students keep gas safe
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. Don't mistake the symptoms
for a hangover.
So you’ve moved into your new pad. You’ve checked out your
nearest pub and you’ve got your local takeaway on speed dial.
Sorted. But have you thought about gas safety in your
accommodation? Surely it’s all fine, right?
By law your landlord has to make sure that the gas appliances
supplied for you to use are safe in your rented accommodation. As a
student, gas safety may not be your top priority, but knowing your
rights when you rent could save your life. Poorly serviced, badly
fitted or faulty gas appliances could put you at risk from gas
leaks, fire, explosions and carbon monoxide
poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which
can kill quickly with no warning. Its symptoms include headaches,
dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of
consciousness. They might not just be the signs of a good night
out!
Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm to alert you if you’re in
danger – you can buy a battery operated one at any DIY store and
take it with you to every student property you live in.
Oxford students narrowly escape death
In April 2007, six Oxford University students narrowly escaped
death as a potentially deadly carbon monoxide leak was discovered
in their student digs. When the emergency services arrived, they
found exceptionally high levels of the deadly gas carbon monoxide in the property (source: The
Oxford Student). Had it not been for their parent’s encouragement
to fit an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in the house, these
students could have lost their lives. The alarm signalled, warning
them of high levels of CO leaking from a gas cooker.
To be safe and legal your landlord must:
Remember to always:
- Check the ID card of any gas engineer
that comes to do work in your home.
- Cooperate with your landlord and let a Gas Safe registered
engineer in when a gas safety check or servicing has to be
done.
Make sure you know your rights when you rent. Download our student
factsheet for all the information you need to keep safe in your
accommodation.
Remember - if your landlord refuses to service and safety check
the gas appliances they have provided they are breaking the law.
You can ring the Health and Safety Executive and report them on
0845 345 0055.
If you smell gas, or think there might be a gas leak, call the
gas emergency number for your area.
For free leaflets and posters to help raise awareness of gas safety
at your university email marketing@gassaferegister.co.uk