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24.
September
2014.
Gas Safety Week outlines the true danger of badly maintained gas appliances in UK homes
 Gas Safety Week outlines the true danger of badly maintained gas appliances in UK homes
 

 
 

Gas fire and surround specialists Stonewoods remark on the latest report launched in conjunction with the start of Gas Safety Week

 

In the report, which consists of research carried out among Gas Safe engineers in the UK, a startling discovery was made. It was found that over half of registered engineers (57%) had no choice but to resort to switching off a customer’s gas appliance last year as there were significant and immediate risks to occupants or the property itself.

 

Leaving the questionable state of some gas appliances such as fires, boilers and cookers in the balance, it is understandable that a lack of finances, knowledge or awareness leads homeowners or tenants to simply living with what can be a ticking time-bomb that could seriously injure them, their property or, much worse, cause fatalities.

 

Findings from the report stated that out of the 68,000 homes that had emergency action taken to isolate gas appliances, half of the occurrences happened due to a lack of regular servicing and being left to degrade into a poor state of disrepair. Marking Gas Safety Week which began on Monday 15th Sept and which is due to run until the 21st Sept 2014, a collection of Gas Safe Register, Fire and Rescue Services and engineers are touring the country to educate and advise the public on matters of gas safety.

 

The chief executive for Gas Safe Register, Russell Kramer, said: “Over the past three years there have been 31 deaths and over 1,000 injuries that have resulted from gas related incidents. However, listening to our engineers tell us about the situations they face on a daily basis and hearing just how many life-threatening incidents they prevent, it’s surprising there haven’t been more. It shows what a great job registered engineer’s do, but at the same time the public also has an important role in gas safety.”

 

London-based leading gas fire and surround supplier Stonewoods reacts on a regular basis to news and reports from within their relevant industry sectors. A spokesperson for the company believes that Gas Safety Week is essential to educate and raise awareness to the real dangers of faulty gas appliances within the home:

 

“In our day to day operations we are well aware of the dangers of an inadequate or faulty gas appliance, particularly gas stoves or fires. However, the need to better teach homeowners is essential in doing everything to lower the number of condemned appliances even further.

 

“It is fantastic that many are learning how severe poorly maintained gas appliances can be to the safety of a home and its occupants, we hope this boosts awareness significantly.”

 

Based in Wandsworth, London, Stonewoods operate as one of the leading showrooms for gas fires and surrounds, in addition to stocking a wide selection of stove variants including electric, dual fuel and wood burners. Well-established for many years and boasting a 10,000 sq. ft. showroom, you can discover more at www.stonewoods.co.uk today.