Gas Safety At Home

Although a large percentage of residents in the UK use gas appliances and flues, many of these people are unaware of the dangers that these appliances can present. If a gas appliance or flue is installed incorrectly or is not ventilated properly, there is a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The lack of taste, colour, and scent combine to make the poisonous gas, carbon monoxide (CO), nearly impossible to detect. Some of the effects of carbon monoxide are stomach and chest pains, vomiting, tiredness, and even death. Carbon monoxide leaves the body quickly, and blood and breath tests used to determine the presence of carbon monoxide may be ineffective four hours after exposure to the gas.

HSE (Heath and Safety Executive) commissioned carbon monoxide research at the University of London and received disturbing results. Almost one-fourth of homes surveyed had at least one defective gas appliance, and nearly ten percent of the homes were at high risk for deadly levels for carbon monoxide. About half of the residents were not aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Without knowledge of the safety rules for gas appliances, consumers put themselves, family members, and any visitors to the home at risk for illness, paralysis, and even death. Over 60% of fatalities from incidents involving carbon monoxoide poisoning are caused by residents taking an inappropriate action or not taking any action.

For gas appliance installations, repairs, safety checks, and maintenance, do not allow anyone except a CORGI-registered technician to perform the work. Only CORGI-registered service workers have the expertise and skills to safely and expertly complete a gas appliance job. Do not be tempted to hire any service technician for the recommended annual service checks for your gas appliances. Look for a CORGI-registered technician for this job, and use a qualified chimney sweep to give your flue a thorough cleaning every year.

In order for gas to burn safely, gas appliances and flues need to be in well ventilated areas. There needs to be a constant flow of fresh circulating through the area to ensure proper appliance operation. Do not place objects on top of or next to appliances, and make sure that all vents are kept unobstructed. Most carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in homes are the result of insufficient ventilation.

If you suspect your gas appliance is not operating correctly, turn it off immediately. Open any windows and doors in the area to allow fresh air to come into the room. Turn off the main gas supply line if possible. Signs of gas appliances that are not working properly include soot and stains around the appliances, pilot lights that will not remain lit, and a yellow-orange flame. For any questions, ring the National Grid on the Gas Emergency (0800 111 999) or HSEs Gas Safety Advice Line (0800 300 363).

By: Tal Potishman

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Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles on home boilers, central heating, Hove plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.