The dangers of unsafe gas appliances.

Gas

Leaking gas is life-threatening and should be attended to immediately. Extinguish all naked lights and cigarettes and get everyone out of the house. When the house has been evacuated, return to open doors and windows to disperse the gas. Check all gas appliances are switched off. Do not switch any electrical appliances on or off until the gas has cleared.

If there is a leak, switch the gas off at the meter. Do not use any phones (including mobile phones) near a suspected gas leak.

You are not permitted by law to repair gas leaks – this must be done by a licensed Craftsman Gasfitter. Contact your retailer or a licensed Craftsman Gasfitter to check the installation.

A Craftsman Gasfitter must certify and sign off on any gas work that they carry out. They must also supply you with a certificate when the work is completed. A Registered Gasfitter will need a Craftsman Gasfitter to sign off their work.

Location of your gas meter and stop valve

Don’t wait until an emergency to know where and how to switch off your gas at the meter (usually a lever). Remember: all screw-down taps turn off in a clockwise direction.

Gas safety

Gas appliances have to be well ventilated. If there is not enough fresh air circulating in the room where a gas appliance is being used carbon monoxide gas may build up with potentially fatal effects. Appliances that do not have a flue to remove fumes must not be used in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Clues that your gas appliances may not be operating correctly include:

• The gas burns with a yellow rather than a blue flame (apart from some flame effect heaters).
• Soot may be deposited in or around the appliance.
• An unpleasant smell.

Have your gas appliances checked regularly and if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to call a licensed gasfitter to check the installation.

Any connections of gasfittings and gas appliances must be done by or under the supervision of a licensed gasfitter.

For more information about safety using gas see the Energy Safety Service brochures.

Plumbing and drainage

With the exception of a few minor tasks, such as changing washers and taps, all plumbing work must be carried out by a registered plumber. This is for health reasons – just one incorrect plumbing connection could allow a back-flow of polluted water into your drinking water.

See Selecting tradespeople for more information about registered plumbers.