Gas appliances provide convenience and energy efficiency when they are well maintained and used properly. Ensure the safety of yourself and your home by understanding the risks of gas appliances and how to prevent them.
Gas Leak
Luckily, the smell of gas is very distinctive and easy to identify. Noticing this smell in your home could indicate a gas leak, which is a potentially dangerous situation. Minimize the risk to you and your home by following these simple instructions.
- Ventilate your home by opening all doors and windows
- Turn off the gas at the gas supply meter
- Call National Grid's GAS Emergency Freephone number 0800 111 999
If you suspect that there is a gas leak, do not turn on any electrical switches, such as your lights, or ignite any flame, including a cigarette. Although the problem could simply be that a gas appliance was left on, it is better to be safe and take the necessary precautions.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced whenever a fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. With proper ventilation this gas poses no threat, but when it becomes trapped in a room it can have potentially lethal consequences.
There are a few warning signs that you can check for. With a gas fire look for a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one, a strange smell when the fire is on, and any stains or soot around the fire itself. If the gas appliance is a boiler look for the same yellow flame, uncommon smell, and stains at the top of the unit.
Ensuring that your gas appliances are well maintained and inspected regularly minimizes the risk. These checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer and occur at least once every 12 months.
Since carbon monoxide is invisible to both sight and smell, a carbon monoxide detector is a must. Install these according to their manufacturer’s instructions and test them regularly. You can also minimize your risk by making sure that the room is properly ventilated; never cover a vent, especially when a gas appliance is in use.
Redecorating
If you are redecorating or remodelling your home, consider your gas appliances as part of your planning. If these appliances must be moved or reinstalled it is important that you hire a Gas Safe Registered engineer to complete the task.
It is also important that you never paint a gas appliance as this poses risks of chemical emissions and fire. Finally, if you are considering any sort of home addition, ensure that the flue of your boiler is not obstructed or enclosed.
Do It Yourself
Installing or fixing a gas appliance is not a do-it-yourself project. These activities must be carried our by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Attempting to do them yourself could result in a gas leak or even explosion.
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