The north of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks is pleased to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2014 (15 – 21 September) – a national safety campaign to raise awareness about gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances.

23 million households in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Guernsey use gas for heating, hot water and cooking, yet we often take it for granted that our boilers, cookers and gas fires are safe. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Northern Gas Networks works hard to spread the word about gas safety, and deliver potentially lifesaving messages to members of the public.

Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy, Northern Gas Networks, said: “Here at Northern Gas Networks our core business is to provide a safe and reliable gas distribution service to the 2.7 million homes and businesses who rely on us every day, but we are also well placed to spread the word about gas safety across the region.”

Over the past 12 months, Northern Gas Networks has played an important part in helping the region stay gas safe by:

• Rolling out hi-tech handheld detection units to all emergency engineers, which not only detect levels of gas (methane) in the air, but also CO.
• Promoting an educational mobile phone app, called iCOP to 18-24 year olds living in rented accommodation. The app uses an engaging, film noir style detective game to highlight the dangers of CO.
• Launching an education programme aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils to promote CO awareness.
• Delivering CO safety briefing in hundreds of customers’ homes, following emergency call-outs.

You too can support Gas Safety Week and help keep yourself, your friends and family safe by reading and sharing the following gas safety tips:

• Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service gas appliances in your home – it’s the law and will help keep you safe.
• Always ask to see an engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card and check the back of the card to ensure they are qualified to carry out the specific type of gas work you need.
• Find a Gas Safe registered engineer in your area or call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.
• Have all your gas appliances, including boilers, gas cookers and gas fires, safety checked every year.
  
• Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions, Recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
• Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
• Buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm for your home and make sure it is located near to your gas appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance. Carbon monoxide can leak from appliances and kill.
• Only use gas appliances for their intended purpose e.g. don’t use a gas oven to heat a room or use a gas barbeque inside the house.
• Always ensure there is enough ventilation for your gas appliances to allow them to burn correctly and make sure you are not blocking any air vents that provide an air supply to the gas appliance.
• Anybody working with gas has to be Gas Safe registered by law. Report someone working without registration or call Gas Safe Register on the free phone number 0800 408 5500.

For further information about Gas Safety Week and events taking place in your area, visit: www.gassaferegister.co.uk

If you smell gas or suspect Carbon Monoxide in your home, please call the National Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999 any time day or night.

Students from Huddersfield Uni play the Northern Gas Networks iCop app.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks have worked tirelessly throughout the night to complete emergency repair work on a fractured gas main in Chester-le-Street.

The emergency repair to gas mains on the A167 between Ropery Lane roundabout and the A1M, Junction 63 roundabout was completed last night and reinstatement of the road commenced this morning. (4 Sept)

John Richardson, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’ve worked very closely with Durham County Council to minimise disruption to motorists and we’re grateful for the patience and cooperation we’ve received over the past two days and nights.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure members of the public that the reinstatement work will be completed as quickly as possible.

“We’ve now reopened one lane on the southbound A167 and we anticipate that one lane on the northbound carriageway will be reopened in the early hours of Saturday morning. This will be in time for the cricket match taking place at The Riverside later that day.”

You can contact the Northern Gas Networks Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturday.

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are continuing to carry out repair work on a fractured gas main in Chester-le-Street.

In order to carry out this work safely and efficiently, it has been necessary to close the A167 in both directions between the Ropery Lane roundabout and A1M Jct 63 roundabout. Signed diversions have been put in place.

Northern Gas Networks Emergency Officer, Barry Brightman apologised for any inconvenience experienced while the essential gas works are carried out.

He said: “We’d like to apologise to motorists and will endeavour to reopen the road as soon as possible. Safety is our number one priority and we’d like to thank the public for their cooperation.”

“If you smell gas you should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately, your call will be answered at any time of day or night and an engineer will be sent out to assess the situation promptly.”

Northern Gas Networks is upgrading ageing metallic gas mains in Alnwick.

The project is part of Northern Gas Network’s ongoing development of infrastructure across the north of England and will involve replacing existing metallic gas main with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to our customers in the area for years to come.

The essential work, which is expected to take a total of nine weeks to complete, will commence in South Road on Monday 8 September. The scheme will also include some minor gas mains replacement work in Belvedere Terrace and Alnmouth Road.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, manned two-way traffic lights will be installed on South Road to help manage the flow of traffic in the area.

Barry Watson, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with the County Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to complete this work as quickly as possible.

“Our Customer Liaison team is door-knocking residents in the area to help ensure they are aware of the work.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank members of the public for their patience and support.

Northern Gas Networks Customer Care line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks carrying out work on a gas escape in Chester-le-Street have had to temporarily close a road to allow essential repairs to be completed.

The A167 is closed in both directions  between the Ropery Lane roundabout and A1M Jct 63 roundabout  and diversions have been put in place.

Northern Gas Networks emergency officer, Barry Brightman apologised for any inconvenience experienced while the essential gas works are carried out.

He said: “We’d like to apologise to motorists and will endeavour to reopen the road as soon as possible. Safety is our number one priority and we’d like to thank the public for their cooperation.”

Northern Gas Networks is investing £100k to upgrade ageing metallic gas mains in Moss Bay Road, Workington.

The project is part of Northern Gas Network’s ongoing development of infrastructure across the north of England and will involve replacing approximately 650 metres of existing metallic gas main with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to our customers in the area for years to come.

The essential work, which is expected to take a total of four weeks to complete, will commence on Monday 1September in Moss Bay Road for three weeks before moving into Cain Street for one week.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to place two way temporary traffic lights on Moss Bay Road for four weeks while work is taking place. Access will be maintained for motorists and pedestrians at all times.

Barry Watson, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Cumbria Highways department to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to complete this work as quickly as possible, including working six day weeks.

“Our Customer Liaison team is door-knocking residents in the area to help ensure they are aware of the work.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank members of the public for their patience and support.

Northern Gas Networks Customer Care line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Northern Gas Networks is upgrading ageing metallic gas mains in Bramley, Leeds.

The project, an investment worth over £550,000, is part of Northern Gas Network’s ongoing development of infrastructure across the north of England and will involve replacing more than 9 km of existing metallic gas main with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to our customers in the area for years to come.

The four month project, which will commence on Broadlea Street, will be carried out in several phases to minimise disruption, and is scheduled for completion in December 2014, ahead of the busy Christmas holiday period.

The essential work has been carefully planned so that roads and pavements remain open as usual throughout the duration of the project.  Temporary bus stops may be in place throughout the duration.

In order to complete the work as quickly as possible two engineering teams will work in parallel for the majority of the project, working extended hours, including weekends.

Planned schedule of works:

From 25^th August 2014 – Broadlea Street (3 weeks)

From 15^th September 2014 – Broadlea Terrace (5 weeks) and Broadlea Road (1 week)

From 22^nd September 2014 – Broadlea Mount (1 week) and Broadlea Place (1 week)

From 6^th October 2014 – Broadlea Crescent (2 weeks)

From 13^th October 2014 – Landsdeer Mount (1 week) and Landsdeer View (1 week)

From 20^th October 2014 – Broadlea Gardens (2 weeks)

From 27^th October 2014 – Broadlea Hill (3 weeks) and Landsdeer Crescent (1 week)

From 3^rd November 2014 – Leeds and Bradford Road (1 week) and Outgang Lane (2 weeks)

From 10^th November 2014 – Broadlea Grove (2 weeks)

From 18^th November 2014 – Broad Lane (3 weeks)

From 1^st December 2014 – Broadlea Oval (2 weeks) and Broadlea Avenue (1 week)

From 8^th December 2014 – Broadlea View (2 weeks) and Broadlane Close (1 week)

Chris Nevison, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Leeds Highways department to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise any disruption caused.

“Our Customer Care team is door-knocking residents in the area to help ensure they are aware of the work.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank members of the public for their patience and support.

Northern Gas Networks Customer Care line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has achieved a coveted ServiceMark accreditation from the Institute of Customer Service, thanks to a company-wide improvement programme.

The organisation, which delivers gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses in the North East, Northern Cumbria and most of Yorkshire, has been pursuing a rigorous business transformation programme for the past three years, to improve customer experience.

NGN was awarded the accolade following a rigorous assessment process by the Institute of Customer Service, the UK’s professional body for customer service.

NGN customers were asked to complete detailed questionnaires, describing the company’s strengths and weaknesses and an Institute’s representative carried out a six day assessment of the business.

Jo Causon, Chief Executive of the Institute of Customer Service said: “ServiceMark is increasingly recognised as the standard for customer service excellence. Over 100 organisations have completed or are working towards ServiceMark. It enables organisations to benchmark themselves against best practice, gain a better insight into their customers’ needs and develop strategies to meet them.”

Eileen Brown, NGN’s Head of Customer Experience said: “Even though our customers can’t choose who delivers their gas, we still believe in providing a great service. We’re always striving to improve, and we measure ourselves not only against other utility companies, but also the best service providers of any industry.

“Gaining this accreditation underlines just how far we have come, and sends a really positive message to our customers that we are listening to them, and doing our very best for them, every day.”

NGN was recently ranked first for customer satisfaction of all UK gas distributors, based on customer satisfaction scores compiled by Ofgem, the energy regulator.

Recent initiatives from the company to improve customer service include the creation of a new role – customer care operatives – who are responsible for speaking to local homes and businesses ahead of planned pipe replacement work; a dramatically improved application process for customers needing a private gas pipe connection and a call centre initiative to resolve the majority of incoming customer issues within an hour.

Northern Gas Networks has begun essential underground pipe replacement work on Highgate Lane in Lepton, Huddersfield.

The £90,000 scheme is to replace old metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a reliable service for local homes and businesses.

Just under 500 metres of pipe will be replaced on Highgate Lane, which is just off Woodlands Way, with the project set to conclude at the end of August. Temporary traffic lights are being used to control the flow of traffic during the work, but there will be no road closures. Temporary bus stops will be used where the work prevents access to usual stops.

Wayne Fisher, Customer Operations Area Manager from Northern Gas Networks said: “The old metal pipes on Highgate Lane are nearing the end of their useful life, and need replacing with modern, plastic versions, which are more durable.

“We will be controlling the traffic lights throughout the day, to ensure traffic flows as efficiently as possible. We’d like to thank people for their patience, while we carry out this essential work.”

The scheme is part of an ongoing programme by Northern Gas Networks to renew the region’s underground pipe network.

Customers with any questions about the work can contact Northern Gas Networks’ Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5.30pm on Saturday. The line is in operation 24 hours a day.

Northern Gas Networks has begun essential underground pipe replacement work in the Selbourne Road area of Dewsbury.

The £120,000 scheme is to replace old metal gains mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a reliable service for local homes and businesses.

Around 850 metres of pipe will be replaced in total, with engineers working on a number of streets just off Selbourne Road. Work is now underway on Station Road, before moving onto Brewery Lane, Slaithewaite Road and concluding on Thornhill Road by the end of September.

Temporary traffic lights are being used to control the flow of traffic during the work, but there will be no road closures. Temporary bus stops will be erected during the project, where the work prevents access to usual stops.

Wayne Fisher, Customer Operations Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “This work will ensure a reliable gas service for families and businesses in the area for many years to come. The old metal pipes have reached the end of their useful life, and need replacing with modern, plastic versions, which are more durable.

“We will be controlling the traffic lights throughout the day, to ensure traffic flows as efficiently as possible. We’d like to thank people for their patience, while we carry out this essential work.”

The scheme is part of an ongoing programme by Northern Gas Networks to renew the region’s underground pipe network.

Customers with questions about the work can contact Northern Gas Networks’ Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5.30pm on Saturday. The line is in operation 24 hours a day.