Gas Safety Week starts today!

This week (11-15 September) is Gas Safety Week (GSW), which is the annual campaign coordinated by Gas Safe Register, that focuses on ensuring the general public know how to stay gas safe.

The campaign traditionally marks the "big switch on" in mid-September when people start to turn gas appliances on and use their heating more regularly.

This year, the week focuses on diversity, recognising the essential role gas safe registered engineers play as trusted tradespeople in keeping householders safe.

Businesses should take part to help protect customers and save lives, as carbon monoxide poisoning affects over a thousand people each year and can be fatal.

Ten ways to keep individuals safe and warm in their homes include:

• only use Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix, and service your appliances;
• check both sides of your engineer's Gas Safe Register ID card;
• have all your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year;
• know the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning - headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness;
• check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly - lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance, and too much condensation in the room;
• fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm;
• keep vents and chimneys clear;
• use gas appliances only for their intended purpose;
• know the emergency procedure;
• spread the word to friends, family and neighbours to make sure your community stays safe.

The Gas Safety Week website has resources to help with networks, and an online toolkit which includes social media updates, images and animations, web banners, stock images and copy, and much more.