The Importance of Gas Safety
Thank you to the 99.5% of Sutton Housing Partnership’s tenants who had their annual gas service and safety check carried out by Smith & Byford, our servicing contractor. SHP takes gas safety very seriously.
Last year 43 tenants had legal action commenced against them, for not allowing Smith & Byford access to their homes; 9 tenants, who still failed to provide access despite contact from our Solicitors, were required to attend Court; 3 tenants were made subject to an injunction, which allows SHP to force entry into a property in order to carry out the gas service; SHP were awarded an average of £476.67 in costs for each case taken to court. Every tenant taken to court is required to pay the costs awarded.
Over the past 10 years in the UK, there have been over 300 deaths resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions. Because carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless, it is known as the Silent Killer, the old and the very young being most at risk. The annual gas service and safety check is free of charge to SHP tenants, so please allow Smith & Byford access to your property.
Carbon Monoxide Kills
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. It can infiltrate your home through the most apparently harmless devices, like your boiler or cooker. It is impossible to see or smell, yet it is easy to protect yourself and your family from the risks. A few simple steps, including an annual gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered installer, could prevent needless deaths or illness as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas and has no colour, taste or smell.
How do I recognise the symptoms?
Recognising the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning will save your life.
How can I spot the signs of carbon monoxide in my home?
You can tell if your gas appliance is working correctly by observing.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?
An audible alarm could save your life.
Remember to get your appliances safety checked every year. Appliances that are properly installed, serviced and adequately ventilated are efficient and safe. To avoid the accidental production of carbon monoxide and to ensure that you and your family are safe, you must:
• Get your gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered installer
• Make sure rooms and heaters are well ventilated
• Have your chimneys and flues checked regularly
• Buy a carbon monoxide alarm. A carbon monoxide alarm will measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in a room and sound an alarm if the concentration is higher than permitted.
You must have your gas appliances safety-checked by a Gas Safe registered installer every year. We use our gas servicing contractor Smith & Byford to do this. This is the only way to guarantee that they are working correctly. Never allow anyone without a valid Gas Safe registration number to work on any of your gas appliances. The majority of work carried out by illegal gas workers has been found to have serious safety defects. By using a trades person who is not Gas Safe registered, you are literally taking your life in your own hands.
Remember: Gas Safe registration does not automatically cover all areas of gas work. Most installers specialise in one or more areas, so check that they are qualified to carry out the work you are asking them to do (for example, fitting a boiler or a new fire). You can check with Gas Safe’s customer services team or look on the back of the installer’s ID card.
If you are a victim or know someone that has been affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, you may find it useful to contact one of the following support groups:
CO-Gas Safety| - The Carbon Monoxide & Gas Safety Society (CO-Gas Safety) is an independent charity committed to reducing accidents from carbon monoxide, as well as other gas dangers worldwide, and supporting gas-related accident victims.
CO-Awareness| - An organisation that supports victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, their families and friends.
You can also find an installer to check out your appliances. Visit www.gas-guide.org.uk| who provide background information and gas tips and www.britishgassafety.co.uk| who include a test on household safety
ARE YOU SAFE? Book your Gas Safety Check on Freephone 0800 389 0867
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