Tag: danger

The hidden dangers of stealing gas

It costs you and it costs lives

  • Stealing gas puts lives in danger
  • Make gas theft socially unacceptable
  • 25% increase in confirmed “Theft of Gas” cases last year
  • Stealing gas/electricity adds an extra £50 to energy bills*

Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, (powered by Crimestoppers) to raise awareness of the dangers of the ‘Theft of Gas’.

A new hard-hitting video has been produced for the campaign, showing a father tampering with their gas meter and is about to put his whole family in danger. The video has been shared through social media channels with the aim to raise awareness and hopefully make the illegal practise socially unacceptable.

The campaign will run throughout the winter and is supported by the gas industry to help people understand the dangers of tampering with a gas meter, what to look for and how to report it anonymously if you suspect theft.

Dave Garner, Director of Safety at gas distribution network Cadent said: “We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation – safety always comes first.

“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.

“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities to bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”

What to look out for:

A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.

Who to call:

Call the Stay Energy Safe service free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk. You can remain 100% anonymous.

Mark Loveday from Retail Energy Code Company, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the key rules for operating in the GB retail energy market, and works with the energy industry to reduce energy theft, said: “The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years. Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022.

“These figures are concerning, and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’. Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”

In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of the issues to spot when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.

MSP accused of trying to ‘sneak through’ controversial new law to ban purchase of sex in Scotland

UPDATE: DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER

·        Alba MSP has formally proposed new law to bring in Nordic Model, but has failed to seek public and stakeholder views, in line with Scottish Parliament guidance

·        Leading sex worker safety service National Ugly Mugs labels Regan’s consultation a “sham”, as it fails to mention international evidence showing Nordic Model makes sex workers less safe

·        Proposed new law comes after YouGov polling showing Scots oppose Nordic Model, instead favouring more support for sex workers, alongside leading NGOs such as Amnesty International

Ash Regan has been accused of trying to “sneak through” a controversial new law to ban the purchase of sex in Scotland, having formally submitted a proposed new Bill to Parliament, while failing to notify sex worker support groups or seek views from those opposed to the measures.

The Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, a Member’s Bill formally proposed to the Scottish Parliament by Regan on June 18, would enact the so-called “Nordic Model” in Scotland – making it a criminal offence to purchase sex – a move that is opposed by the Scottish public as well as a host of leading international NGOs.

The consultation document has been labelled a “sham” by National Ugly Mugs, the UK’s national sex worker safety service, as it fails to include any of the wealth of international evidence showing that banning the purchase of sex only serves to increase violence against sex workers, by making their lives more difficult and dangerous.

An official government review of similar legislation in Northern Ireland – the only nation in the UK to enact the Nordic Model – found that there was “no evidence that the offence of purchasing sexual services has produced a downward pressure on the demand for, or supply of, sexual services”.

It also found that “the legislation has contributed to a climate whereby sex workers feel further marginalised and stigmatised”. Regan’s consultation fails to mention this.

The Scottish Parliament’s official Guidance on Public Bills says that the consultation process on a proposed Member’s Bill should allow the policy “to be tested against, and informed by, stakeholder and public opinion”.

The guidance says that seeking such views “usually proves valuable in refining and developing the policy and in equipping the member for the challenges involved in explaining and defending that policy during the passage of the Bill.”

However, despite previously pledging to share the proposal with the public for feedback, the Alba MSP has not made any move to publicise the consultation – either via her Twitter account, her Nordic Model campaign website, or via the press – before it closes on September 12.

A YouGov poll of 1,088 Scottish adults, carried out for National Ugly Mugs in May this year, showed that Scots firmly oppose the Nordic Model, with 47% saying it should be legal for a person to pay someone to have sex with them, versus 32% who think it should not be legal.

The poll showed that 69% of Scots say the Scottish Government should focus on protecting the health and safety of sex workers, and providing support to people who want to leave the industry, compared to just 14% who support the government passing new laws to prevent people exchanging sexual services for money.

Dr Raven Bowen, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, said: “Ash Regan is clearly trying to sneak through this controversial proposed Member’s Bill, by slipping out a consultation just before recess, timed to run over the summer break, and then failing to notify affected stakeholders like NUM, presumably in the hope that they wouldn’t notice.

“Her sham consultation fails to acknowledge the wealth of international evidence showing that the Nordic Model only serves to increase violence against sex workers, by eliminating their revenue streams, making them desperate and destitute. The official government review of the Nordic Model in Northern Ireland – the only UK nation to enact this approach – showed it has failed there too.

“The evidence shows that Scots side with charities, researchers and international organisations such as Amnesty International, UN Aids and the World Health Organisation in opposing the Nordic Model.

“The Scottish Parliament must now do what Regan has failed to do, and consider the actual evidence showing that the Nordic Model would be a disaster for Scottish sex workers, before rejecting this proposed new law.”

UPDATE +++ UPDATE +++ UPDATE +++

The deadline for responding to @AshReganALBA‘s consultation on a proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill has been extended to 30 September.

Learn more and share your views:

https://ow.ly/qiOO50T9Vj8

City of Edinburgh Council slammed for allocating just £50K to upgrade ‘Deathtrap’ Junction

​Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are calling on the City of Edinburgh Council to clarify how the funds allocated for improving the junction of Telford Road, Hillhouse Road, and Strachan Road will enhance pedestrian safety.​

Labelled ‘Deathtrap Junction,’ this is one of the busiest junctions in the capital, yet its pedestrian crossing facilities are woefully inadequate. The complex layout, coupled with fast-moving traffic, makes it dangerous and inaccessible for all pedestrians and nearly impossible to navigate for most blind and partially sighted individuals.​

The pedestrian crossings lack audible signals and revolving cones, with many in need of basic repairs. The limited protective barriers at the junction increase the vulnerability of all pedestrians, while Strachan Road is particularly hazardous, as it has no pedestrian crossing facilities at all despite the constant flow of fast-moving traffic.

The charities, along with local Inverleith Ward Councillors, are concerned that the limited budget allocated for improvements will do nothing to enhance pedestrian safety.​

Caroline Hedley, a Rehabilitation and Mobility Worker with Sight Scotland, expressed her concerns: “While we appreciate the Council’s acknowledgment that the junction needs upgrading, I am left very disappointed by the limited funding being allocated.

“I struggle to see how this will significantly improve safety for pedestrians, especially those with vision impairments. We’re talking about people’s lives here. This is a densely populated area where residents need to cross these roads to reach the only local doctor’s and then again to get to the chemist for prescriptions.

“With schools and a mosque nearby, it’s clear that upgrading this junction is essential, even if it’s costly and causes traffic congestion.

“People’s safety should never be compromised, and I worry that the Council is prioritising traffic flow over pedestrian safety. I have clients living close to this junction and I need to explain to them that it’s just not safe for them to cross on their own, which is unacceptable.”​

Local Inverleith Cllr Hal Osler (Lib Dem) expressed appreciation to Sight Scotland for bringing attention to the well-documented issues at the Farmers junction: “The Council must do better and prioritise projects like this, as providing safe, accessible crossings for the most vulnerable benefits everyone in our society.

“The funding allocated for this upgrade is far too low, and more must be done. While the Council claims to prioritise pedestrians over traffic, their actions don’t reflect this commitment.

“Ensuring that everyone can safely navigate this junction shouldn’t be up for debate—it’s a necessity. It’s great the Sight Scotland campaign has made the Council start listening, but it’s not enough, and once again, the most vulnerable are being overlooked.”​

Fellow local councillor Cllr Max Mitchell (Conservative) adds: “I have been proud to support Sight Scotland’s campaign, and while the inclusion of this junction among the prioritised projects is a step in the right direction, it’s also a clear acknowledgment of the significant safety issues here.

“Although I welcome the funding allocated to address some aspects of Strachan Road, I am deeply concerned that the £40-50k budget will barely make a difference given the numerous dangers across the entire junction.

“People with vision impairments cannot cross this junction safely, and by failing to address these issues adequately, we are once again excluding them from our community. Safety must be our top priority, and it cannot be compromised.”​

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We recognise that a full upgrade of the junction will require more funding in the long term, but immediate interim measures—such as installing tactile paving, cones, audible signals, and light boxes, particularly at Strachan Road—are essential and must be implemented as soon as possible.

“There are blind and partially sighted people in the local area who we support who are currently not able to get about independently because of this junction. It is simply too dangerous to cross. Without basic upgrades, we’re risking people being left housebound.”​

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urging people to join their campaign to push the City of Edinburgh Council to upgrade the crossing at Strachan Road, Hillhouse Road, and Telford Road.

You can support this campaign by writing to your local Councillor and calling for urgent action to fix this dangerous junction.

Follow this link to take action: https://sightscotland.eaction.org.uk/Fix-Deathtrap-Junction.

D Mains parents call for council to speed up road safety improvements

An emergency meeting following the death of an Edinburgh school boy in a road traffic accident was held by concerned parents last night (Thursday).

The meeting was called after an Edinburgh child died on 1 March as he cycled to school. On the same day, there was a serious road incident involving a Davidson’s Main Primary School pupil. 

The parents from Davidson’s Mains Primary School organised the meeting to call on the city council to speed up road safety improvements for children coming to and from the school.

The meeting was attended by Scott Arthur, Chair of City of Edinburgh Council Transport and Environment Committee, local Councillor Norman Work and Dave Sinclair, Local Traffic and Road Safety Manager at the council. 

At the meeting, the Council Transport team committed to make small scale improvements as soon as possible.

Parents were told that the current city-wide backlog of road safety plans would take 10 years for the Council to act on and that, in general, cases would only be considered in chronological order.

Kim Pratt, vice chair of the Davidson’s Mains Primary School Parent Council, said: “Parents are deeply concerned that our children are forced to navigate dangerous roads to and from school every day because Edinburgh Council are dragging their feet to improve road safety.

“At the rate that Edinburgh Council is acting, our children are growing up and leaving school before the surrounding roads are made safe. 

“The Council have told us we must have a travel plan before they will act but the process is unclear and bureaucratic. Very few schools in Edinburgh have managed to complete the process. It feels like another excuse for the Council to delay.

“The Council have the power to make our roads safer and they must act faster and more decisively to protect our children travelling to and from school, not just in Davidson’s Mains, but across all of Edinburgh.” 

Felicity Neyme, from the Davidson’s Mains School Road Safety Team said: “As a parent, seeing Edinburgh strive for net zero by 2030 fills me with hope. But that future can’t be achieved without clean air and safe streets for our children. That’s why it is important that Parent Councils collaborate with local leaders. 

“Together, we can work to deliver tangible goals like improved pedestrian crossings and a reduction in car dependency around schools. This is about protecting our kids on their journey to school but it’s also about creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all of Edinburgh, aligned with the city’s inspiring net zero vision.”

Rod Alexander, from the Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes Association said: “The Association is fully supportive of the actions by the Primary School Parent Council to improve safety on the routes to school following the tragic death of a school child at Barnton and the serious accident involving a Davidson’s Mains school pupil on Main Street.

“We are concerned that the planned upgrade to the roundabout and crossings at the west end of Main Street have still not been completed a full seven years after a fatal accident on one of the crossings, and believe that priority should also be given to upgrading the crossing on Main Street at Silverknowes Road.

“We want to work with both schools in our local area to ensure priority is given to these and other projects to improve pupil safety, particularly recognising that children are being encouraged to walk and cycle to school to reduce car use.”

A recent survey conducted by the Parent Council found that 98% of parents responding to the survey thought that road safety for pupils could be improved. 

In June 2019, the Council’s traffic survey showed that the average speed limit on Silverknowes Road East was 28.7 mph, despite being a 20 mph zone.

This is a main route to school for some pupils and there are no crossings. A crossing patrol assistant helps children cross safely at pick up and drop off times but is not present on every school day.

Despite the Council promising to investigate in 2023/24, no improvements have been made.

Worry for Scotland as danger plant Giant Hogweed goes on the march 

An invasive species expert has warned that Scotland is facing a huge year for the proliferation of highly caustic Giant Hogweed after identifying the emergence of the plant much earlier in the year than might be expected.

Keith Gallacher, director of Complete Weed Control, one of Scotland’s leading weed control, ground maintenance and tree management specialists, spotted young shoots of the rapidly-spreading and dangerous plant emerging from winter dormancy in March.

He warned that this is unusually early for the enormous Heracleum Mantegazzianum, which can grow up to six metres high and whose sap can cause severe burns with lasting effects such as scarring and chronic dermatitis.

He said that the early showing of Giant Hogweed could have been precipitated by mild and wet spring weather – March had 27% more rainfall than normal in the UK – and that it could lead to greater infestations of the plant, which can spread tens of thousands of seeds after it flowers in June and July.

Mr Gallacher said: “Our teams saw the much-earlier-than-expected appearance of the young Giant Hogweed during routine inspections in East Lothian, near Musselburgh. With such an early start, and with the rate of growth of which the plants are capable, it is likely that 2024 will be a bumper year for this rapacious invader.

“Like many invasive species, such as Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, it was brought to the UK as an architectural oddity, but now it has escaped and, without any natural enemies, it grows into dense colonies, especially along watercourses.

“It is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsnip, cumin, coriander and parsley, but its dense foliage prevents light reaching the soil underneath, killing off native plants and leading to rapid soil erosion.”

Complete Weed Control, which now covers the greater part of Scotland from its recently-acquired base in Larkhall, will treat the plants but has warned that eliminating Giant Hogweed requires a concerted and sustained effort by all landowners in an affected area.

He said: “If you leave it too late, the plants get larger and become more difficult to spray, and require more herbicide. But if you do it too early and you get the torrential rains like we’ve had these last few weeks, the herbicide won’t have much effect.”

Complete Weed Control has continued to gain prestigious contracts from clients across Scotland and has posted a record £2.75 million in sales last year, up from £2 million the previous year.

Growth has been boosted by new client acquisition as well as its tree services division, which now contributes equally with the longer-established weed suppressant and grass cutting services it supplies to mostly public sector organisations.

Stay off the ice to save your life says Water Safety Scotland

Stay off the ice to save your life, that’s the message from Water Safety Scotland (WSS) ahead of the colder months.

The message comes as temperatures in the region have plummeted in recent days, meaning some bodies of water like lochs have frozen over. While frozen waters can provide youngsters a tempting place to play, and walkers with a picturesque view, they can be deadly.

The warning comes after high profile tragedy in Birmingham in 2022 when four young boys died after walking on a lake and falling into icy waters.

WSS has a wealth of free water safety resources on its website, which can be accessed by the public, schools and businesses. These include downloadable posters, leaflets and social media assets. Schools and colleges are encouraged to explore and use the ice-safety workshop, suitable for people of all ages. 

Carlene McAvoy, from WSS, said: “The great outdoors is beautiful in winter, but we want to ensure people enjoy it in a safe and informed way by knowing about the dangers of ice.

“Frozen water can be tempting to walk on, but there is just no way of knowing whether it will hold your weight or how deep the water is beneath.

“We urge people to keep themselves and their children away from frozen water, and if dog-walking, to always keep your pet on a lead. Tragically, many past incidents have involved attempted rescues of another person or dog in trouble on frozen water.”

This is the key advice from WSS:

  • Most importantly, stay off the ice. Never be tempted to venture onto ice – you have no way of knowing how thick it is and how cold and deep the water beneath is. The water beneath could also be fast-flowing. Don’t ever risk it.
  • Keep a safe distance from the edge. Fallen leaves or snow could obscure the water’s true boundary.
  • Check for safety signage. This can help inform you of hazards in that area you may not be aware of.
  • Always supervise children. Just a moment’s distraction could have serious consequences for a curious child.
  • Keep dogs on leads. Otherwise they could end up on the ice and in danger. Also don’t throw sticks and balls for dogs near ice.

If you do encounter someone who has fallen through ice:

  • Call 999 and request the assistance of the emergency services
  • Remain calm and give clear, accurate information about the situation and location
  • Do not attempt to go out onto the ice yourself.

Carlene continued: “To support communities to share and display this advice in their local areas, perhaps in areas known as ‘hot-spots’ for ice, WSS has developed ice safety resources such as posters, a leaflet and social media assets which are available from the WSS website to download and use.

“These are free of charge and available to everyone.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander James Sullivan added: “Every year our operational crews are called to assist people who have got into difficulty after venturing onto frozen water.

“The truth is that it is never a good idea to walk onto frozen water – especially with children.

“It’s also important for dog owners to avoid throwing sticks or balls near ice.

“If your pet does get into trouble on the ice, do not attempt a rescue yourself– dial 999 and try to remain calm while providing accurate information to our highly trained Operations Control staff.”

WSS would like to encourage those wishing to access these resources to follow this link to download these resources to get those key messages about ice safety out to members of the public this winter.

Scrapping furniture safety regulations will cost dozens of lives a year, warns Fire Brigade Union

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that a government plan to deregulate furniture regulations could cost dozens of lives every year. 

As shoppers gathered for Boxing Day sales on sofas and other furniture, the union is warning that unless the ministers change course, decades of safety regulations could be lost. 

Under the current rules – introduced as the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 – manufacturers must submit furniture to independent testing on flammability. The regulations are estimated to have saved between 50 and 70 lives per year. 

But now the Westminster government has proposed scrapping these rules in favour of a voluntary regime. Consultation on the plans closed earlier this year and ministers are now considering proposals. 

The union warned that the government was using the pretext of dealing with lithium batteries and other hazards to launch a dangerous programme of deregulation. 

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “As members of the public shop for furniture in this year’s Boxing Day sales, they should be aware the UK government is planning to scrap crucial safety regulations on furniture. 

“The Westminster government wants to scrap mandatory flammability tests for furniture, opening the door for manufacturers to sell furniture that may be hazardous.

“Research shows that the current regulations save 50 to 70 lives every single year. The Fire Brigades Union fought for decades to put them in place. 

“The arrival of lithium batteries and other hazards points to the need for more regulation, not less. But the UK government is putting the interests of profit and big business over the safety of the rest of us.

“We had hoped that the Grenfell Tower disaster would make ministers wake up to the dangers of profit driven de-regulation. It seems they have learned nothing. 

“Ministers must think again.”

RoSPA: E-bike battery fires are ‘ticking timebomb’

Following news that the fire in Cambridge that killed a mother and her children last Friday was likely caused by an e-bike battery, Nathan Davies, Head of Policy and Portfolio at RoSPA, said: “Fires from unregulated e-powered vehicle batteries are becoming commonplace and we are very concerned that we are sitting on a ticking timebomb of cases.

“It is only a matter of time until we see a battery failure cause a devastating large-scale fire in a block of flats, hotel or public space.

“Unfortunately, e-bike batteries are designed to be charged indoors, and mostly overnight. Critically, this is where the risk to life from a fire is the greatest.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. We have been using certified lithium-ion batteries safely for years, the technology is well understood and these can be manufactured to the correct standards.

“The problem lies in a series of failings in the supply of unregulated units, meaning products with poor construction can be supplied by internationally based sellers on third party platforms. Action needs to be taken to address this situation to prevent future deaths.

“We urge people to only buy from reputable sellers and to purchase electrical items from a known and trusted brand that complies with legislation. If you think your battery is faulty, damaged or you just aren’t sure, then we advise that you dispose of it at a waste centre, not in the bin.”

E-bike likely cause of Cambridge fire that killed mother and children – BBC News