Safety Advice
Gas Emergency? Call the FREE helpline on 0800 111 999
(24 hour service – 365 days a year)
If you are concerned about a gas safety issue, would like to find details of local registered installers or simply wish to learn more about the safe use of gas, there are organisations established who may be able to help.
Some useful contacts are:
HSE Gas Safety Home Page
www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/index.htm
The HSE also operates a Gas Safety Advice Line: 0800 300 363
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
www.ofgem.gov.uk
COCAA
www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com
Gas Safe Register
http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk
Gas Escapes
If you smell gas inside your property, firstly, check to see if the gas has been left on unlit or the pilot light has gone out. Ventilate the room before attempting to relight the appliance.
Generally, if you smell gas, either inside or outside your property or think you have a gas leak from an appliance or pipes within your property you should call 0800 111 999 immediately
Customers where possible should:
- Turn off the control valve at the meter
- Extinguish all naked flames
- Open doors and windows for ventilation
- Ensure they do not use any electrical switches
If you use LPG contact your supplier immediately. Their details should be on the cylinder or tank or a notice behind your emergency shut off valve outside your house.
Fumes
If there are fumes escaping from your gas appliance they may contain Carbon Monoxide – a colourless, odourless gas. If you believe fumes are escaping you should call 0800 111 999 immediately.
If you believe you have been exposed to Carbon Monoxide it is advisable to seek a blood test within 4 hours of the suspected exposure.
If you use LPG contact your supplier immediately. Their details should be on the cylinder or tank or a notice behind your emergency shut off valve outside your house.
Appliances
Customers are advised to have gas appliances checked each year by a Gas Safe Register engineer. It is important that gas appliances have adequate ventilation and that flues are not blocked to ensure the appliance is working effectively. If in doubt, contact your local registered gas installer for advice.
Owner- occupiers who are elderly, chronically sick or disabled may be eligible for free safety checks from their gas supplier.
Tenants and Landlords
There are specific obligations on landlords with regard to their tenants and gas safety. Details can be found on the HSE Web site at http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/gas_law.htm.
Registered Installers
By law, anyone carrying out gas work must be registered with Gas Safe Register. To protect yourself and your family, you should ask to see your installers ID card.
The front of the card shows their photograph, name, individual licence number and card expiry date.
On the reverse, you will find details of the areas of gas work that person is competent to undertake.
For more information visit the Gas Safe register website at http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk