The HSE has launched their new microsite as a one-stop-shop to help Landlords understand what they should be doing to keep tenants safe.   Being Landlords ourselves and having many Landlord clients, we know how important it is to have happy and SAFE tenants.  We would never live with ourselves should anything happen because we had forgotten or been ignorant in understanding ALL of our responsibilites..   The HSE has launched the site  www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords to address the potential lack of information available especially to new Landlords - check it out it breaks down the information into sections so if you are busy you can skip over the things you know and get right to the things you are not quite sure about - we like it and dont forget if you need any gas safety checks to give us a call. 

CPA1 Accreditation is required for Gas Installers to prove and demonstrate their ability and competence with regard to using a tool called a Flue Gas Analyser (FGA)

CPA1 is an extra competence and Safety check over and above ACS gas qualifications to ensure engineers who carry out Combustion Analysis as part of the Installation, Commission, Servicing and Maintaining of Gas Appliances can do so competently and with total regard for Health and Safety which could mean the difference between life and death where Carbon Monoxide and Gas Ommisions are concerned.

The real problem in the gas services industry has been and continues to be that until CPA1 existed there was no 'driving test' to demonstrate that engineers know how to use FGA's correctly.

There are approx 120,000 illegal gas safe workers operating in the UK.. http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/learn/illegal_gas_workers.aspx

Make sure you are GAS SAFE !!

Spot the signs around your appliances Learn how to spot the signs of a Carbon Monoxide leak around your appliance. Fortunately, although you can’t see or smell Carbon Monoxide it’s easy to identify signs that indicate there may be a strong risk of it being produced. Simply look at your gas or heating appliances. Danger signs include:

• Sooting or staining on or around your appliance
• Excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed
• Lazy yellow / orange coloured flames

Carbon Monoxide can also be present in smoke from solid fuel or oil appliances. If you are using a gas appliance that should have a crisp blue flame, such as a pilot light, look out for changes. If it turns to a lazy orange flame, the appliance may not be working correctly.

You are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if:

• Your appliance was incorrectly or badly installed
  
• Your appliance is not working properly and efficiently
  
• Your appliance has not been safety checked and serviced annually
  
• There is not enough fresh air in the room due to blocked vents or chimneys and flues
  
• Your chimney or flue is blocked or has not been swept regularly
  
• You allow untrained or individuals not qualified for the fuel or appliance to install or maintain your appliances
  
• There is no audible CO alarm fitted and working in your home
  
  Be Carbon Monoxide Aware www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com
  

THOUSANDS OF TRADESMEN ARE UNKNOWINGLY WORKING WITH ASBESTOS

As the HSE continues to run their "Hidden Killer Campaign", local Asbestos Consultants,
Qube Solutions Services have decided to offer low cost Asbestos Awareness Training.
This is aimed at ALL trades including the employed and self employed, to ensure that local business and trades people are aware of the hazards and risks posed by asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within their everyday working environment and to provide an overview of the legislative measures and controls that the employer must comply with to safeguard them.

Asbestos Awareness Training is a legal requirement to be carried out annually for those persons who are liable to disturb asbestos while carrying out their normal everyday work, or who may influence how work is carried out.

"Thousands of Tradesmen are unknowingly working with Asbetos"
Each week approximately 20 tradesmen die from this hidden killer, upto 3 plumbers, 6 electricians, 6 joiners die weekly from asbestos related disease.

The courses are being run at Centenary Business Centre in Nuneaton.  The next course is on the morning of Wednesday 10th March and takes approximately two hours.  For more information go to www.qube-uk.co.uk