avoid as well – like switching on lights or using mobile phones, which could trigger sparks.
6. Finally, always maintain a record of the boiler installations you undertake and incorporate sending out boiler service reminders to customers nearing the first anniversary of their installation as part of your customer care strategy. This initiative might motivate homeowners to commit to annual servicing, while simultaneously showcasing a commitment to their welfare that’s likely to garner positive recommendations and referrals for your business.
For a wealth of additional resources, visit gassaferegister.co.uk/gassafetyweek/. For more information about Alpha, visit: alpha-innovation.co.uk.
