Gas safety in your home

Using gas appliances in your home safely is important for your wellbeing. This article explains what to look out for and when to get in touch for help.

Using your heating safely

To keep gas appliances working safely:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your boiler and heating controls
• Let us know if you notice anything unusual, such as strange noises, leaks or low boiler pressure
• Never try to repair, disconnect or adjust gas appliances yourself
• Keep air vents and flues clear so appliances can work properly and safely.

Warning signs to watch for

Some signs may indicate that a gas appliance is unsafe. If you notice

• Yellow or brown staining around an appliance
• A yellow flame instead of a blue one on a cooker or heater

Switch the appliance off straight away.

If the appliance is Anchor’s responsibility, contact your location manager or the Customer Experience Hub on 0800 731 2020 as soon as possible.

If the appliance is your responsibility, arrange for a qualified Gas Safe engineer to inspect it without delay.

If a pilot light keeps going out, this can also be a sign of a fault. Follow the same steps above and seek help.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak

Act quickly and calmly:

• Do not use electrical switches, lights or emergency pull cords near the leak
• Do not use matches, lighters or naked flames
• Put out cigarettes or smoking materials
• If it’s safe and you know how, turn off the gas supply and open a window to ventilate the area
• Leave your home and go somewhere safe.

Once you are safe, contact:

• Your location manager
• Anchor On Call (using a pull cord in another flat or shared area), or
• National Grid Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

Carbon monoxide safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that you cannot see or smell.

If Anchor is responsible for your gas appliances, we will provide a carbon monoxide alarm. If your appliances are your responsibility, we strongly recommend fitting a CO alarm in your home.

CO alarms work like smoke alarms. Test them regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your CO alarm sounds, move everyone to fresh air immediately and seek help from your location manager or Anchor On Call.

Staying alert to these signs and knowing what to do can help keep you and your neighbours safe. If you are ever unsure, please contact us - we are here to help.

Annual gas safety check

If you have a gas boiler that Anchor is responsible for, we’ll arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to check it every 12 months. After each check you’ll receive a safety certificate (LGSR – Landlord Gas Safety Record).

If you have gas appliances that aren’t serviced by Anchor, we strongly recommend you arrange an annual service with a Gas Safe registered contractor. Always ask to see their Gas Safe registration certificate.