HSE/NW/125/07 15 October 2007

"When did you last have your gas appliance checked?" - HSE backs bid to reduce North West toll

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is asking North West residents "when did you last have your gas appliance checked" as it backs Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week which begins today.

Carbon monoxide is a hidden killer with early symptoms often as simple as tiredness or a flue-like feeling.

Over the last ten years there have been 116 carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in the North West resulting in 28 fatalities and 185 non-fatal injuries. Last year was the worst in the last ten with 19 incidents causing 42 injuries, though fortunately there were no fatalities.

A Runcorn mother of four Lynne Griffiths whose family have all suffered from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning is leading a campaign to raise awareness of the danger.

Lynn – founder of the CO-Awareness organisation - will be guest of honour at the launch of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week on Monday 15 October at the House of Lords attended by Health and Safety Executive’s Chief Executive Geoffey Podger.

HSE North West Regional Director David Ashton says: "Carbon monoxide poisoning is senseless.

"You can’t see it, hear it, taste it, or even smell carbon monoxide (CO), yet every year it kills around 20-30 people.

"The symptoms can be mistaken for influenza, so don’t become an unwitting victim.

"If you are becoming a tenant of rented property, ask your landlord for your gas safety certificate. He is required by law to show it to you so you know your gas appliances have been serviced annually."

If you are renting property then by law your landlord must:

• ensure that gas appliances, flues and associated gas pipe work etc are maintained, in a safe condition, by a CORGI Registered installer;
• have an annual safety check carried out, by a CORGI Registered installer, on each gas appliance that they own in the properties that they let; and
• provide you with a copy of the record before you move in and within 28 days of each subsequent annual check being performed.

David Ashton adds: "Always check the record to ensure it is current and, if it indicates any appliance is defective, check that remedial action has been taken or the appliance has been made safe.

"Remember, it is your responsibility to maintain any gas appliance that you own, eg cooker or mobile heater."

If you need further advice or have doubts that the record is genuine contact the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) on 0870 401 2300. You can also:

• Visit www.trustcorgi.com   
• Contact the HSE Gas advice enquiry line on 0800 300 363.
• Visit the HSE Website at hse.gov.uk/gas/index.htm and, in particular, the links entitled ‘Information’ and ‘FAQs.’

If a managing agent lets your property, ensure the contract stipulates who is responsible for carrying out the above checks.

It is unlawful for anyone to carry out gas fitting work, in domestic or commercial premises, as a business unless they are registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). It is also unlawful for anyone to claim that they are CORGI registered when they are not.

All genuine gas fitters expect to be asked to produce their CORGI registration ID card before being invited into your property. The information on the card is also printed in Braille.

Apart from checking the identification details on the front of the card also check the expiry date to ensure the fitters registration is still current. On the back of the card check the list of work categories to ensure the fitter is competent to perform the job you need doing.

Public enquiries:

HSE InfoLine: 0845 3450 055

HSE information and press releases can be accessed on the Internet: http://www.hse.gov.uk

Issued on behalf of HSE by Government News Network North West.