Danger from appliances in Unserviced our homes
A SWADLINCOTE-BASED gas engineer has warned about the dangers of ageing and unserviced gas appliances in homes and workplaces.
Colin Cooke, owner of Gas Assist Heating and Plumbing, said it was important people protected their homes and places of work.
His warning comes in Gas Safety Week, held annually to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of gas appliances. It is coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers legally allowed to work on gas.
Mr Cooke, who set up his business with wife Lorraine in 2017, said: “After working in the gas industry for over 14 years, I am still flabbergasted by the gas appliances I visit each week – some are so old, they shouldn’t be in use, others are in such a bad state and haven’t been serviced for years, just need replacing.
“My team are also always concerned for vulnerable people in our communities and will always prioritise our work to accommodate their needs to ensure they are safe, especially as the colder nights draw in.
“As a Gas Safe Register engineer I am always proud to support this national campaign to help educate and inform people of the dangers they have in the homes and businesses. Sometimes just planning ahead to book in regular service is all that is required – it is a no brainer really!”
Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it.
Gas Assist Heating and Plumbing serves customers across the East Midlands, employing a team of Gas Safe Register engineers with over 20 years’ professional experience. Mr Cooke is proud his business is classified as Trusted Traders by Derbyshire County Council. To check you are gas-safe, here is some independent advice from Gas Safe Register:
Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants should ensure their landlord arranges this. You can set a reminder at Staygassafe.co.uk.
Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. You can find or check an engineer at Gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
Check your engineer is qualified for the type of gas work you need doing e.g. natural gas, domestic boiler. You can find this information on the back of their Gas Safe ID card and on the Gas Safe Register website.
Check for warning signs that could indicate your (or others) appliances are not working correctly. Signs may include lazy yellow /orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and too much condensation in the room.
Know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm and make sure your friends and relatives have one too. Check they are marked EN50291 and display the British Standards’ Kitemark.
To speak to the team at Gas Assist Heating and Plumbing call 01283 299843 or email info@gasassist.co.uk
For gas safety advice and to find or check an engineer visit Gassaferegister.co.uk. Alternatively, call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.