The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week taking place next week, 16th - 22nd September 2013. Along with Manx Gas and the Isle of Man Government Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate. Together we will be holding two workshops to promote Gas Safety week were the public can call in and ask about any concerns relating to gas installations.
On Wednesday 18th September between 1400hrs and 1600hrs we will be at Ramsey Fire Station, then on Thursday 19th September between 1400hrs and 1600hrs we will be at Castletown Fire Station.
As part of the campaign Manx Gas will also be offering a gas cylinder amnesty where you can either drop off any old gas cylinders that are no longer used or make arrangements to have collected cylinders from your address. They will donate ?1 to charity for every cylinder returned.
Gas Safety Week is an annual safety week to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. It is co-ordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on your gas boiler, gas cooker and gas fire.
Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a highly poisonous gas. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but it can kill quickly with no warning.
By taking care of your gas appliances properly you are taking care of your home and your loved ones. Follow these few simple checks to keep you and your family safe.
• Check your gas appliances every year. Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants – make sure your landlord arranges this.
• Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. You can find and check an engineer at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
• Check your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card. Make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing. You can find this information on the back of the card.
• Check for warning signs your appliances aren’t working correctly e.g. lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
• Check you know the six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
• Check you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
