"Over 40 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning and quite frankly this is 40 too many in this day and age."
Despite a reduction in the number of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, one in five UK homeowners have never had a gas safety check carried out on the gas appliances within their home, new research from Fair Fix has found.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that in a single year, 43 people died due to accidental poisoning from carbon monoxide. A further 20 people died due to accidental poisoning by other gases and vapours, with 70% of these additional deaths occurring within the home.
The good news is that this number is on the decline. Accidental deaths from carbon monoxide fell by -7% on an annual basis and sit -46% lower than a decade ago.
At the same time, accidental poisoning by other gases and vapours specifically within the home fell by -13% year on year and have more than halved (-52%) in the last 10 years.
What is an Annual Gas Safety Check?
A gas safety check is a yearly inspection of any and all gas appliances within your home. It checks that your appliances are working correctly, there is adequate air supply, appliance safety devices are functioning and that gas is burning properly, amongst other things.
Only a qualified gas safety engineer can carry out a gas safety check, which should take around half an hour to complete. On completion you will be given a gas safety certificate which is fit for a year.
Homeowners aren’t legally required to perform an Annual Gas Safety check, only landlords have to oblige to avoid falling foul of the law.
A survey of UK homeowners, commissioned by Fair Fix, found that despite the dangers posed by gas appliances, a worrying number of homeowners are failing to conduct the proper checks.
While half of those surveyed (51%) are carrying out the advised annual check of their gas appliances, 22% stated that they had never had a gas safety check in their home. A further 14% stated that they couldn’t remember the last time they had done so.
Founder of Fair Fix, Tyrone Ekrem, commented: “Over 40 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning and quite frankly this is 40 too many in this day and age.
"The good news is that advancements in the quality and safety of gas appliances has no doubt contributed to a reduction in carbon monoxide deaths over the last decade, but it simply isn’t enough to trust the durability of your appliances to keep you and your family safe.
"At the very least, you should be conducting an Annual Gas Safety check to ensure your gas appliances are in good nick, but worryingly, a large proportion of homeowners have never even had an inspection.
"It’s understandable that the cost incurred may be a contributing factor, particularly at present with the cost of living remaining so high. However, with prices ranging from £30 to £150, it’s money very well spent if it avoids a tragedy within the home.”
