Gas safety news, important gas safety information
Gas Safety
News
Latest gas safety news from WGS Kent, Water and Gas Services

Gas Safety News

MP urges public to protect themselves with gas safety checks

As part of Gas Safety Week, which runs from September 15-21, Doncaster MP Rosie Winterton encourages residents to use reputable engineers when implementing gas safety.

The campaign aims to crack down on gas-related accidents by promoting the importance of regularly checking the safety of domestic gas appliances, such as cookers, fires and boilers.

People are also being reminded that badly-fitted or poorly-serviced appliances can cause leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ms Winterton said: “I urge all my constituents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families, by making sure that their domestic appliances are maintained and also that carbon monoxide alarms are fitted in their homes.”

The annual event raises consumer awareness of the dangers of using unqualified gas fitters.

Research shows that one in three consumers trust a tradesman to do gas work based on the recommendation of a friend or neighbour, without checking their registration and qualifications first.

Every year thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gas Safe Register estimates that there are around 7,500 illegal gas fitters operating across the UK and up to 250,000 illegal gas jobs may be carried out each year.

Although there is awareness that gas appliances need to be safety checked annually, 43% of Britons don’t do it, and 10%  have gas appliances which have never been checked.