UKLPG is urging householders and businesses that use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for heating to ensure all gas appliances have been checked and serviced as winter approaches.

The stern warning comes as part of Gas Safety Week (15 to 22 September), and aims to avoid the potential for deadly gas leaks, fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

“It is vitally important to invest in proper boiler and heater maintenance, including portable LPG heaters that may have been stored in a garage or shed over the summer,” said Rob Shuttleworth, chief executive at UKLPG. “Calling in a Gas Safe registered fitter to service and check your appliances is a small price to pay for the safety of your loved ones.

“Illegal gas fitters can put lives at risk, so always check the engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card, and if you rent your property make sure you see a copy of the landlord’s gas safety record, confirming that a gas safety check has been carried out within the past 12 months.”

According to the Gas Safe Register, warning signs that a gas appliance isn’t working correctly include lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room. Audible CO alarms should be fitted at homes that use gas appliances.