HOMEOWNERS are being warned of the dangers of unsafe gas appliances this Gas Safety Week. 
The seventh annual Gas Safety Week runs from today (September 18) until Sunday (24).
As part of the initiative, Wales and West Utilities - the gas pipeline and emergency service that serves Wales and the south west of England - is urging people to take time to make sure that they and their loved ones stay protected this winter.
The company is advising householders to take simple steps to make sure their gas appliances are fitted and working correctly and to fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
Carbon monoxide poisoning causes an average of 40 reported deaths every year in the UK, along with 200 people hospitalised and 4,000 visiting A&E and, to reduce this figure, the company is encouraging all gas consumers to make sure they have their gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and to check that cooker and boiler flames are crisp and blue, and that there are no sooty black marks on or around the appliance.
Clive Book, Head of Emergency and Metering Services at Wales & West Utilities said: “Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. 
“We urge everyone to look at their appliances and make sure they’re ready before the winter months set in, when more and more people start to use their gas central heating.
“Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas which can be emitted by faulty appliances powered by any fuel that burns, including gas, coal, oil, petrol and wood. We make over 1,000 visits to properties where evidence of carbon monoxide is present. The symptoms from inhaling it include headache, dizziness, vomiting and shortness of breath. Sometimes people have ‘flu-like’ symptoms, but without the high temperature.
“Now is the time to take the necessary steps to look at gas appliances and we urge everyone to do so – it may save your life.”
Call the National Gas Emergency Number 0800 111 999 immediately if you smell gas or suspect the presence of CO. 
More information on carbon monoxide poisoning can be found on Wales & West Utilities’ website www.wwutilities.co.uk