A third of UK adults (33%) don’t know the signs of an unsafe gas appliance, according to Gas Safe Register’s latest research.
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%).
Worringly, one in six adults (17%) also admitted that they take no steps at all to ensure their home’s gas appliances are safe. However, nearly half (47%) said they have their gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe-registered engineer, almost two in five (38%) have an audible carbon monoxide alarm, and nearly one in three (29%) know to check that their gas engineer is on the Gas Safe Register.
This Gas Safety Week (17-23 September), Gas Safe Register will be raising awareness about the dangers of unsafe gas appliances, with the support of the industry. Gas Safe Register will be focusing on a different theme each day to share important facts and advice about gas safety. The themes of these are as follows:
Monday
‘FAMILY MATTERS’ - Unsafe appliances can be fatal; Gas Safe Register is 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 said: “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.”
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