Gas Safety Week - September 14th - 20th, 2015

Amazingly, we are approaching the 5th annual Gas Safety Week, that runs between 14th - 20th September. Last year was a huge success with the public really being made aware just how important registered engineers are when it comes to keeping the public safe. The event this years is expected to be even bigger with a huge number of industry bodies, businesses and engineers having already pledged their support. Such participation is excellent and much-needed, especially after some recent research revealed some interesting statistics: 57% of heating engineers surveyed said they had switched off a potentially deadly gas appliance in the past year. Countless numbers of lives could have been saved as a result of their actions. 48% of those heating engineers who had turned off potentially deadly gas products said the reason the situation had got so serious was due to a lack of maintenance on the appliances. Throughout Gas Safety Week, the general public will be encouraged to sign up at StayGasSafe.co.uk where they can opt to receive reminders regarding annual maintenance of their heating system and associated gas components. Many people simply don’t realise that their boilers need yearly maintenance in order to remain safe and efficient, so that message will really be attempted to be driven home. Heating installers will be encouraged to make customers aware of what the Gas Safety Register is and to make them aware that only registered engineers can legally and safely work on gas products. Installers are also encouraged to make a show of their Gas Safe Register ID and to explain how customers can check the register to ensure gas workers are who they say they are and have the necessary qualifications. There will also be a massive Gas Safety drive across the local radio station network with specialist presenters and programmes being broadcast to help educate the public, Leaflets and a supporters pack will also be distributed and there will be huge social media participation to really make the most of the week and engage the general public. The week will be a real opportunity for the heating industry to put the importance of gas safety, regular maintenance and registered fitters into the public’s consciousness and, an added bi-product may well be the fact that our industry gets a large increase in business! You can follow the progress of Gas Safety Week 2015 by followig it on Twitter @GasSafetyWeek Article by Benjamin Clarke