Age UK Northamptonshire has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week (12th – 18th September 2022) and will be promoting this on their website and social media channels to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety.

Gas Safety Week is now into its second decade of keeping people safe. 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 focuses on the steps consumers can take to ensure they stay safe, including not attempting DIY on gas appliances and being aware of the warning signs of unsafe appliances, such as dark or sooty staining around an appliance.

Roger Harris, Sales and Marketing Manager at Age UK Northamptonshire said: “With the current energy crisis we are all encountering at the moment, having an efficient boiler working to its full capacity after a service is safer and will also help with upcoming bills.”

Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for 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.”

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.

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

• 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.

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.

Age UK Northamptonshire has access to tradespersons who may be able to help with any heating issues please visit our Business and Trades Directory at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/north…

Government figures show that every year carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause of 4,000 people going to A&E, 200 people being hospitalised and there are around 50 deaths in England and Wales. Older people and people with diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina, asthma or anaemia are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning.

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