Gas safety reminder

HOUSEHOLDERS and businesses across Shetland are being reminded to ensure that their gas appliances are properly maintained.

To mark Gas Safety Week – which runs between 18-24 September – Shetland Islands Council’s environmental health team will visit commercial premises to give advice on areas such as ventilation and safety tests.

Poorly maintained gas appliances, such as cookers and heaters, can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Peter Brown of the SIC’s environmental health team commented: “We’ll be visiting commercial premises during the week, to ensure that their appliances are regularly serviced and checked by a qualified gas engineer.

“This is not only common sense but is a legal requirement and any failure to properly maintain equipment may also affect any insurance claim.

“We’d also urge home and boat owners to check any gas bottle fittings and appliances, particularly ahead of the winter months, when gas heaters may be used more often.

“Adequate ventilation is vital and we’d always recommend installing a carbon monoxide gas alarm too, to alert you to any build-up of this deadly gas, which is invisible and odourless.

“There are qualified gas engineers in Shetland who can service appliances and provide safety advice.”