Age UK Northamptonshire is supporting Gas Safety Week 2021

Member News

Age UK Northamptonshire has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week (13th – 19th September 2021) by raising awareness of the importance of gas safety and urging local people to get a carbon monoxide detector for their home.

As we celebrate the 11th year of Gas Safety Week, organisations from across the UK are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

This year Gas Safety Week is addressing a whole range of gas safety matters for gas users across the country – from advice about how to stay gas safe, to raising awareness of using a registered engineer who is legally qualified, to ensure consumers don’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work through lack of awareness. 

Sue Watts, Business Development Director at Age UK Northamptonshire said “Every year there are around 60 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales and those most at risk are the under 14s and the over 65s. I urge everyone to make sure they, and their older relatives, get a carbon monoxide detector for every room in their home where there is a gas appliance.  This small step could save your life.”

Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said “It’s great to see so many people supporting Gas Safety Week this year to help share important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety. The last year or so has taught us the vital importance of helping and supporting those in our communities. Ensuring people always use a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances in their homes is a great way to show how we can work together to stay gas safe.’’

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 #GSW21 and #GasSafetyWeek.  

To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips: 

• Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

• 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 who can work on your gas cooker, boiler or fire in a safe way.

• Don’t cut corners – only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home. 

• 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.

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 at GasSafeRegister.co.uk

To find out more about the services and support provided by Age UK Northamptonshire, or to get involved with fundraising activities, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire or call 01604 611200.