Cold snap warning - check your gas appliances

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

Gas Safe Register has issued a fresh warning about recognising carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning symptoms which can commonly be mistaken for a cold or flu.

Two fifths (42%) of Manchester residents are not able to spot the signs of faulty gas appliances while over one fifth (22%) have not had their gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer in the last year.

Gas Safe Register is reminding people of the signs of CO poisoning to look out for as the frosty weather remains and gas appliances are increasingly relied upon.

Jonathan Samuel, managing director of Gas Safe Register said: “CO poisoning is known as the silent killer because you cannot see it, taste it or smell it. The six main symptoms of CO poisoning are; headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse or loss of consciousness.

“It’s crucial that gas appliances are checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they are working safely and efficiently. That way, people can use their appliances safe in the knowledge that potential CO leaks can be detected and stopped, and accidents such as fires caused by gas can be prevented. If these checks aren’t on your new year’s resolution list yet, it’s time to add it.”

To ensure your home is Gas Safe, follow these top tips:

• Only employ a legal Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home. You can find a registered engineer in your area by calling Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 or by visiting www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk
• ‘Trust the Triangle’ 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.
• Sign up for a reminder service to make sure your gas appliances are checked annually: www.staygassafe.co.uk/

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 more about the dangers posed by unsafe gas appliances in your area visit www.StayGasSafe.co.uk, and to find a Gas Safe registered engineer call 0800 408 5500 or visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk.