Gas Safety: The Homeowner's Guide

Gas Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility

Around 85% of UK homes use mains gas for heating and cooking. When gas appliances are correctly installed and regularly serviced, they are very safe. However, poorly maintained or faulty appliances can pose serious risks — including gas leaks, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know Your Gas Appliances

Make a list of every gas appliance in your home: boiler, gas fires, gas cooker or hob, and any gas water heaters. All of these should be serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What Is Gas Safe Register?

Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI in 2009 as the official register of gas engineers in the UK. It is a legal requirement that any engineer working on gas appliances holds a current Gas Safe registration. Always ask to see an engineer's Gas Safe ID card before allowing work on your gas appliances. You can verify any engineer at gassaferegister.co.uk.

Warning Signs of a Gas Leak

Smell of gas (a sulphurous or "rotten egg" smell — the odour is added to natural gas as a warning)

Hissing sound near a gas appliance or pipe

Dead patches of grass or plants near underground pipework

Unexplained increase in gas bills

What to Do If You Smell Gas

1. Do not operate any light switches or electrical equipment

2. Open windows and doors

3. Turn off the gas at the meter (the handle turns 90° to be at right angles to the pipe)

4. Leave the property immediately

5. Call the National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999 (free, 24/7)

6. Do not re-enter until cleared by engineers

Carbon Monoxide Risks

Gas appliances that are not burning correctly can produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is colourless and odourless. Fit CO alarms on every floor and test them monthly.

For gas safety inspections and annual boiler servicing, contact Halo Heating on 01483 676108.