Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will be using Gas Safety Week, which runs from 12-18 September, to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety.

Gas Safety Week is now into its second decade of keeping people safe and organisations from across the UK are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

This year, Gas Safety Week focuses on the steps consumers can take to ensure they stay 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.

Safe & Well Manager Vikki Thomas of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “With the winter fuel crisis on everyone’s minds, we are urging the public to keep safety a priority when using gas appliances. Don’t make cutbacks to save money this winter, which can put lives at risk. Getting your boiler serviced will mean it is running efficiently and safely saving you that extra money.”

She added: “We recommend that homes with solid fuel burning appliances, such as wood burners, Agas and open fireplaces have carbon monoxide detectors as well as working smoke alarms. CO detectors can be bought in most supermarkets and DIY stores – they’re not expensive and they save lives. It’s important to ensure you check your CO detectors regularly and we remind the public to do this.”

To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips:

• Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
• Look out for warning signs your appliance may be unsafe, such as dark or sooty stains around the appliance, increased condensation and pilot lights frequently going out.
• Make sure you leave vents unblocked as these are there to help your appliance work safely and efficiently.
• 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.
• If you’re having your annual safety check, only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to carry it out.
• 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.

Gas Safe Register is the official register for legally qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.

For more information on carbon monoxide visit www.dwfire.org.uk/carbon-monoxide/