Gas safety and carbon monoxide
Gas leaks and carbon monoxide (CO) are serious risks, but easy to guard against. Here’s what you need to know.
Spotting a gas leak
Look (and listen) out for:
- Smell: a rotten egg or sulphur-like odour
- Sound: hissing near gas pipes or appliances
- Visual signs: dead plants near pipes, bubbles in standing water, or dust blowing near fittings
If you suspect a gas leak:
- Don’t switch any lights or electrical switches on or off
- Don’t use your phone inside
- Open windows and doors, then leave immediately
- Call the emergency gas line: 0800 111 999
- Don’t re-enter until a Gas Safe engineer says it’s safe
If your boiler is faulty, contact our gas contractor Smith & Byford on 0800 169 7703. Please let us know if problems continue after you’ve reported them.
Always keep vents, chimneys, and extractor fans clear, and never attempt to repair gas appliances yourself.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
CO is colourless, odourless, and potentially fatal. It can build up when boilers are faulty, flues are blocked, or even if your gas cooker burners are dirty or obstructed.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and shortness of breath. If you or anyone in your home feels unwell, get outside immediately and call 999 or NHS 111.
CO detectors are fitted in all our homes with a gas supply and checked at your annual gas service. Test yours weekly and never ignore an alarm.
Quick safety checklist
- Annual gas safety check completed
- Working CO detector installed
- Emergency gas number saved: 0800 111 999
- Symptoms of CO poisoning known
- Ventilation areas kept clear
Shared owners and leaseholders: you’ll need to arrange your own annual gas check with a certified Gas Safe engineer.