GAS SAFE NEWS 2011

Avoid a holiday from hell this summer

18th July 2011

Gas Safe Register offers advice on keeping you and your family gas safe on holiday this summer

As millions of Brits prepare for their summer holidays, Gas Safe Register is advising holidaymakers to start thinking about the safety of their accommodation now.

Whether staying in the UK or abroad, when it comes to gas safety, holidaymakers are more vulnerable than when at home; they simply don’t know how often gas appliances have been safety checked or serviced by the owners.

Badly fitted and poorly maintained gas appliances can cause gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. All of these can kill, as seen with the tragic deaths of two children in 2006, caused by dangerous gas appliances in a holiday apartment in Corfu.

Knowing what signs to look out for could save your life, as Gas Safe Register’s chief executive Paul Johnston explains:

“Gas safety regulations vary across the world and carbon monoxide alarms are very rare abroad. Just as you would pay attention to the safety of your own home, you must also consider the potential dangers of your holiday accommodation. By taking a few precautions you can prepare for a relaxing, enjoyable and gas safe holiday.”

Avoid a holiday from hell with Gas Safe Register’s top tips for gas safety on holiday:

1. Ask if the gas appliances in your accommodation have been safety checked and serviced. If you’re holidaying in the UK in cottages or caravans the landlord must do this by law – so ask the landlord for an up-to-date gas safety record.
2. Carbon monoxide alarms are rare overseas. If you take one away with you, make sure it is suitable for travel.
3. Appliances in holiday accommodation will be different to those you’re used to at home. If you’re not sure how they work, read the instructions, or ask your holiday rep for help.
4. Recognise the signs of dodgy gas appliances. Black marks or stains around the appliance, lazy orange flames instead of crisp blue flames and too much condensation are all signs that gas appliances aren’t working properly.
5. Don’t mistake CO poisoning with other holiday sicknesses, such as food poisoning, dehydration or a hangover. The six main symptoms are: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Gas Safe Register is launching its first ever Gas Safety Week taking place 12th – 18th September 2011. The register wants to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of your gas appliances by having an annual gas safety check and only using a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service your gas appliances. To find out more and how you can get involved visit the website.

For more information go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

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