11 September 2023 Company News

SMS plc is supporting Gas Safety Week 2023

SMS engineer with van and Gas Safety Week logo

SMS has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week (11 – 17 September 2023) and will be raising awareness internally and externally to its employees, customers and wider community about the importance of gas safety.

Gas Safety Week is here to remind the public how to keep themselves gas safe, and organisations across the nation are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

This year, Gas Safety Week focuses on celebrating the breadth and diversity of gas engineers and the essential role they play in keeping the nation gas safe. As well as reminding the public, about gas safety and tips to ensure they stay safe, including not attempting DIY on gas appliances and being aware of the warning signs of unsafe appliances.

Iain Hyslop, Director of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ) at SMS said:

“Gas Safety Week is upon us again and we are delighted to be participating. Safety is fundamental to everything we do at SMS and this dedication ensures that our customers, their families, and the public can rely on us to stay out of harm’s way. However, there are many people who may not be aware of the Gas Safe standard and this week is the perfect opportunity to get a message to them and also to make them aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Let’s do this together and keep our families, friends, and the public safe.”

Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive Officer for Gas Safe Register, said:

“We’re delighted to see so much support for Gas Safety Week 2023 – now in its thirteenth year. This year we are celebrating the breadth and diversity of gas engineers, their skills, and experiences, which help to keep the nation gas safe all year round. And we’re reminding the public of the importance of always using a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to fix, fit or service gas appliances”.

To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips:

  • Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
  • Look out for warning signs your appliance may be unsafe, such as a lazy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue flame, error messages or unexpected noises from your boiler or dark and sooty stains around your gas appliance.
  • Make sure you leave vents unblocked as these are there to help your appliance work safely and efficiently.
  • If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
  • Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • If you’re having your annual safety check, only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to carry it out.
  • Always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified to work on.