MSPS is proud to support Gas Safety Week 2020

Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) is proud to be supporting the tenth annual Gas Safety Week from 14 – 20 September 2020.

Gas Safety Week raises awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. It is coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas.

Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it.

We have some simple steps to help raise awareness and keep everyone safe and warm in their home:

• Make sure your gas appliances are checked every year. Gas appliances should be serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer only – never attempt to work on them yourself. Companies that complete gas works must be Gas Safe registered.
• Look out for friends and relatives. Some people may be unable to arrange their own gas safety check or may be unaware of what they need to do to keep safe. Help your loved ones by ensuring that they have their appliances checked and serviced regularly.
• Check the engineer is Gas Safe registered and qualified for the type of work they need to do. This information can be found on the back of the Gas Safe ID card, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified for, and the Gas Safe Register website.
• Check for warning signs that could indicate appliances are not working correctly. Signs may include lazy yellow /orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and too much condensation in the room.
• Know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm. Alarms should be marked EN50291 and display the British Standards’ Kitemark.
• 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.
• Spread the word. Share vital gas safety information with friends, family and neighbours to make sure your community stays safe.

Tony Walker, National Gas Compliance Manager at MSPS, said “This is the seventh year MSPS has pledged its support in spreading the word of gas safety within Gas Safe Week. It is vital that everyone understands the requirements of their gas appliances and have them checked for safety every 12 months.”