Man taken to hospital following gas incident

Firefighters used gas detecting equipment to determine the presence of Carbon Monoxide in the property and they isolated the source and ventilated the dwelling. A Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm had actuated in the house, alerting the occupier to the presence of the gas.

The incident according to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has shown the importance of safety during for Gas Safety Week 2012 and is calling on the public to take care and be gas safe.

Gas Safe Register, the official list of registered gas engineers, launched the second annual Gas Safety Week from September 10 to 16 and is aiming to raise awareness of gas safety in the home.

Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “As part of our commitment to protecting our community, along with Gas Safe Register, we want people to understand the real risks unsafe gas work poses and help people to stay gas safe.

“During Gas Safety Week local Firefighters will be completing leaflet drops to help encourage householders to only use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix and service their gas appliances.

“If you require general advice or information about gas safety you can call the Gas Safe Register Helpline on 0800 408 5500. If you suspect that you have a gas leak in your home make sure you shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve, open all doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into fresh air. Contact the Natural Gas Emergency Service Freephone number on 0800 002 001 or if it’s an emergency with a risk to life dial 999.”Paul Johnston, Chief Executive at Gas Safe Register said: “Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. In the last year alone in the UK 18 people died and a further 399 were hospitalised. With Gas Safety Week we want to encourage the public to only use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix and service their gas appliances and to raise awareness of the importance of having an annual gas safety check.

“If maintained and installed properly, gas appliances are safe. If neglected, gas appliances can kilI. In Gas Safety Week we want everyone to find out when they last had all of their gas appliances, including cookers, fires and boilers, checked. If this was over a year ago, you should get them checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer as soon as possible to help ensure your family and home are safe.”