Keeping you safe: supporting Gas Safety Week 2020

Keeping our customers safe in their homes is our number one priority, which is why we’re supporting Gas Safety Week 2020 14-20 September.

Every year, people die and are seriously injured by poorly maintained gas appliances.

Steve Mather, FCHO Director of Operations said: “Keeping our customers safe is so important to us. By law, we must repair and maintain gas pipework and ensure flues and appliances in our customers’ homes are in a safe condition. We must also inspect the heating system including any gas appliances and flues in at least once every 12 months to ensure they are working properly. These gas safety checks must continue even during the current pandemic. Our specialist engineers are implementing safe working practices and customers should follow their advice whilst they are working in their home.

“If you are self-isolating and have a boiler/gas safety check booked, you must let us know by calling our Contact Centre on 0161 393 7117 or by emailing servicecentre@fcho.co.uk. We will rearrange the appointment for a convenient date”.

It’s our responsibility to perform gas safety inspections, however, we need your help. Here are a few tips to follow:

• Be available for your annual gas safety check and repairs appointments and please do let our engineers into your home. If you need to rearrange please get in touch with our Contact Centre on 0161 393 7117 or by emailing servicecentre@fcho.co.uk.
• 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 to us.
• 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 quickly and safely.
• If you have a carbon monoxide detector, test it 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?

It’s really important you know 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? Call us today on 0161 393 7117.
• 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.

Further gas safety advice

Throughout Gas Safety Week we’ll be sharing gas safe tips and advice on our social media accounts. Find us on Facebook and Twitter and join in the conversation.