New research from British Gas Business shows that while the majority of Britain’s small to medium-sized (SME) businesses know their responsibilities for gas safety, 18 per cent don’t have a carbon monoxide alarm.
Furthermore, around a fifth (21 per cent) of small businesses surveyed were not aware that by failing to have an annual gas safety check carried out they could be invalidating their insurance.
The survey of more than 500 SME owners and senior managers with responsibility for energy was commissioned by British Gas Business to coincide with Gas Safety Week (19-25 September).
The results also showed that more than three-quarters (77 per cent) were aware that gas appliances need to be checked on an annual basis. In fact, 82 per cent had a Gas Safe registered engineer visit their workplace to carry out gas safety checks in the last year.
In addition, almost four in five (79 per cent) said that not taking annual gas safety checks could put lives at risk, with only three per cent stating there would be no health risks.
British Gas Business services gas appliances and systems for more than 20,000 SMEs across Britain. By backing the national safety campaign again this year, the company hopes to highlight the serious risks to small businesses, their employees and customers.
Employers have a legal requirement to ensure their gas appliances, gas pipework and flues are maintained in a safe condition. Landlords must also complete annual gas safety checks.
Jonathan Samuel, Managing Director for Gas Safe Register, said: “When we think about gas safety many of us would automatically think of gas appliances like boilers, cookers or fires in our homes but this survey shows it equally important to consider the workplace. Some of the obligations and responsibilities may differ, but the risks from an unsafe gas appliance remain the same. This Gas Safety Week, we encourage businesses of all shapes and sizes to check their gas appliances and keep employees and customers safe.”
James Bennett, Managing Director of business services for British Gas Business, said: “Without safely functioning gas appliances and a secure gas supply, businesses could put their revenues, and the safety of employees and customers at risk. British Gas Business is backing this campaign, to make sure all our customers know about their responsibilities. Every business should have its gas appliances checked and have an audible carbon monoxide detector.”
Wayne Martin, engineer for British Gas Business, said: “It’s important that all small businesses make gas safety as a priority. Some customers don’t always realise the risks of carbon monoxide and gas leaks at work, compared to their home. I’d urge any business to get commercial gas appliances regularly serviced and maintained and to make sure they have an audible carbon monoxide alarm fitted in their workplace.”
British Gas Business has a network of almost 200 Gas Safe registered engineers. The company fixed 32,000 broken boilers and gas appliances and completed 28,000 service visits last year.
For further information, visit www.britishgas.co.uk/business/gassafety.