Help us with our investigation into gas safety during Gas Safety Week
To coincide with Gas Safety week, we are launching our crowdsourced investigation into gas safety in the area. If you live in or around Govanhill, please fill in this short form.
Gas safety is an issue that affects too many homes. In Britain, to the Gas Safe Register, one in six gas appliances inside people’s home are considered unsafe. In Scotland, the statistics are even graver where that number lowers to one in five.
The Gas Safe Register has a handy map where you can see what proportion of gas appliances are considered unsafe. Along with ten tips on how to keep safe and warm when getting your gas appliances checked and when using them:
However, whilst we believe that these steps can give residents reassurance in the people checking their appliances, we believe that landlords are cutting corners in regards to gas safety. Many boilers in the local area, we believe, have not been serviced within the past year. This is an illegal practice. With the cost of living tightening the proverbial belts of these landlords, we worry about this problem getting worse.
We are asking that our readers fill in this form into gas safety so that we can delve into this issue around Govanhill and the Southside. As we are well to aware of in Glasgow, gas fires can lead to serious consequences. Please help us in our investigation by filling in this form and sharing it with others in the area.
Top Ten Tips for Gas Safety
Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service your appliances. You can find and check an engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
Check both sides of 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.
Have all your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year. If you rent your home ask for a copy of the landlord’s current Gas Safety Record.
Know the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of CO poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.
Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
Keep vents and chimneys clear. Make sure you don't block any vents, as they are vital to ensure gas appliances burn properly, and chimneys need to be cleaned and checked regularly.
Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose. Don't be tempted to use them for something they weren't meant for (e.g using a gas cooker to heat a room).
Know the emergency procedure. If you smell gas or suspect immediate danger, make sure you familiarise yourself with the emergency procedure and contact the relevant number for your UK region.
Spread the word. Share vital gas safety information with friends, family and neighbours to make sure your community stays safe.
If you would like to know more about Gas Safety Week, please visit their website