Students urged to swot up on gas safety

Students across the North of England are being urged to swot up on gas safety as the start of the new academic year gets underway.

Emergency firms Northern Gas Networks and United Utilities say young people living away from home for the first time often don’t realise how to keep themselves safe.

Engineers want students living in rented accommodation to use the following advice if they smell gas or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide (CO).

• Do not smoke or light matches.
• Do not turn electrical switches on or off.
• Open doors and windows to get rid of gas.
• Turn off the gas at the meter (unless you need to switch on a light to find it).
• Call the free emergency helpline on 0800 111 999.

United Utilities’ safety manager Peter Christie, said: “Young adults and students are often living away from home for the first time at this time of year. It’s vital they know how to keep themselves safe.”

It is your landlord’s responsibility to make sure gas appliances in rented homes are serviced annually by a CORGI-registered engineer. Ask to see your landlord’s certificate which proves that appliances in their property are safe.