We've pledged our support for the ninth annual Gas Safety Week (16-22 September 2019), to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety.
This year, Gas Safety Week is addressing a whole range of gas safety matters with a focus on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable - from advice about how to keep vulnerable loved one’s gas safe, to raising awareness of using a registered engineer who is legally qualified, to ensure consumers don’t become vulnerable to illegal gas work though lack of awareness.
Gas Safety Week is also an opportunity for us to highlight the work we do all year round to promote gas safety. This includes warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), encouraging people to invest in and test their CO alarms and teaching people, including -school children, about the symptoms of CO poisoning. And, working alongside the other gas network companies, promoting our locking cooker valve.
CEO John Morea said: “This Gas Safety Week we’re working with Gas Safe Register to encourage people to have their gas appliances checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer and to learn the symptoms of CO poisoning. It’s also a chance for us to talk about our award-winning locking cooker valve. This is a simple safety device that’s making a massive difference to some of our most vulnerable customers, such as people with Alzheimer’s or autism. What’s more, we’re offering this life-changing service for free.
“The valve is fitted to existing gas cooker pipework. When the valve is locked, the gas supply to the cooker is stopped. This eliminates the risk of the cooker being unintentionally turned on or left on. The carer or relative can easily turn the valve on when the cooker is required using the key, enabling the gas cooker to be used safely.
“Not only does the locking cooker valve help vulnerable customers retain their independence, it also provides reassurance to family, friends and carers.”
With 18 CO-related deaths in the last five years, it’s crucial that people have their appliances checked each year to be assured they are working safely and efficiently. People should also check that their engineer is Gas Safe registered. Anyone working on gas appliances while not being registered is working illegally.
Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “It’s great to see so many people supporting Gas Safety Week this year to help spread important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety. It’s so vital that we help people to know not to cut corners with gas and always ask a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances at their home to stay gas safe.”
To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips:
- Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
- If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
- To refer someone who might benefit from our locking cooker valve, call 0800 975 1818 or email locking.valve@sgn.co.uk
- Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who can work on your gas cooker, boiler or fire in a safe way.
- Don’t cut corners - only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home.
- Always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified to work on.
Gas Safe Register is the official register for legally qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or by calling on 0800 408 5500.
