Edinburgh Boiler Company offers free gas safety checks in wake of fatal Baberton house explosion

A boiler company in Edinburgh has offered free gas safety checks to residents in Baberton following an explosion which killed a pensioner.

Two people, a 43-year-old woman and 54-year-old man were rushed to hospital following the eruption on Baberton Mains Avenue on December 1.

James Findlay Smith, known as Jimmy, died in the blast.

Initial findings of the Health and Safety Executive’s investigation into the fatal blast said it was caused by an installation inside the property and not the gas network which supplies the area.

Now a local business owner has reached out to locals to offer free gas safety checks to give them “peace of mind” in the run-up to Christmas.

The firm is also offering free or replacement carbon monoxide alarms for those in need.

Dougie Bell, operations manager at the Edinburgh Boiler Company, is offering free checks to residents. Supplied

Dougie Bell, Edinburgh Boiler Company’s operations director said: “The dreadful events at Baberton Mains Avenue affected the whole community and the thoughts of all our staff are with the family of the gentleman who tragically lost his life in the explosion.

“At the Edinburgh Boiler Company, we take pride in our commitment to gas safety and want to do what we can to give people in the area reassurances that their homes are safe places to live in and that all the gas appliances within their properties meet the required safety standards.

“We found a few defects which have been resolved free of charge and people have been very appreciative.

“We’re also going to install carbon monoxide alarms where required without charge.

“This additional measure is designed to offer an extra layer of comfort, ensuring that every aspect of the property related to gas is not only up to standard but ultimately safe for them and their loved ones.”