The importance of regular Gas-Safe checks

Anyone who uses gas in their household or commercial premise should be aware of the potential and significant health and safety risks that can arise. Neglected or poorly fitted gas appliances and installations can cause unsafe and disruptive gas leaks, fire, explosions and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. 
Signs of a gas leak include:

• Rotten egg odour
• Dying houseplants
• Symptoms of CO poisoning
• Discoloured gas flames
• Pipe corrosion
• Hissing sounds
• Air bubbles
• High gas usage

 
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• abdominal pain
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fatigue
• headaches
• loss of muscle control
• nausea
• pink skin and bright red lips

To keep your household safe, we strongly recommend regular Gas-Safe checks. If you are a tenant in rented accommodation or commercial premises this is your landlord’s responsibility. Gas safety (installation, usage and maintenance) is a legal requirement. Therefore, a Gas-Safe check - domestic household or commercial premises - must be carried out by a registered Gas-Safe engineer. 

A Gas-Safety check is an inspection of any gas-powered appliance. Having a certified gas engineer conduct a gas safety inspection ensures that all your gas appliances are running as efficiently and as safely as they should be. A Gas-Safe check does not involve the inspection of each gas appliance but does include deep dive checks into the following:

• Testing gas pressure
• Testing air supply
• Testing that gas is being burned efficiently.
• Checking that flues and vents have a clear and open route. 
• Checking gas appliances for any wear and leaks.

Top tips to ensure Gas-Safety!

• The very first thing to do is look for a Gas-Safe registered engineer via https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ If you’re specifically looking for a local engineer in Enfield or Hertfordshire you can locate Pettifer Plumbing via our postcode EN2 BAS. 
• Ensure that you have your gas appliances serviced at least once a year. 
• Never use gas appliances for anything other than what they are intended for.  
• Ensure that you know what to do in the case of a  gas emergency.