A WARNING over the dangers of defective gas appliances has been issued across the North-East to support a safety campaign.

Gas Safety Week, which started on Monday (August 19), acts a reminder to check appliances that may be poorly maintained and lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cleveland Fire Brigade are leading the campaign after crews were recently called out to check on a bleeping smoke alarm at an elderly couple’s home which was actually a carbon monoxide detector.

Brigade staff reported feeling nauseous and dizzy after entering the house before the couple were evaporated and a gas engineer confirmed the property gas appliances had caused a severe gas leak.

Phil Lancaster, director of community protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Making sure gas appliances are safe can be a matter of life and death. In the above case the couple were very lucky that the carbon monoxide was detected in time.

“We fully support the need for and urge people to check on family and friends, be they elderly parents or vulnerable neighbours, and ensure their appliances are in good working order.”

Owners of gas appliances are urged to contact a gas engineer if soot, staining or excess condensation appears around the appliance.

Gas flames should also appear blue in colour, rather than yellow.

For more information, visit staygassafe.com or call 0800-4085-5000.