Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas Safety Register estimates that up to 250,000 illegal gas jobs may be carried out each year, making it vital that trusted providers who carry the Gas Safety Register accreditation are used.
Statistics from Gas Safety Week Research highlight that 43% of Britons don’t have their gas appliances checked, and 10% have never had an appliance serviced.
DCS provides regular checks on appliances like boilers and cookers that are reliant on gas, ensuring that they are safe to be used and comply with safety regulations. Supporting this year’s Gas Safety Week, we recommend the following tips for staying gas safe:
Check for warning signs: regularly check your appliances for any indications that they may be working incorrectly. If you see condensation in a room, black marks or stains and no blue flames then it’s likely your appliance could pose a risk.
Know the symptoms: unsafe gas appliances can pose serious health risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Typical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and a loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning has taken place.
Use appliances for their correct purpose: always use your gas appliances for their intended use. Using a gas oven to heat a room or bringing exterior gas appliances indoors can pose a serious safety risk.
Correct ventilation: gas appliances need proper ventilation, notably air vents that provide a direct air supply. Ensure all vents are free of blockages and that gas has enough space to safely burn.
Always use a registered engineer: use a Gas Safety Register accredited engineer to conduct installation and services of your gas appliances. Registered individuals and companies like DCS will display the Gas Safety Register logo on their website, as well as carrying an ID card stating their qualifications.
DCS is proud to be Gas Safety Register accredited, providing peace of mind and expertise for its customers. For further details on our range of services for the commercial, domestic, health, public and retail sectors call 0330 002 9492.