‘Stay safe this gas safety week’ – NIFRS
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week 2012 and is calling on the public to take care and be gas safe.
Gas Safe Register, the official list of registered gas engineers, is launching the second annual Gas Safety Week from 10th – 16th September and is aiming to raise awareness of gas safety in the home.
Paul Johnston, Chief Executive at Gas Safe Register said: “Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
“In the last year alone in the UK 18 people died and a further 399 were hospitalised. With Gas Safety Week we want to encourage the public to only use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix and service their gas appliances and to raise awareness of the importance of having an annual gas safety check.”
He added, “If maintained and installed properly, gas appliances are safe. If neglected, gas appliances can kill. In Gas Safety Week we want everyone to find out when they last had all of their gas appliances, including cookers, fires and boilers, checked.
“If this was over a year ago, you should get them checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer as soon as possible to help ensure your family and home are safe.”
Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: “As part of our commitment to protecting our community, along with Gas Safe Register, we want people to understand the real risks unsafe gas work poses and help people to stay gas safe.
“During Gas Safety Week local Firefighters will be completing leaflet drops to help encourage householders to only use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix and service their gas appliances.”
O’Neill added, “If you require general advice or information about gas safety you can call the Gas Safe Register Helpline on 0800 408 5500. If you suspect that you have a gas leak in your home make sure you shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve, open all doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into fresh air.
“Contact the Natural Gas Emergency Service Freephone number on 0800 002 001 or if it’s an emergency with a risk to life dial 999.”
For more information on gas safety in Northern Ireland visit either www.hseni.gov.uk or www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call the Gas Safe Register Helpline 0800 408 5500.
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