Today marks the beginning of Gas Safety Week, an annual event to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety.
Run by the Gas Safe Register, this year’s theme is “Looking after your home, friends, and family”, and highlights the important role everyone has to play in gas safety.
As your landlord, we’re legally responsible for the gas safety of your home but you can make a difference by making sure you’re aware of our responsibilities, taking positive action to keep your home safe and sharing gas safety advice with family and friends.
Top tips for staying gas safe in your home
Make sure you have a current landlord gas safety record
By law, landlords must keep gas pipework and flues in your home in good condition, as well as any gas appliances that came with your home. They must arrange an annual gas safety check of the appliances and flues and give you a record of the check within 28 days. If your landlord refuses to provide you with one, you can report this to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
As your landlord, it’s really important that we do these gas safety checks. We’ll always write to you to let you know when your appointment is, so please make sure someone over the age of 18 is at home to let us in. Read more about gas safety checks here.
Stay ‘gas safe’ by:
- Getting your gas appliances checked every year.
- Making sure vents and/or flues are not blocked.
- Checking that your engineer is Gas Safe Registered.
- Checking your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card.
The Stay Gas Safe website has a handy tool where you can check how gas-safe your area is.
Warning signs to keep an eye out for:
- Sooting or staining marks on or around the appliance.
- A yellow or orange lazy flame – not crisp and blue.
- A higher level of condensation than normal in the room where the appliance is installed.
- Anyone in your household suffering from drowsiness, headaches, nausea or pains in the chest when using a gas appliance.
- Error messages on an appliance’s control panel.
If you notice any signs of a gas leak, you should:
- Turn off the appliance immediately.
- Open the doors and windows.
- Call us straight away on 0345 60 20 540 or call Cadent straight away on 0800 111 999.
Check your carbon monoxide alarm
It’s really important to check your carbon monoxide alarm every month. Doing this will help identify any gas leaks and keep you safe.
How do I test my alarm?
- Press and hold the test button on the alarm until you hear the testing tone, which is a fast, repeated, loud beeping lasting several seconds. If you can hear this, it means it’s working correctly
- If the alarm beeps intermittently and continuously, this means it’s not working as it should. If this happens, please call our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540 as soon as possible so we can arrange a visit to repair or replace your alarm.
Strengthen your gas safety knowledge
Remember the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches; dizziness; breathlessness; nausea; collapse; and loss of consciousness. If you suspect carbon monoxide, get into fresh air immediately and call the gas emergency services for your area.
For more useful information, you can visit our dedicated gas safety web page.
You can find out more on Gas Safety Week by following them on X or visiting their website.
If you smell gas, you should call Cadent on 0800 111 999 as soon as possible.
