NEW GAS REGISTRATION SCHEME PROMPTS RoSPA CO REMINDER
As a new gas registration scheme comes into effect, the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Accidents is reminding homeowners to
have their fuel-burning appliances serviced regularly to reduce the
risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas Safe Register replaces CORGI tomorrow (April 1) as the
scheme under which anyone carrying out domestic and commercial gas
work must be registered.
Carbon monoxide (CO) can build up if a fuel-burning appliance
has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained,
or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that 14 people
died from CO poisoning from gas appliances in Britain in 2007/08,
with a further 234 suffering health problems as a result of CO
exposure.
RoSPA advises homeowners to employ only registered gas engineers
to fit new gas fires or boilers and to ask to see the installer's
identity card, checking that their capabilities (which are listed
on the back of the card) include the job they want doing.
Read the full story at http://www.rospa.com/news/releases/2009/pr674_31_03_09_home.htm
