Industry comes together at Scottish Parliament to mark Gas Safety Week 2026

Gas industry professionals, safety experts and stakeholders came together at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh last week to mark Gas Safety Week 2026, sharing knowledge and practical advice on carbon monoxide awareness, gas safety and the importance of preventing incidents before they happen.

Hosted by IGEM’s Scottish Section, the event brought together voices from across the industry to reinforce this year’s Gas Safety Week message: ‘Take No Chances’.

The event was introduced by Lloyd Melville MSP, who highlighted the importance of awareness and early prevention, and the need for open conversations about how the industry can continue to improve gas safety.

Ian McCluskey from IGEM welcomed attendees and introduced the speakers, emphasising the importance of bringing people across the industry together to share knowledge and experience.

Turning knowledge into action

Ronnie McFarlane of Gas Safe Register highlighted the importance of what he described as ‘operational lifelines’ – the systems, people and expertise that play a vital role in keeping the public safe.

The event also heard from Adrian McConnell of the CO Research Trust (CORT), who outlined the organisation’s work to better understand and address the effects of carbon monoxide exposure.

Adrian shared details of CORT’s research programme, conference and lecture series, as well as its international work and strategy for the coming years. He also discussed the importance of finding solutions and treatments to mitigate the effects of carbon monoxide exposure.

Sharing lessons from real incidents

The event’s keynote address was delivered by Steve Critchlow MSc FIGEM, Principal Gas Engineer at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Steve dedicated his presentation to those who have lost their lives in gas-related incidents and shared experiences from incidents he has investigated, highlighting how important it is to learn from what has gone wrong and communicate those lessons effectively.

He stressed that Gas Safety Week is about more than professionals coming together. It is an opportunity for the gas industry to reach out to the public, share expertise and encourage people not to take gas safety for granted.

Steve outlined seven key messages that gas professionals can share with the public:

1. Use Gas Safe registered engineers and check that anyone carrying out gas work is appropriately qualified.
2. Be aware of the requirements around work affecting gas installations, including the implications of building work and extensions under GSIUR Regulation 8.
3. Check LPG regulators and replace them when required.
4. Make sure gas fires are serviced regularly, even when they are not used frequently.
5. Remember that carbon monoxide can come from sources beyond gas appliances, including leisure appliances and generators.
6. Carry out routine gas tightness testing and encourage customers to understand its importance.
7. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms correctly. Alarms should be placed in the correct location, checked regularly, replaced at the end of their lifespan and never ignored if they sound.

Looking ahead

Kevin MacDonald of SGN provided an overview of the company’s work, its operating area and 24/7 emergency response service, as well as its plans for the next five years.

He also outlined SGN’s carbon monoxide strategy, including work alongside other Gas Distribution Networks to raise awareness and initiatives aimed at educating young people about carbon monoxide.

A key message was the importance of recognising the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, with continued work needed to address gaps in public awareness.

The event was brought to a close by Stuart Sherlock, who shared an update on IGEM’s Scottish Section and its strategy and priorities for the year ahead.

A shared responsibility

Across the presentations, one message came through clearly: gas safety is a shared responsibility.

From engineers and safety professionals to industry organisations, policymakers and the public, everyone has a role to play in preventing incidents, recognising risks and sharing vital safety information.