GAS SAFETY ADVICE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE

Let’s talk gas safety. Understand how to be Gas Safe at home - only use a Gas Safe registered engineer and always check the Gas Safe ID card

If you have trouble reading the text on this page then click here to view it in a larger font.

What is Gas Safe Register? 

Gas Safe Register is the only official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on your gas appliances including your:

• Gas boiler
• Gas cooker
• Gas fire

The Register is there to help protect you from unsafe gas work.  You might remember it used to be known as CORGI.

When you have your gas appliances fitted, fixed or serviced, always use a gas engineer who is on the Gas Safe Register. Don’t forget – get your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year. Annual servicing not only helps keep your heating and hot water working properly, it helps keep you safe.

How do I find a Gas Safe registered engineer?

Gas Safe Register can help you find a local Gas Safe registered engineer and tell you if they’re qualified for the type of work you need them to do.

• Call the free Gas Safe Register helpline on 0800 408 5500.
• Find a Gas Safe registered business online by entering your postcode into the ‘postcode’ panel on the right of this page.

Ask for the Gas Safe ID card

All Gas Safe registered engineers carry an ID card to show you they are Gas Safe registered when they turn up at your door – if they don’t show you then don’t be afraid to ask to see it.

All gas work is different and the back of the ID card tells you if they’re qualified for the specific job you need them to do. View our video to see what you need to check on the Gas Safe ID card.

What are the dangers of unsafe gas work?

In the right hands gas is safe, but badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. It has no taste, colour or smell and it can make you feel seriously ill.

If you are suffering from headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse or loss of consciousness and you don’t know why, it might be a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning and you should see a doctor immediately.

Did you know you can buy a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home? But remember it shouldn't replace regular servicing of your gas appliances.

Is there any help I can get?

You could be entitled to a free gas safety check. Gas suppliers have a duty to provide free gas safety checks to some elderly people. Call the company you get your gas bills from to find out more. Their telephone number is usually on the bill you receive. A free gas safety check may apply to home owners on means tested benefits who:

• are elderly, disabled or chronically sick and either live alone or with others who are elderly, disabled, chronically sick or under 18.
• are living with others where at least one child is under 5 years old.
• have not had a gas safety check carried out at the premises in the last 12 months.
• do not occupy premises where a landlord is responsible for arranging a check under regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act.  

Also, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you already get the Winter Fuel Allowance to help you with your heating bills? Call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15 to find out more.
• Do you need financial help with heating improvements? You may be eligible for a grant under the Warm Front Scheme.  Free phone 0800 316 2805 to find out more.
• Do you rent your home? If you do then your landlord must have your gas appliances safety checked once a year by law and should service them regularly.
• If you have had gas work done in the last six months you can nominate it for a free safety inspection.  Call Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 or nominate a safety inspection online. 

Why not talk to your friends about gas safety and tell them how to keep Gas Safe in their home.

• Gas safety in the home
• Buying a new home
• Renting a property
• Unsafe situations
• Gas safety for the elderly
  • Strictly Gas Safety
• Vulnerable people
• Flues in voids
• Safety notices and recalls
• Seasonal advice
• Gas safety on boats