Keeping you gas safe: supporting Gas Safety Week 2023

We’re pledging our support for Gas Safety Week 2023 to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety and highlight the essential role that gas engineers play in protecting you from the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances.

It is a legal requirement that we carry out an annual gas safety check of all gas appliances in your home which are owned by FCHO and provided for your use. Our Gas Safe registered engineers from Sure Maintenance actually do this more frequently for our customers - every ten months - to check that everything is as it should be.

These checks by skilled and experienced gas engineers are vital to keep you and those around you safe in your home.

Gas appliances that have not properly been 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, and its affects can be fatal.

Steve Mather, our Director and Assets and Sustainability, said: “Keeping customers safe in your homes is our priority and regular servicing and ongoing checks help make sure that your appliances are working as safely and efficiently as possible, and will support you to keep energy costs down as we move into the colder months, too.

“So, when your gas safety check is due, please let our engineers into your home to complete it. If you need to rearrange your appointment to a more convenient time, please call Sure Maintenance and they will assist you.”

You can contact Sure Maintenance by calling 0161 393 7117 and selecting the appropriate option.

All week we’ll be raising awareness of why your annual gas safety check is vital and sharing tips to help you stay gas safe. Join in the conversation on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

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 and if the appointment isn’t convenient, you can rebook it by contacting Sure Maintenance on 0161 393 7117 and selecting the appropriate option.

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, Sure Maintenance 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 Sure Maintenance by calling 0161 393 7117 and select the appropriate option.

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.

Test your carbon monoxide detector regularly to 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. Your mains 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.

Read more information about gas safety in your home.