Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Manufacturers across the building materials sector have began raising awareness for National Gas Safety Week.
The national campaign, led by the Gas Safe Register, takes place from September 14-20 and raises awareness on the importance of taking proper precautions when working with or around gas appliances.
Manufacturers Hispec and BLACK+DECKER, supporters of this year’s campaign, have welcomed the opportunity to share gas safety advice based on this year’s theme ‘Take No Chances’.
Chris Loughlin, managing director of Hispec, explains: “Taking the right action can help protect people from serious risks including gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – carbon monoxide is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it cannot be seen, smelt or tasted.
“We’re proud to support Gas Safety Week and its ‘Take No Chances’ theme, because when it comes to gas safety, it is always better to act early, check properly and never ignore a concern.”
For merchants, the event provides an opportunity to highlight the significance of gas safety protocols and carbon monoxide alarms, according to Arctic Hayes by DiversiTech UK.
Business unit director for DiversiTech UK, Lee Parsons, says; “By highlighting increased demand for safety products during Gas Safety Week, merchants can drive football and create repeat sales. This approach also equips the sales team with a clear value story because it gives installers and plumbers a compelling reason to assess customer alarm coverage and recommend upgrades where required.
“Stocking reliable and high-quality CO and smoke alarms from respected industry brands helps merchant customers access compliant, trusted solutions quickly and easily. Every installer has a role to play as they’re often the last professionals to inspect gas appliances and increasingly viewed by home and property owners as trusted advisors on overall home safety, not just heating systems.”
Martyn Bridges, director of external affairs at Worcester Bosch commented: “With Gas Safety Week fast approaching, it brings a timely reminder of the collective duty across our industry to support safe installation, operation and commissioning of gas appliances.
The industry needs all-rounder installers who are trained across a diverse range of heating and cooling systems. Adding refrigerant skills to install and maintain air-to-air heat pumps will give a major competitive edge with ever-rising temperatures.
With at least another 10-15 years of gas upon us, it’s time to focus on regular appliance checks. It’s time to focus on the benefits of annual boiler servicing and inspections, from saving customers money to avoiding unnecessary callouts for installers.”
