Local catering equipment specialists Broadland Catering Equipment are urging local businesses to support Gas Safety week following a spate of gas related incidents.

The recent fatal gas explosion in Oldham and the explosion, which rocked Broadland Catering Equipment’s neighbours on Rackheath industrial estate last January, have brought gas safety into focus and the industry is keen to stress that badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. According to statistics released by the Gas Safe Register thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning each year as a result of faulty gas appliances.

Initiatives such as Gas Safety week, initiated by the Gas Safety Register and runs from 10-16 September 2012 aims to bring the gas industry and consumer organisations together to promote gas safety. Over 1,000 organisations supported the event in 2011 and the hope is to continue to grow the reach of the campaign in 2012.

Broadland Catering Equipment Director Colin Chettleburgh said “We are keen to get as many local caterers to support the Gas Safe week as possible, to ensure that we reduce the risk of more tragic or damaging gas incidents. The current focus of GasSafe and HSE is air quality and illegal gas work.”

“The most important thing for people to do is check that their Gas Safety Certificate is up to date and that their equipment has been serviced within the last 12 months. It is also important for people to test their emergency procedures in the event of a fire or gas leak are robust and ensure any gas work of any kind is carried out by engineers competent in that area of work. If they are not sure, they can ask the engineer for their card or check out the company and engineer on the Gas Safe website. Many people think a qualified gas engineer can do any kind of work. In fact, there are over 70 different gas qualifications and any engineer carrying out work they are not qualified for is potentially putting lives at risk, which is why it is a criminal offence” Colin added.

The most recent Catering Technical Bulletin issued by HSE in April this year has sharpened the focus on kitchen ventilation and extraction. Mandatory air quality tests carried out by competent engineers will assure operators that their systems are working properly and their staff are working in a safe environment.

The Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI in 2010 as the official gas registration body for the United Kingdom. By law all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register.

We will be supporting Star Throwers at their popular 'Light for Life' events across Norfolk in the coming weeks. Come along for a moment of quiet reflection and light a candle for a loved-one.

Sunday 27th November - Thorpe St Andrew Christmas Lights Swith-on - The Buck Inn, Yarmouth Road

Thursday 1st December - Wymondham Christmas Lights Switch-on - Wymondham Town Centre

Friday 2nd December - Thetford Christmas Lights Switch-on - Thetford Town Centre

Thursday 8th December - The Forum, Norwich

Thursday 15th December - Norwich City Centre

Thursday 22nd December - Norwich City Centre

Star Throwers is a not-for-profit charity run entirely by passionate volunteers, dedicated to supporting and advising people in East Anglia who are affected by cancer, or are at particular risk of developing cancer. Star Throwers provide free, independent and unbiased advice on all types of cancer treatment, care and support.