5 ways to keep your home gas safe

31/08/2026

Gas Safety Week runs from 14-20 September, and this year's theme is ‘Take No Chances’. When it comes to gas safety, simple checks can make a big difference and help keep you, your household and your neighbours safe. Here are five simple ways to stay gas safe at home.

1. Don’t miss your annual gas check

If you’re a HARCA tenant, you must allow access for your annual gas safety check. By law, we carry out checks on gas boilers and appliances in tenanted homes every year.

These checks help make sure your appliances are working safely and can identify faults before they become dangerous. We’ll contact you by phone, email or letter when your check is due.

Gas chekcs

2. Test your carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that you can’t see, smell or taste.

Test your carbon monoxide alarm regularly using the test button and replace batteries when needed.

If you’re a HARCA tenant and your alarm isn’t working, report it to us through MyHARCA, call our Repairs team on 0800 035 1991, or email repairsteam@poplarharca.co.uk.

3. Know the warning signs

Look out for signs that something might be wrong with a gas appliance, including:

Yellow or orange flames instead of blue
Black marks or staining around an appliance
Pilot lights that regularly go out
Unusual smells or changes in performance

If something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it. Report it as soon as possible.

4. Only use Gas Safe engineers

Gas work should only be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you’re a leaseholder, you’re responsible for arranging an annual service and safety check for your gas appliances. If you rent out your home, make sure you’re meeting your responsibilities as a landlord.

Gas Safe engineers

5. Act fast if you smell gas

If you smell gas, take no chances.

Call the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999
Open doors and windows
Extinguish naked flames and don’t smoke
Don’t use electrical switches or appliances
Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it’s safe to do so
Leave the property as soon as possible

What to do in an emergency

Take no chances

Gas safety is everyone’s responsibility. By staying on top of checks, testing your alarm and acting quickly when something isn’t right, you can help keep your home safe all year round.

If you’re a HARCA tenant and have concerns about your boiler or gas appliances, contact the Repairs team on 0800 035 1991 or email repairsteam@poplarharca.co.uk.