For more than a decade, Gas Safety Week has been working closely with organisations across the UK, raising awareness of the dangers posed by unsafe, and unauthorised gas work. 

The consequences of unsafe gas work are potentially lethal, and everyone within the industry has a responsibility to ensure they’re taking the vital, necessary steps to protect themselves, their team and the public. 

This commitment to safety should begin from the moment a person begins their Gas Safe training, which is why Able Skills is a pledged supporter of this year’s campaign.

What is Gas Safety Week?

Launched by the Gas Safe Register back in 2011, Gas Safety Week offers a platform for the gas industry, consumer organisations and individuals to unite and focus their communications about gas safety into one single week, generating interest within the media and creating an impact among the public. 

What is the Gas Safe Register? 

The Gas Safe Register is the only official registration body for gas businesses and engineers in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. 

By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register. This certification is crucial in the prevention of unsafe work and is the quickest and most reliable way for customers to know whether an engineer is fit to carry out work. 

Gas Safety Week 2022

Running between 12-18 September, Gas Safety Week 2022 focuses on the steps consumers can take to ensure they stay safe themselves, including not attempting DIY work on gas appliances, and being aware of the warning signs of unsafe appliances such as dark or sooty staining. 

Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for the Gas Safe Register, said: “During these difficult times it’s important to stay aware of the warning signs of an unsafe gas appliance and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer if you’re worried something’s wrong, as well as having your annual gas safety check. 

“We’re delighted to see so much support for this year’s Gas Safety Week, and by working together we can keep the public informed of gas safety and help reduce the risk of dangerous gas appliances across the UK, helping the whole nation to stay gas safe.”

Gas Safety tips that everyone can follow

Below are some of the measures the Gas Safe Register recommends people take when it comes to gas appliances. 

  • Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
  • Look out for warning signs your appliance may be unsafe, such as dark or sooty stains around the appliance, increased condensation and pilot lights frequently going out.
  • Make sure you leave vents unblocked as these are there to help your appliance work safely and efficiently.
  • 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.
  • Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • If you’re having your annual safety check, only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to carry it out.
  • 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.

Keep up to date with Gas Safe Register’s updates and advice throughout Gas Safety Week by following @GasSafeRegister on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and search #GSW22 and #GasSafetyWeek.