Tag Archives: Northern Ireland Executive

Students and their parents are urged to be aware of the dangers of fire. Fire safety advice could be one of the most important lessons for students during their time at university or college. Smoke alarm and fire escape plan Living away from home, espe… read more

Date published: 27 September 2018 It’s National Eye Health Week (24 to 30 September). Everyone is being reminded of the importance of good eye health and of having their eyes tested every two years. Looking after your eyes is just as important as… read more

Thousands of students are beginning a new term at college or university and they are being encouraged to look after their mental health. Students feeling down or under stress should to talk to someone they trust and get support. Stress and pressure Thi… read more

It’s Gas Safety Week (18 to 24 September) and everyone is reminded to be ‘gas safe’. Badly-fitted and poorly-serviced gas appliances can kill. Make sure all gas appliances are serviced by a Gas Safe Register engineer.

Check gas appliances

Incorrectly installed or maintained heating and cooking appliances can result in the leakage of carbon monoxide – an invisible, odourless poison, which can cause ill health or even death.

Every year, people suffer from preventable gas-related accidents, such as:

• gas leaks
• explosions
• fires
• carbon monoxide poisoning

The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Checking appliances regularly for damage and having your boiler professionally-serviced regularly by a Gas Safe Register engineer could significantly reduce the risk of leaks by detecting problems early.

You can get more information at the link below:

If someone other than an engineer on the Gas Safe Register carries out gas work at your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property.

Tips for staying ‘gas safe’

To ensure you stay ‘gas safe’ :

• only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix or service gas appliances
• have your gas appliances safety checked every year (if you rent your home, make sure your landlord arranges this)
• ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card and check both sides to make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing
• check for warning signs – lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance, and too much condensation in the room could be signs your gas appliance is not working correctly
• fit a carbon monoxide alarm – choose an audible alarm which will alert you if there is carbon monoxide (CO) in your home

Gas leak

If you smell gas and think you have a gas leak in your home make sure you:

• call the 24-hour gas emergency number on 0800 002 001, or if there’s a risk to life call 999
• shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve
• open all doors and windows for ventilation
• put out all naked flames
• check gas appliances to see if the gas has been left on unlit or that a pilot is out
• go outside into fresh air

Do not:

• turn any electrical switches, including door entry systems, on or off
• use matches, light naked flames, or smoke
• leave it to someone else to call the emergency services

For all reports of ‘smell of gas in cellar’:

• do not enter the cellar
• evacuate the entire premises

To turn off your gas supply, you first need to locate the gas isolation valve. In more modern houses, the gas meter and isolation valve are often located outside in a meter box.

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If you’re a landlord, you may be eligible for a discount on your rate bills, but time is running out. Bills should be paid in full by Friday 28 September in order to receive an allowance deduction on your bill. Allowance  If you have an Article 20 or A… read more