Youngsters in Hounslow learned about the danger potentially lurking in their homes during gas safety workshops.
Pupils at Springwell Junior School, in Heston, and Ivybridge Primary School, in Isleworth, were told how to spot the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning during the pioneering roadshow.
One in seven London homes has an unsafe gas appliance, yet only one in 10 of the capital's teachers educates children about the hazards of CO poisoning and explosions, according to Gas Safe Register.
That's why the regulator has teamed up with Gas Safe Charity and launched a roadshow touring schools across the country to raise awareness among nine to 11-year-olds and prevent future tragedies.
Springwell Junior and Ivybridge Primary schools were among the first in the country to receive a visit last Thursday (November 27), when they watched a production explaining where gas comes from, how it can be used safely and what to watch out for.
Gas poisoning and explosions have killed 31 people in the UK and injured more than 1,000 over the last three years, according to Gas Safe Register. Yet it says too few people regularly check their boilers and use legal Gas Safe registered engineers.
Gas Safe Register chief executive Russell Krämer said: "By increasing awareness among teachers, children and families, we hope to see a rise in the number of people using a Gas Safe registered engineer and getting all of their gas appliances checked annually – reducing the number of preventable deaths and injuries every year."
An interactive virtual house, homework activities and a booklet for parents have also been created to accompany the roadshow, in the hope children will help pass on what they have learned to their parents.
In 2008, 26-year-old dancer Elouise Littlewood died of carbon monoxide poisoning just months after moving into a new flat in Bedfont Lakes.
In October last year, two people were killed in a gas explosion in Hounslow after a fallen tree ruptured a gas mains.
TOP FOUR TIPS ON GAS SAFETY
Spot the signs of a dangerous gas appliance – floppy yellow flames on cookers, black sooting around a gas appliance or excess condensation in the home
Look out for the six symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – feeling sick, headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, short of breath and collapsing
Make sure all of your gas appliances are checked to be working safely at least once a year
Only ever use a Gas Safe registered engineer
* For more information about gas safety, visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk
