A Leicester based engineer has channeled her ‘inner superhero’ after being chosen to feature in a national calendar.
Connie Hardcastle, is one of ten engineers selected for the Safety Guardians’ national calendar – which is the first-of-its-kind. The 36-year-old, who trained as an apprentice Gas Safe registered engineer over 15 years ago, was chosen to take part out of hundreds of entries.
The calendar’s release, launched as Gas Safety Week gats underway (11 to 17 September), comes as analysis of the latest gas safety inspection figures carried out by Gas Safety Register, the UK’s official registration body for gas engineers and gas businesses, reveals that 1 in 4 Leicester homes contain potentially dangerous gas appliances, such as gas boilers, cookers or fires.
The ten engineers selected for the calendar, whose job it is to keep the nation’s homes warm and safe from these dangerous gas appliances, channeled their inner superhero in the imagery. The ‘Guardians’ stood with pride and intention – showing off their own tools and equipment which, like with any true superhero, help them do their job to the best of their ability.
Ms Hardcastle, 36, said: “Gas Safe registered engineers like me love what we do and I’m so proud to make an important contribution to the community. What motivates me most about my role is ensuring the safety of others and educating them when it comes to gas safety, as well as best use of appliances not only to be economical but cost effective as well. As I always say to my customers, by taking care of your gas appliances and being clued-up on what the signs and symptoms are that something could be faulty or potentially dangerous with any of them means you are taking care of your home and your loved ones.”
Rob Denman, Head of Professional and Field Services at Gas Safe Register, says: “Diversity is this year’s overall theme for Gas Safety Week, and our first-of-its-kind calendar sets out to highlight the diversity of the 152,000 strong Gas Safe registered engineers’ community across the UK. From the breadth of their personal and professional experience, to what they have worked on, the qualifications and training they have undertaken, and the size and type of properties they work on.
“Gas Safe registered engineers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, and the role they play in our communities – and so the calendar gives us an opportunity to champion and hero Gas Safe registered engineers, who work tenaciously to ensure the nation is gas safe.
“As we mark another Gas Safety Week, we are using the opportunity to remind homeowners that prevention is better than cure when it comes to gas safety and keeping you covered for the unexpected.
“Ensuring your boiler is regularly serviced not only keeps it working efficiently, helping reduce bills and a potential winter breakdown, but can also reduce the risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning – keeping you and your loved ones safe.”
A limited number of the ‘Gas Safety Guardians’ calendar are up for grabs, through a social media competition.
In support of Gas Safety Week, Gas Safe Register will be running a Facebook competition throughout the week, for a chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher, carbon monoxide (CO) alarm and a copy of the Gas Safety Guardians calendar. 50 runner ups will also receive a calendar and CO alarm. The calendar has been created in a limited edition run and will not be available to buy. Visit https://www.facebook.com/GasSafeRegister for more information.
