Gas Safety Week will be taking place 12th-18th September 2022. Celebrating its twelfth year, the event is an opportunity to come together and raise awareness around the importance of gas safety and how we can all play our part in keeping the nation safe.

Why is gas safety important?

Gas remains one of the most commonly used fuels for heating and cooking, however there are potentially dangerous and fatal consequences if gas appliances are faulty or poorly maintained. 

  • Gas leaks can occur from faulty appliances and pipework which can lead to fires or explosions with potentially devastating results.
  • Each year around 20 people die through carbon monoxide poisoning in the United Kingdom as a result of poorly maintained or faulty gas appliances.
What do Stockport Homes do?

As a landlord, Stockport Homes has a legal duty and responsibility to ensure gas heating systems and pipework provided in its properties and buildings are maintained so that they are safe for use.

  • Stockport Homes ensure that a gas safety check is carried to all gas boilers every 12 months. This includes those boilers providing communal district heating.
  • A gas safety check will be carried out on all gas fires supplied by Stockport Homes and a visual inspection of any gas fire or cookers fitted by customers.
  • The gas is turned off in all properties that become vacant and is tested before being turned back on.
  • Stockport Homes have legal powers to force access to properties to carry out a gas safety check to ensure neighbouring properties and residents are not put at risk.
  • Gas safety checks and repairs to gas heating systems are only carried out by appropriately qualified gas engineers
  • Customers are not permitted to fit their own gas fire or use Propane or Calor gas within their property
  • Electronic copies of gas safety certificates are retained as evidence
  • Stockport Homes provide a 24/7 repairs service to ensure that any urgent gas repairs or safety issues can be addressed quickly.
What can you do to keep safe?

DO allow Stockport Homes access to your property for the annual gas safety check

Ring the Stockport Homes Customer Safety Team TODAY on 0161 218 1944 if you think the test at your property may be due or you don’t know when it was last done.

DO use a gas safe registered engineer to install a gas cooker

DO report any faults with your gas boiler to SHG on 0161 217 6016

DO NOT install a gas fire in your property or use Propane or Calor gas

If you suspect a gas or CO leak:

If you have concerns that you can smell gas or that you may be suffering from the effect of CO poisoning:

  • Turn off any gas appliances and if you are able to do so turn the gas off at the meter
  • Open windows and doors
  • Do not smoke
  • Do not turn on any electrical switches (e.g. light switches, plug sockets)
  • Leave the building if possible
  • Call the Cadent emergency line on 0800 111 999
  • Call SHG on 0161 217 6016

 

Further advice can be found on the Gas Safe website, or by calling our Customer Safety Team on 0161 218 1944