GAS SAFE NEWS 2010

Safety is not top priority for British holidaymakers

9th July 2010

Holidaymakers are prioritising decor over safety when they book their holiday accommodation, new research from Gas Safe Register reveals. Yet, the tragic deaths of two children, caused by dangerous gas appliances in a holiday apartment in Corfu, highlights the importance of gas safety when on holiday.

When asked about the basic factors in choosing holiday accommodation, cleanliness and price were the two most important factors for Brits, followed by facilities available, a friendly service and well maintained furnishings.

Worryingly, safety measures such as regular inspections of gas appliances, having smoke alarms fitted, and swimming pool safety were further down the list of priorities. Less than two in five (37%) people said that having a life-saving carbon monoxide alarm fitted in their accommodation was of the upmost importance to them.

Sarah Hill, of Gas Safe Register advises:

“Understandably price is important when booking holiday accommodation in the UK or abroad, but your family’s safety should be your number one priority. Disturbingly our research showed that a variety of safety measures, including gas safety, scored less important than surroundings, which suggests that people let their guards down with safety on holiday.”

Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions. Whether staying in a B&B, villa, chalet, hotel, caravan or boat, 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 and they may not know how to use gas appliances in their accommodation safely.

Follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips and enjoy a gas safe holiday in the UK or abroad:

1. Check the gas safety of your accommodation before you travel. Ask whether the gas appliances have been safety checked and serviced regularly. If you’re holidaying in UK in cottages or caravans the landlord must do this by law. You can ask the landlord for an up-to-date gas safety certificate. 
   
2. Ask if your accommodation has a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm fitted. CO alarms are rare overseas. If you take one away with you, make sure it is suitable for travel. 
   
3. Know how to use gas appliances safely. 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 landlord or 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 carbon monoxide poisoning with other holiday sicknesses, such as food poisoning, dehydration or a hangover. The six main symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
   
6. If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak: turn off the gas at the meter, extinguish naked flames, open windows, leave the area and inform the owner or holiday rep immediately. Seek medical advice if you feel unwell. If in the UK call the Gas Emergency freephone number 0800 111 999.

For further information and to download a free factsheet please visit our holiday tips page.

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