Gas safety for carers: helping someone feel safer at home

When you're helping someone at home, there is already plenty to remember. Gas safety should not become another complicated task. Often, the most useful help is finding the last service record, making an appointment easier or checking that an alarm will be noticed.

Start by asking what the person would find helpful. They may want you to deal with a booking, be there when the engineer visits, or simply leave the emergency number somewhere easier to read.

For Gas Safety Week 2026, we've brought together some practical ways families and carers around Haywards Heath can help, while keeping the person involved in decisions about their home.

Start with the last service date

Find out which gas appliances are in the home and when they were last looked at. Remember any gas fire or cooker as well as the boiler. Keep the service record and appliance instructions together so the next appointment is easier to arrange.

HSE strongly advises at least annual servicing and regular maintenance by an appropriately qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. If there is a current concern, arrange help at the time rather than waiting for the annual visit. HSE's household advice is a useful reference.

On a service in Haywards Heath in September 2025, our work included checking the boiler's flue connection and taking combustion readings. Keeping the service details to hand makes it easier to explain the history when the next engineer attends or a new concern arises.

Make the appointment work for the person

If the resident would like someone with them, agree that before booking. Tell the company about any access or communication needs the person wants taken into account. A suitable appointment time and a clear explanation can make the visit feel much less of a hassle.

Before work starts, ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID. It may be physical or digital. Check their identity, current validity and qualifications for the work, and verify them with Gas Safe Register if needed. Please ask us too.

Afterwards, ask the engineer to explain any findings and write down the next step. If something must stay off, make sure everyone who helps in the home knows that.

Would they notice and recognise the CO alarm?

Carbon monoxide has no colour or smell. A suitable alarm can give an important warning, but it needs to suit the person who relies on it.

Choose an audible CO alarm meeting BS EN 50291 and follow its fitting, testing and replacement instructions. For someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, ask about suitable visual or vibrating alerts. The government's alarm guidance explains the need to consider residents' needs.

Make sure the person knows what to do if it activates. Agree who will help with routine testing and checking the replacement date, particularly if the test button is hard to reach safely.

Keep the useful information easy to find

A simple folder or clearly labelled envelope can be enough. Include the latest service record, alarm instructions, normal repair contact and emergency numbers. If digital information is awkward to use, keep an accessible paper copy.

It is also worth checking that the person can distinguish the alarm's warning from a low-battery or replacement signal. Follow the instructions for that particular model. If an unfamiliar sound might be a CO warning, get outside and seek advice.

You can help with the household basics without taking on gas work. Leave gas repairs, adjustments and removing combustion covers to a suitably qualified engineer.

Talk through how they would get outside

Choose a calm moment to discuss what would happen in an emergency. Can they reach an exit? Is a mobility aid accessible? Could they use a phone once outside? If they would struggle to leave without help, plan the support they need in advance.

For a suspected mains gas leak, get outside and call 0800 111 999 from a safe place. Avoid electrical switches, smoking and flames. For an LPG leak, contact the supplier's emergency service. Call 999 for fire or immediate danger to life. HSE emergency advice.

If a CO alarm activates or exposure is suspected, get into fresh air and obtain urgent advice. Do not re-enter until told it is safe. Our CO safety guide includes the current NHS advice on medical help. Do not wait for a routine carer's visit or an engineer's appointment in an emergency.

If they rent their home

Agree who will contact the landlord or agent about faults and appointments. Helping with that communication can be useful, but the landlord's responsibilities still apply.

Our landlord and tenant guide explains annual gas safety checks, records and alarm requirements. If access arrangements are difficult, our booking and access guide may help you work through them together.

Choose one useful thing to do this week

There is no need to tackle every task at once. Find the service date, check the alarm instructions or put the emergency number somewhere easier to see. Start with what will make the biggest practical difference for the person you are helping.

If you need help arranging boiler servicing in Haywards Heath or the nearby villages, get in touch and tell us what would make the visit easier. You can also meet our team and explore the rest of our Gas Safety Week advice.