Householders in Cheshire are being offered a free safety check reminder which could save their lives.
The Stay Gas Safe service registers homes and provides a free reminder that they need an annual gas safety check.
Sarah Hill, from the Gas Safe Register, told Runcon and Widnes World: “Poorly fitted and badly maintained gas appliances pose a real threat to people’s homes and lives. Those who sign up to the free reminder service will be sent an email telling them when their gas appliances are due for an annual safety check.”
Figures from the register show that 31 people have died and 1,000 injuries were caused by gas safety issues in the last three years. During that time, tradespeople registered with the service found unsafe gas appliances in one out of every six homes they inspected. Faulty equipment can cause Carbon Monoxide poisoning, explosions, leaks and fires.
It is also essential for people planning home improvements to ensure that qualified and registered gas safety engineers check any new equipment or alterations which could affect the safety of gas appliances.
The Register said that around 60 per cent of people it surveyed are currently planning to make changes in their homes this year. These ranged from planning an extension to their house, to buying a new gas hob or fitting a new gas boiler. All of these have the potential to cause accidents unless they are checked for problems by qualified tradespeople. Legally, a Gas Safe Registered engineer is required to assess all gas-related works.
Ms Hill added: “If you’re thinking about making a home improvement, big or small, it’s vital that you consider what the gas risks may be and ensure that any work which involves gas is carried out by a competent, legal Gas Safe registered engineer.”