Keeping you gas safe: supporting Gas Safety Week 2022
12/09/2022
Keeping you safe in your home is our number one priority and anyone who uses gas in their property needs to be aware of the risks and how to protect themselves – especially as we look forward to winter. That’s why we’re supporting Gas Safety Week 2022!
This week we’ll be putting the spotlight on gas safety issues and reminding customers how important it is to stay gas safe - including not attempting DIY on gas appliances and being aware of the warning signs of unsafe appliances, such as dark or sooty staining around an appliance. The consequences are serious: every year, people die and are seriously injured by poorly maintained gas appliances.
Steve Mather, our Director and Assets and Sustainability, said: “We’re committed to keeping customers safe in their home and it’s also a legal requirement that we carry out an annual gas safety check. Our Gas Safe registered engineers from Liberty Group actually do this more frequently - every ten months – so that we can ensure that everything is as it should be.
“These checks are vital to keep you and those around you safe in your home. Gas appliances that have not been properly maintained can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell or taste it. This is why we are ensuring that all our homes with gas have a Carbon Monoxide monitor.
“Regular servicing and ongoing checks also help make sure that your appliances are working as efficiently as possible, helping you to keep energy costs down as we move into the colder months.
“So, when your gas safety check is due, please let our engineers into your home If you need to rearrange your appointment to a more convenient time, please call Liberty Group and they will assist you.”
You can contact Liberty Group on 0330 995 8007
About your annual gas safety check
Arranging your gas safety check
We’ll write to you to let you know when your gas safety check appointment will be.
We’ll give you plenty of notice – a minimum of 42 days – and if the appointment isn’t convenient, you can rebook it by contacting Liberty Group on 03309958007
The day before your appointment we’ll send you a text reminder of your appointment.
Who carries out your gas safety check?
We work with specialist ‘Gas Safe’ registered contractor, Liberty Group to carry out your gas safety check.
All the engineers are qualified and have completed a rigorous ‘Gas Safe’ assessment. We also independently check their work regularly to ensure that they are meeting the appropriate standards.
Always check ID
All FCHO staff and contractors always carry photo ID. If someone visits your home claiming to be from FCHO or an organisation linked with us, always check their ID. If you’re still suspicious about them, call our Contact Centre on 0161 393 7117.
What to expect from your gas safety check
The check usually takes about 40 minutes, providing no emergency repairs are needed. The engineer will:
- Check gas pipework and ensure flues and appliances are in a safe condition
- Carry out an annual gas safety check on the heating system including any gas appliances in the home and flues
What we ask you to do
It’s really important that you are available for your annual gas safety check, and you let our engineers into your home to help keep you, your family, friends and neighbours safe.
Allowing our engineers access for the gas safety check is also part of your tenancy agreement so we ask you to work with us to make sure it goes ahead.
If you need to rearrange your appointment, please contact Liberty Group on 03309958007.
We ask you to make sure access to gas appliances like your boiler, cooker, gas fire or wall heater etc. is clear so our engineer can complete the safety check.
If you have a card gas meter, please ensure you have enough credit on the meter for the service to be completed.
Tips for staying gas safe in your home
- Look out for gas appliance warning signs. If your appliance isn’t working as it should be, there are signs to look out for like yellow flames, extra condensation, and black marks around the appliance. If you think your appliance is faulty, turn it off and report it
- Don’t try and fix your own gas appliances. Instead book a repair and one of our registered ‘Gas Safe’ engineers will come and fix it safely.
- If you have a carbon monoxide detector, test it regularlyto make sure it works properly.
- Know the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Look out for headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness. In the event you experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and call the gas emergency number 0800 111 999.
- Don’t cover or block vents. They are there to make sure your gas appliances work safely and efficiently.
Smell gas inside your home?
Here’s what to do if you smell gas inside your home:
- Open doors and windows to ventilate the property.
- Call the National Gas Emergency Service number 0800 111 999. The number operates 24/7 and is free to call.
- Turn off the gas at the mains tap, unless this is in the cellar. Not sure where your mains tap is? Your mains isolation tap is next to your gas meter.
- Evacuate everyone from the property immediately.
- Don’t turn any power or light switches on or off.
- Don’t smoke or light matches within the property.
