Cookstown District Council
Environmental Health
Gas Wise Initiative
Environmental Health Department targets workplace gas safety.
Many work premises throughout Northern Ireland use gas (either piped or tanked) for heating or cooking. When safely installed, regularly maintained and used properly, gas installations and appliances pose few risks. However, if gas is not managed properly, the risk of fire, an explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning is greatly increased.
Last August (2004) in Derry a gas explosion at a takeaway premises resulted in the building being completely destroyed and in serious damage being caused to two adjacent buildings. All three buildings have since had to be demolished. Thankfully no one was injured in this instance but the potential for loss of life in such circumstances is great.
All District Councils have agreed to make gas safety a special area of focus during their health and safety visits. The initiative will run over the next three years starting Autumn 2005. In addition councils will be promoting gas safety, in partnership with other agencies, such as HSENI and CORGI under the “Gas Wise” banner. This will take the form of articles in relevant trade journals and the provision of information and advice to businesses.
Cookstown District Council are pleased to support the Gas Wise Initiative. We intend to promote the initiative by providing advice and surveying catering premises in the local area. Premises will be asked for proof that their gas installation has been inspected by a CORGI registered installer. Where serious contraventions are detected the gas installation may be subject to formal action which could include the service of Improvement or Prohibition Notice procedures.
We also intend to provide a training seminar in the very near future on the initiative which will be held here in Cookstown District Council.
Further advice and information can be requested from the Environmental Health Department at any time. If you would like further information on gas safety or would like to take part in the training seminar please contact the Environmental Health Department by telephone on 028 86762205 or e-mail envhealth@cookstown.gov.uk