Cooking a family roast this Easter Sunday? Check your gas appliances are working safely!

Gas Safe Register advises families to ‘hatch’ a plan to get a bank holiday gas safety check and not be ‘fooled’ by illegal fitters.

This Easter, Gas Safe Register is reminding families to get their gas appliances checked by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, so that they can have peace of mind that their gas appliances are running safely and efficiently this bank holiday weekend.

Unsafe gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Families should never attempt to work on a gas appliance themselves but always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who can ensure gas appliances are safe.

Jonathan Samuel, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said:

“As families get together under one roof for Easter egg hunts and ‘egg-ceptional’ family meals, we want to remind everyone to get their gas appliances checked annually to know they’re working safely this bank holiday weekend.
“Don’t cut corners and don’t be fooled by an illegal gas fitter. Always check they are Gas Safe registered by visiting GasSafeRegister.co.uk.”

Gas Safe Register’s top tips for a gas safe bank holiday

  1. Only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home. 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 or by calling on 0800 408 5500.
  2. ‘Don’t cut corners’ and 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.
  3. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
  4. Be aware of the signs of unsafe gas appliances; if the flames on the gas hob are yellow or orange and lazy, rather than being a crisp blue flame; dark staining on/around appliances; pilot lights that frequently blow out; increased condensation inside windows.
  5. If you suspect that someone is an illegal fitter or are worried about gas work carried out in your home, you can report this online or contact Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500.
  6. 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 find out about dangers in your area visit www.StayGasSafe.co.uk and to find a Gas Safe registered engineer visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500. On social media, search #DontCutCorners.