Tag: Safety

Are your gas appliances safe?

Did you know that last week was Gas Safety Week? Me neither, there was quite a lot happening – but it’s not too late to check that your gas appliances are safe … 

gasResearch shows many homes have an unsafe gas appliance – risking fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, and firefighters are supporting the call to the public to help prevent tragedies by ensuring gas appliances are always properly maintained.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has thrown its weight behind Gas Safety Week – the nationwide campaign aiming to raise awareness of gas safety issues.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, director of prevention and protection, said: “The effects of a gas escape or carbon monoxide poisoning can be absolutely devastating.

“In the last year alone 343 people were injured and 10 people died in the UK as a result of gas related incidents.

“This follows previous information from Gas Safe Register which revealed that around one in five homes in Scotland has an unsafe gas appliance.

“It also found one in 20 would be considered immediately dangerous – meaning they could cause a fire, an explosion or a potentially fatal leak of toxic fumes.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that you can’t see, taste or smell. It is the unnoticeable result of fuel not being properly burned and it can kill very, very quickly.

“Every home which has gas appliances should have carbon monoxide alarms fitted to ensure that in the event of a leak everyone gets warning of the danger.

“The threat of explosion or fire is real and the simple fact is anyone who uses gas heating or other appliances should ensure these are regularly serviced and properly maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer.“

Gas Safety Week runs from 15 to 21 September and is coordinated by Gas Safe Register – the official list of engineers who are qualified to work legally and safely on gas appliances.

It advises the public is to have appliances checked every year, with a reminder service and information about specific local dangers available online at www.StayGasSafe.co.uk.

People should check for any of the warning signs an appliance may not be working correctly, such as a lazy yellow flame, black marks or stains around the appliance, or too much condensation in the room.

Knowing the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness – could also save lives.

To find a Gas Safe registered engineer and for further gas safety advice visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

Halloween Safety Tips

Police Scotland have issued some advice to help everyone to enjoy Halloween safely …

It’s Halloween tomorrow, so we are asking residents of all ages to make Halloween a safe and enjoyable celebration.

We are issuing some simple guidance for young people to ensure that Halloween passes safely and that anti-social or irresponsible behaviour is avoided.

The past few years have seen Halloween pass quietly in the area but there are still residents who are affected by the minority who behave anti-socially and ruin what should be a fun and family orientated time of the year.

Parents and young people are asked to consider the following advice:

  • Stay in well-lit areas and consider carrying a torch.
  • Don’t frighten elderly people or younger children.
  • Don’t enter a house unless you know the person. Young children should always be with an adult. Older children should ensure they are with friends.
  • If a sign says ‘No trick or treat’, respect that person’s wishes and move on.
  • Be visible, it will be dark and it’s important that passing traffic can see you.
  • If you have a mobile phone make sure you look after it so that parents/guardian can keep in touch.
  • Tell your parents or guardian where you are going and what time you will be back.
  • If you are given money keep it hidden away in a wallet or clothing.
  • Remember that it might be raining so wear appropriate clothing that keeps you dry but still lets you show off your costume.

lantern

 

Take an hour to get ready for winter

SnowboundCar

Scots urged to use the extra hour to prepare for winter

A campaign launched today urges people in Scotland to use the extra hour as the clocks go back on Sunday (27 October) to get ready for winter.

We can’t be sure what weather Scotland will see over the winter period right now. But the campaign reminds people that severe weather can strike at any time, so taking action now will serve them well in winter, and all year round.

While 44 per-cent of people in Scotland say they feel prepared for severe weather according to new research published today, people are being asked to consider how prepared they are for all kinds of challenging conditions through this year’s Ready for Winter campaign.

The campaign sets out the simple steps we can all take in the home, before a journey (whether driving, cycling or on foot), at work and in our communities. It also encourages people to look out for others, especially the more vulnerable, when bad weather strikes.

Findings from the survey carried out jointly by the British Red Cross and the Scottish Government show that:

  • There’s a five per cent increase in public preparedness for extreme weather on last year – 44 per cent in 2013 versus 39 per cent in 2012.
  • People are most concerned about extreme weather, power cuts and being cut off from their water supply.
  • Many car owners think they’re doing enough just by having an ice scraper and de-icer.

In the last four years, parts of Scotland have been badly affected by severe weather – from high winds and blizzards that affected the country last February, to the snow and freezing temperatures of previous winters.

Launching the campaign, Minister for Transport and Veterans, Keith Brown, said: “While we can’t stop the weather causing disruption, we can be well prepared to deal with it.  Our winter preparedness campaign reminds us of this and the simple actions we can all take to prepare ourselves.  With the clocks changing next week, the campaign calls on everyone to use the extra hour to get ready in the home, before a journey, at our place of work and in our communities.  This will serve us well not just throughout the winter months, but all year round and in a range of emergency situations.

“As we have seen in Scotland, severe weather can strike quickly and at any time of year. In March, we saw the impact of severe snowstorms on communities in Arran, Kintyre and Dumfries and Galloway. The weather can cause a range of problems but we can be ready for them. So whether it is making your home energy efficient, protecting your pipes, packing an emergency kit for the car or looking out for vulnerable neighbours, we can all play our part in helping Scotland get ready for winter.

“I’m delighted the campaign is again being run in partnership with the British Red Cross and will be supported by a variety of other partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Scotland.”

David Miller, operations director for the British Red Cross, said: “At the Red Cross we know that severe weather, including snow and floods, can happen quickly and have serious consequences. However, with a few simple steps you can make yourself and others more able to cope with the disruption it can bring. You can prepare an emergency kit for your home and car, jot down your emergency phone numbers and check on any neighbours, family or friends to see if they will need any help.

“Each year the Red Cross helps people across Scotland cope with the effects of severe weather and this winter we’ll be prepared and ready. We urge everyone to take some time to get ready too.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Education & Young People, Cllr Douglas Chapman, said: “The past few years have demonstrated how unpredictable our weather can be and the risks of being underprepared for it. Councils have contingency plans in place to minimise the effects of severe weather on services this winter but we encourage individuals to also work together to ensure their communities are prepared.”

Inspector David Carballo, Trunk Road Policing Group, Police Scotland, said: “Winter safety is not just about severe cold weather. We all know that the Scottish weather can be very unpredictable and drivers can sometimes experience a variety of different driving conditions during a single journey.

“Effective planning plays a huge part in everyone getting safely to their destination and, in support of the Ready for Winter campaign, Police Scotland will be working with road safety groups and organisations to offer free advice to road users.”

Phil Evans, the Met Office’s Director of Government Business, said: “We are pleased to continue to work with the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, SEPA and many more agencies this year. By working together we can ensure the Scottish public are well informed and able to prepare for any severe weather ahead. Members of the public can stay up-to-date by checking the forecasts and warnings on our website – www.metoffice.gov.uk.”

ice

Perhaps the worst Christmas present you can give?

They may be one of the most requested Christmas gifts by children and young people, but parents are being warned – steer clear of quad bikes and mini-motos. Mini-motos and quad bikes are popular, but local police are eager to let potential buyers know that these are vehicles, not toys, and they CANNOT be used on public roads and streets. They’re untaxable, uninsurable and so almost unusable.

The law states that to ride a bike on the road, you need to be over 16 and you must have registration documents, an MOT certificate, a driving licence, road tax, insurance and an approved crash helmet.

“It’s true, it’s illegal to take them onto public streets and roads – these vehicles can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. To use them on public roads is an offence,” said Drylaw community beat officer Neil Robinson. “We’re trying to get the message out to parents before they go spending money on these vehicles – don’t waste your money. If we see them on roads we will confiscate them, and the owner will then be subject to a substantial charge to get the vehicle back – it’s currently £170. That goes up daily if the bike is not reclaimed – costs like that are just not worth it.”

As well as potentially eye-watering fines, safety should also be a concern for those considering buying their kids a mini-moto or quad bike. “These vehicles can be dangerous – they can get up to speeds of 20mph and if a child comes off at that sort of speed you are looking at serious injury – there have been fatalities”, said Neil. “These vehicles are readily available, particularly on the internet, and these is some very cheap and nasty – and potentially very dangerous – stuff out there. There are no registration marks or chassis numbers either, so if your vehicle is stolen the chances are you’ll never see it again. We would say to parents: if you care about your children, don’t let them near these vehicles. If you’re stuck for ideas, why not think about a good pushbike – bicycles are a healthy alternative and you won’t be potentially risking your life every time you get on one.”

So if potential costs and safety issues haven’t convinced you, what about the consequences of antisocial behaviour? If you are a tenant with a Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement – whether with the council or a housing association – you need to be aware of a specific rule that affects you: by allowing any petrol driven motor vehicle to be stored in your home or common area around your home you are effectively in breach of your tenancy agreement. This could result in legal action being taken against you and could put your tenancy at risk.

Don’t let a thoughtless Christmas present spoil your New Year – tell your kids to scrub the quad bike off that letter to Santa!