THIS week sees the sixth annual gas safety week from September 19 -15.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is supporting the annual gas safety week and are raising awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxides (CO) poisoning.

Gas safety is important all year round but it doesn’t always take top priority and can often be overlooked.

Any household that has a gas supply could be at risk. To make sure your supply is safe; the Gas Safety Register has provided some top tips on how to stay gas safe.

Make sure the engineer fitting, fixing or servicing your appliances is gas safe registered. Gas engineers will carry an ID card on them when making house calls. It is within your rights as a customer to check their ID.

Their card will also give you information about the work they are qualified to carry out. This is also worth checking.

Another top tip is to get your gas appliances serviced and safety checked every year. This will identify any faults and make sure they are working efficiently.

If your appliances are not working properly, there are a number of warning signs such as lazy yellow flames rather than crisp blue flames, too much condensation in the room and black marks or stains on or around the appliance.

If you think your appliances are fault, contact an engineer as soon as possible.

A low cost but effective tip is to fit carbon monoxide alarms. These alarms can tell you if there are high levels of carbon monoxide in your home and can save your life. There are six main signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

If you think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. You should also see your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “Although some of this advice is common sense, sometimes we all need a reminder.

We would encourage all residents to take this on board, especially as we are approaching the winter months. Make sure you are gas safe, these simple tips could save lives.”

For more information on how to stay gas safe visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk