Six ways to make your home safer this Gas Safety Week by Calor!

This Gas Safety Week (16th-22nd September) Calor, a leading supplier of home energy, is pledging its support to increasing awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning and raising the standards of gas safety within the home.

Gas appliances if maintained properly are perfectly safe, however, if incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or unventilated can lead to the production of Carbon monoxide (CO) and potentially CO poisoning.

Appliances, such as cookers, heaters and central heating boilers, are the most common sources of accidental exposure to CO*. Thankfully, there are a number of ways that homeowners can stay safe both at home and away from their property:

1. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix or service gas appliances and ask to see their ID card when they visit your property. To find a certified engineer, head to www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

2. Get all gas appliances safety checked annually and serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions. If you live in a rental property, your landlord is obliged to do this for you. Make sure to ask them for a copy of their current Gas Safety Certificate.

3. Keep an eye on gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly. For example, a gas hob burning a lazy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue one.

4. Go to the nearest A&E department immediately if you believe you have been exposed to CO, especially if you experience any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, or loss of consciousness.

5. Ensure your home is fitted with an audible carbon monoxide alarm, not a colour spot detector. This is very important as the loud noise can notify occupants of an issue immediately, even if they are sleeping.

6. CO poisoning can also happen outside of the home. Pack a mobile CO alarm in your luggage to keep you and your family safe whilst travelling.