Gas Safety Week runs from 16-22 September 2013. It aims to highlight the importance of gas safety and of keeping gas appliances in a safe working condition.

The week long campaign is co-ordinated by the Gas Safe Register and is supported by the gas industry including retailers, manufacturers, consumer bodies and the public.

The effects of poor gas safety can be devastating with badly fitted and poorly serviced appliances causing gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to the Gas Safety Register:

• Every year thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a highly poisonous gas which can kill quickly with no warning as the victim cannot see it, taste it or smell it;
• There are approximately 7,500 illegal gas fitters operating across the UK and up to 250,000 illegal gas jobs are carried out each year;
• Around 43% of people don’t carry out an annual safety check and about 10% have gas appliances which have never been checked.

To find out more visit the Gas Safe Register website.