Workers and customers at risk as SMEs fail to stay gas safe

Furthermore, around a fifth (21%) of small businesses surveyed were not aware that by failing to have an annual gas safety check carried out they could be invalidating their insurance.

The survey of more than 500 SME owners and senior managers with responsibility for energy was commissioned by British Gas Business to coincide with Gas Safety Week (19-25 September).

The results also showed that more than three-quarters (77%) were aware that gas appliances need to be checked on an annual basis. In fact, 82% had a Gas Safe registered engineer visit their workplace to carry out gas safety checks in the last year.

In addition, almost 4 in 5 (79%) said that not taking annual gas safety checks could put lives at risk, with only 3% stating there would be no health risks.

British Gas Business services gas appliances and systems for more than 20,000 SMEs across Britain. By backing the national safety campaign again this year, the company hopes to highlight the serious risks to small businesses, their employees and customers.

Employers have a legal requirement to ensure their gas appliances, gas pipework and flues are maintained in a safe condition. Landlords must also complete annual gas safety checks.

Jonathan Samuel, managing director for Gas Safe Register, said: “When we think about gas safety many of us would automatically think of gas appliances like boilers, cookers or fires in our homes but this survey shows it equally important to consider the workplace. Some of the obligations and responsibilities may differ, but the risks from an unsafe gas appliance remain the same. This Gas Safety Week, we encourage businesses of all shapes and sizes to check their gas appliances and keep employees and customers safe.”

James Bennett, managing director of business services for British Gas Business, said: “Without safely functioning gas appliances and a secure gas supply, businesses could put their revenues, and the safety of employees and customers at risk. British Gas Business is backing this campaign, to make sure all our customers know about their responsibilities. Every business should have its gas appliances checked and have an audible carbon monoxide detector.”

Wayne Martin, engineer for British Gas Business, said: “It’s important that all small businesses make gas safety as a priority. Some customers don’t always realise the risks of carbon monoxide and gas leaks at work, compared to their home. I’d urge any business to get commercial gas appliances regularly serviced and maintained and to make sure they have an audible carbon monoxide alarm fitted in their workplace.”

www.britishgas.co.uk/business/gassafety

British Gas’ simple checks to help keep your business to stay gas safe:

• Install a carbon monoxide alarm at your business premises
• Look for signs of staining, soot or discoloration on, or around your gas boiler, fire, water heater or any other gas appliance. These can be signs of carbon monoxide. Also keep air vents open and clear in order to provide fresh clean air to your gas appliances
• Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be similar to the flu. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness and feeling generally lethargic
• Maintain and service your gas appliances and pipework on an annual basis
• Any gas service, installation or repair should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer that is qualified to work on commercial gas appliances and pipework. All British Gas Business engineers are Gas Safe registered.
• Keep a record of any gas work carried out
• Take out a service plan if your business relies on heating or gas appliances
• If you notice anything wrong, stop using the appliance immediately, open windows and doors to ventilate your business and call the Gas Emergency Services Helpline on 0800 111 999 (24hrs). You should also seek medical advice.