Are you ready for Gas Safety Week 2021?

Gas Safety Week 2021 (13 to 20 September) is almost here and Gas Safe Register is pleased to working with the National Housing Federation (NHF) to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety and keeping people safe in their homes.  

I work as an Engagement and Alliances Marketing Manager for the Gas Safe Register, the official body that licenses those who are legally qualified to work on gas appliances. As you’ll know, only a Gas Safe registered engineer should fit, fix, or service gas appliances.

What is Gas Safety Week?

Gas Safety Week is an industry-wide, awareness-raising campaign and a timely reminder to millions of people across the country to ensure their staff, family, friends, tenants, and colleagues stay gas safe, focusing on the importance of taking care of gas appliances. It’s coordinated by the Gas Safe Register and supported by thousands of organisations helping to keep our nation's gas safe.

We all know that in the right hands gas is safe, but poorly fitted and badly maintained gas appliances or equipment can put you at risk of gas leaks, fires explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly with no warning, as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it. 

The week is packed with activities to highlight the dangers of things like faulty gas appliances and equipment. It also promotes the importance of hiring qualified engineers to service gas equipment annually. 

Staying safe

We recommend that all gas appliances are checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year. Before any gas work is carried out always check the engineer is qualified to carry out the type of work that needs doing e.g. natural gas, domestic boiler, cooker, gas hob, gas fire, etc. You can find this information on the Gas Safe Register website or by checking the back of the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card.

We encourage householders to check the identity of the gas engineer when they arrive. It’s important to remember all gas work is different and the back of the ID card tells you if they’re registered for the specific job you need them to do.   

As a reminder, landlords including housing associations must make sure that:

• Maintenance and annual safety checks on gas appliances are carried out every year and a Gas Safety Record is provided to the tenant within 28 days of completing the check, or to any new tenant before they move in.
• Gas pipework, appliances, and flues provided for tenants are in a safe condition.
• All gas appliances and flues provided for use by tenants have an annual safety check. Your tenants can report you to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if you don’t provide one so it’s important to remember. You can visit StayGasSafe.co.uk to set a free email and/or text reminder.
• You keep a copy of the Gas Safety Record until two further checks have taken place.
• Maintenance and annual safety checks are carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
• All gas equipment (including any appliance left by a previous tenant) is safe or otherwise removed before re-letting.

Get involved in Gas Safety Week 2021

Part of the role of the Gas Safe Register includes working with important stakeholders like the NHF who can help us get vital gas safety messages out to the public through their housing association members who serve communities across England and keep them safe with annual gas safety checks. 

Visit our website to find how you can show your support for keeping the nation gas safe this Gas Safety Week 2021. Pledge your support for this year's week!

For gas safety advice or to find and check an engineer visit the Gas Safe Register website.