With a reminder that poorly maintained gas appliances can cause leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Gas Safety Week from 13-19 September.

This year the week is addressing a whole range of safety matters for gas users across the country – from advice about how to stay gas safe, to raising awareness of using a registered engineer who is legally qualified, to ensure consumers don’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work through lack of awareness.

Safe & Well manager Vikki Thomas said: “Unsafe gas appliances can put your life in danger. If you don’t have your annual gas safety check from a registered engineer you could be at risk of fires, gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. We recommend that homes with gas boilers, solid fuel burning appliances, such as wood burners, Agas and open fireplaces have carbon monoxide detectors as well as working smoke alarms – they really do save lives.”

Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “It’s great to see so many people supporting Gas Safety Week this year to help share important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety. The last year or so has taught us the vital importance of helping and supporting those in our communities. Ensuring people always use a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances in their homes is a great way to show how we can work together to stay gas safe.”

To keep you and your family safe, follow these top tips:

• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
• If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
• Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself; always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who can work on your gas cooker, boiler or fire in a safe way.
• Don’t cut corners – only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home.
• Always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified to work on.

You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk