Technological advances have improved the safety of gas at work and in the home, according to a survey of engineers and consumers.
Gas Safe Register conducted extensive research for its Decade Review, assessing how the gas industry has changed over the last ten years, and what the future is likely to hold. New technology was cited as one of the biggest drivers of change, with 28% of participants describing it as having the most effect.
Safer appliances were named as the biggest change by 16% of people, while a difference in the standard of engineers also ranked highly on the list. Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI in 2009 and all engineers must register to prove they are qualified to work on gas appliances.
A Decade of Change
The organisation helps ensure the safety of gas at work by investigating illegal gas workers, and by raising awareness through initiatives such as the annual Gas Safety Week. Jonathan Samuel, CEO of Gas Safe Register, said: “The UK’s gas industry has seen many changes over the past decade. More registered engineers, tougher penalties for health and safety offences, new technologies and innovation are all helping to keep the public safe and warm.”
Looking to the future, new fuel sources are expected to be a challenge, particularly given the training required to work with these safely and effectively. Solar, thermal and air-source heating technologies will become more prevalent, while manufacturers see hydrogen as an “exciting challenge”.
However, new technology may be the biggest challenge, as more than half of respondents cite it as an issue for the industry to address in the next decade. More advanced appliances and smarter building controls will improve the user experience, but engineers need to be ready to help them take full advantage.
Gas Safety Week
A recent report on 2017’s Gas Safety Week showed the message reached over 280 million people, with activities including a parliamentary launch and community events across the UK. Gas Safe Register used the opportunity to remind consumers and businesses of the steps they can take to improve safety of gas at work and in the home, including:
- Check your gas appliances every year. Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. You can find and check an engineer at www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
- Check your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card. Make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing. You can find this information on the back of the card.
- Check for warning signs your appliances aren’t working correctly. Examples include lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
- Know the six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
- Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm. And remember to test it regularly.
For more information about gas safety, contact the 361 Servicing team.
