Gas safety in your home

Gas is a safe means of providing heating, hot water and cooking facilities in our homes; but, poorly serviced/ maintained gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

• link: Carbon monoxide (CO)

What to do in a gas emergency

If there is immediate danger from a gas appliance you should:

• turn off the gas supply at the gas meter emergency control valve
• put out any naked flames
• open windows
• do not use switches or anything electrical
• do not smoke.

Telephone the gas emergency helpline:

• telephone: 0800 111 999

How you can stay gas safe

There are things we and you can do to make your home as gas safe as possible.

Annual gas safety check

We will carry out an annual gas safety check on appliances we own within your council home. It is a legal requirement we do these checks so please let us into your home to carry it out. We only use Gas Safe Registered engineers.

You will need at least £2 credit on any prepayment meters for the checks to be done. We will also check the gas pipework and gas meters during the visit.

We will repair and maintain the gas appliances owned by us. We can offer advice about appliances you own so you can arrange your own repairs.

You can use the Tenant Portal to see when your next gas safety check up is due and rearrange the appointment if needed.

Tenant Portal

Looking after your appliances

Have appliances such as your cooker regularly serviced by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

Never cover a gas appliance or block air vents or grills, air bricks or outside flues. Your gas appliance needs a fresh supply of air to work safely. If they don't have air supply there is a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

• link: carbon monoxide (CO)

Warning signs your appliances may not be working correctly

• the flame on your gas hob should be crisp blue. Lazy yellow or orange flames mean you need to get your appliance checked
• you may see soot or black marks or staining around your gas appliances
• the pilot light may go out frequently
• there may be increased condensation inside your windows
  • link: Damp, mould and condensation

Risks of not having your gas appliances serviced

There is a risk to your safety if your gas appliances are not correctly serviced, repaired and maintained.

Gas leaks can lead to explosions which can kill as well as destroy property. Carbon monoxide (CO) can leak from poorly maintained appliances - this is known as the silent killer and is a risk to you, your family, and pets.

• link: Carbon monoxide (CO)

Getting the most from your heating system

A well maintained heating system is important for gas safety, to avoid carbon monoxide leaks, and reduce condensation and damp.

• make sure your boiler is serviced annually, this will help the appliance operate efficiently and reliably
• use your programmer to set the time when you want your heating to come on and off
• use your room thermostat to set the desired temperature. Turning it to maximum will not heat your home any quicker than setting the room thermostat to reach 20°C
• lowering your room thermostat by 1°C to 2°C degrees lower than normal can help you save money
• use the Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV) as a form of zone control
• shop around for the cheapest tariff.
• link: Damp, mould and condensation

Visit the Government's Help for Households web page, to find out how save energy and get the most out of the energy used in your home:

• website: Energy saving tips to save money - GOV.UK