Any Gas Engineer understands the importance of gas safety and what can happen if it isn’t taken seriously.
But gas safety is often neglected – not just by the general public but landlords too, who are legally responsible for the gas safety of their tenants.
So what can Gas Engineers do to make people living in flats and rented accommodation understand gas safety better?
Tell-tale signs of a dangerous gas appliance
Let tenants know about the common warning signs that gas appliance might be on its way out. Such as:
- Soot or staining on or around the gas appliance
- Excess condensation in the room
- Lazy yellow flames, instead of crisp blue ones (except for fuel-effect fires that typically display blue flames)
- The pilot light constantly going out
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
A tenant might just be suffering the hangover from a really good night out. Or it could be carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Any of the following could be clues pointing to a dangerous CO leak:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
If you’re concerned that a landlord isn’t doing their part regarding gas safety, it’s important to let tenants know their rights.
Ask them when their last gas safety check was. A landlord is legally obliged to arrange for a Gas Safe-registered engineer to do a gas safety check every 12 months.
Landlords must maintain gas appliances, gas pipework and flues in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If a landlord skimps on any of this, urge the tenant to contact the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) at hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic or call 0800 300 363.
We’re looking for Gas Engineers throughout the UK to join AO.
You’ll be able to work a ‘four-on, four-off’ pattern.
And you can keep your gas card, so you can carry on working for yourself.
Visit our jobs page and enjoy a steady income with AO – the destination for electricals.