NI Gas Engineers Support Gas Safety Week

The Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) was greatly encouraged with the response to its call for Northern Ireland's gas engineers to get behind national Gas Safety Week, which ran from 10th to 16th September.

Gas Safety Week, which sought to ramp up local awareness of gas safety in the home and the importance of taking care of gas appliances, enjoyed strong support from gas engineers from right across Northern Ireland as well as gas suppliers, local government and emergency services.

To mark the week, staff from HSENI were on hand to give advice at a series of gas safety 'roadshows' which took place at key B&Q outlets near Belfast and Londonderry.

These awareness-raising events were used to encourage gas users to be more aware of the dangers and responsibilities associated with using gas and explained why it was important that they contact a Gas Safe registered engineer when checking or repairing appliances or in the event of an emergency.


Advertisements, leaflets and news stories in local, national and trade press also appeared as part of the campaign.

Richard Meredith at HSENI said: "Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas-related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. With Gas Safety Week we wanted to encourage the public to only use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix and service their gas appliances and to raise awareness of the importance of having an annual safety check."

From 1st April 2010 the Gas Safe Register took responsibility for the registrar of approved gas engineers in Northern Ireland. To obtain Gas Safe registration, each operator is trained and tested in the skills required to safely install and service gas-fired appliances. Registration is, therefore, a legal requirement for gas engineers.

As a result, HSENI was also keen to make gas users aware of the dangers of using illegal operators.

Richard said: "Incorrectly installed or maintained heating and cooking appliances can result in the leakage of carbon monoxide (CO) – an invisible, odourless poison, which can cause ill health or even death. It is vital that gas users are aware of this and are encouraged to seek help or advice from trained, experienced Gas Safe registered operators."