Gas Safety Week: Looking after your home, friends, and family
Gas safety is everyone’s responsibility and so we are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2025, taking place on the 8th - 14th September.
Gas Safety Week, coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas is an annual safety week to raise awareness of the importance of gas safety. Encouraging the public to get gas appliances checked annually by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
Unsafe gas appliances, whether badly fitted or poorly serviced, can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot smell it, see it, or taste it.
The theme this year is ’Looking after your home, friends, and family’ which emphasises that everyone has a role in keeping the nation gas safe. So, whether you’re responsible for your own family’s gas safety, own rental properties, or can simply share safety advice with those around you, we can all make a difference.
Your role as a homeowner
Are you a homeowner? Whether you are raising a family, living with a partner or flying solo, you have the responsibility to ensure your gas appliances are annually checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. As a second line of defence, install a carbon monoxide alarm marked EN 50291 and test it regularly.
Your role as a landlord
Are you managing properties? You have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of your tenants. Gas pipework, appliances, chimneys and flues need to be maintained to a safe working condition. In addition, you must arrange for gas appliances and flues to be safety checked annually by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. You’ll need to provide your tenants with a record of this check within 28 days. CO alarms are required to be fitted in rental properties, but there are slightly different requirements depending on where you are in the UK. Visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk/gas-safety/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/carbon-monoxide-alarms/ for further information.
Your role as a tenant
Are you currently renting a property? While your landlord is responsible for your maintaining a gas safe home for you, it’s vital to be aware of gas safety risks and what steps you can take to ensure your and your household’s safety. Report any gas concerns as soon as possible to your landlord. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas appliance, get fresh air and call the Gas Emergency Services for your area. Allow gas engineers access to carry out annual checks and repairs, and remember to check they are qualified to do the job via their Gas Safe ID card.
Your role as a caretaker
Are you responsible for taking care of relatives or friends? Encouraging safety checks and looking out for warning signs of unsafe gas appliances, such as dark sooty stains around the boiler, lazy yellow flames on the hob, or blocked vents, helps keep your loved ones safe.
Your role as a parent or guardian
Have your kids left home, moved to university or going on holiday with their friends? Ensuring they are geared up on gas safety knowledge and that they own, use, and regularly test an audible carbon monoxide alarm no matter where they are, will help keep them gas safe outside the nest.
For gas safety advice and to find or check an engineer visit the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk. Alternatively, call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.