New research from Gas Safe Register has shown that a third of UK adults (33%) don’t know the signs of an unsafe gas appliance. The signs to check for if a gas appliance is unsafe were recognised by some people as: a lazy yellow flame (33%), the pilot light keeps going out (32%), black marks or stains on or around the appliances (29%), and increased condensation inside windows (12%).
One in six adults (17%) also admitted that they take no steps at all to ensure their home’s gas appliances are safe. Nearly half (47%) said they have their gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, two in five (38%) have an audible carbon monoxide alarm and one in three (29%) know to check that their gas engineer is on the Gas Safe Register.
For the eighth annual Gas Safety Week (17th-23rd September), Gas Safe Register will be raising awareness about the dangers of unsafe gas appliances, with the support of the industry. Each day will focus on a different theme each day to share important facts and advice about gas safety:
| Monday | ‘FAMILY MATTERS’ – Unsafe appliances can be fatal; we are helping families know the signs to look out for to stay gas safe. |
| Tuesday | ‘CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) AND GAS SAFETY RISKS’ – With CO gas known as the silent killer, it is important we know these symptoms. |
| Wednesday | ‘RENTING RESPONSIBILITIES’ – Know your legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to renting a property. |
| Thursday | ‘ILLEGALS’ – Only registered engineers can legally work on gas appliances. Stay on the right side of the law and stop energy theft. |
| Friday | EVERYDAY HEROES’ – Celebrating gas engineers as everyday heroes who keep UK families gas safe. |
| Saturday | ‘DON’T DO IT YOURSELF’ – Leave gas work to the experts – registered gas engineers. |
| Sunday | ‘SAFETY AT HOME’ – How to stay safe at home and spot unsafe gas appliances. |
Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive of Gas Safe Register, says: “This Gas Safety Week we are encouraging families to learn about why keeping your gas appliances working safely is so important. A gas safety check by a registered gas engineer is the first line of defence from a potential fire or carbon monoxide poisoning and we recommend getting a gas safety check every year for peace of mind.”
