How do I keep my home gas safe?
Carbon monoxide (CO) can kill you. In fact, CO poisoning kills about 50 people in their homes each year, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is invisible, odourless, and tasteless. This makes it particularly dangerous because you could well not notice anything is amiss before it is too late.
That’s why it’s so important to be gas safe. Here are five tips to protect your home and your loved ones.
Tip 1: Always use Gas Safe Register engineers
When it comes to the installation or servicing of gas appliances, always use engineers who are listed on the Gas Safe Register in the UK. This is your first line of defence against CO leaks from poorly installed or maintained appliances. Here's how to ensure you're dealing with a legitimate professional:
Check their Gas Safe Register ID card with the yellow triangle logo
Verify the types of work they are qualified for, as listed on the back of their ID card
Confirm their registration by calling the Gas Safe Register at 0800 408 5500 if there are doubts or if the engineer cannot produce their card
Using a registered engineer is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity. It's the first and most crucial step in safeguarding your home against the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Tip 2: Check you gas appliances annually
Annual checks of your gas appliances are not just a good practice; they're essential for maintaining safety and preventing CO poisoning. Here are some key points to remember:
Have appliances inspected by a Gas Safe-registered engineer when moving into a new home
Landlords must provide tenants with a gas safety certificate annually
Some individuals on certain benefits may qualify for a free annual gas safety check; it's worth contacting your home energy provider for more information
Regular maintenance checks are a vital component in the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning, ensuring that all gas appliances are functioning correctly and safely.
Tip 3: Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
Recognising the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is critical because they can be easily mistaken for flu symptoms. Symptoms include:
headaches
nausea
dizziness
breathlessness
If you suspect CO poisoning, take the following steps immediately:
Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area
Turn off gas appliances and shut off the gas at the meter
Leave the house immediately and seek fresh air
See a GP or go to the hospital if symptoms are severe
In case of a major gas leak, contact the Gas Emergency Helpline at 0800 111 999
Prompt recognition and response to CO poisoning can save lives, so it's important to act quickly and decisively.
Tip 4: Detect appliance malfunctions early
Being vigilant for signs of gas appliance malfunctions is key to preventing CO production. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
Look for flames burning yellow or orange instead of blue
Be wary of pilot lights that frequently go out
Notice excessive condensation on the inside of windows
Be alert for black, sooty marks on or around appliances
Early detection of appliance malfunctions is crucial for preventing CO build-up and ensuring the safety of your home.
Tip 5: Invest in a carbon monoxide alarm
A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is an affordable and essential safety device for any home. Here's what you need to know:
Choose alarms with a British or European Kitemark
CO alarms are relatively inexpensive (around £20) and easy to install
Landlords are legally required to install CO alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances
Tenants should regularly test these alarms to ensure they are working properly
An alarm can alert you to the presence of CO even while you're asleep, making it an indispensable tool for home safety.
💡Many boiler cover plans include a free annual service to keep your boiler in tip-top shape.
Author
Ashton Berkhauer
General Manager • Commercial
Currently the General Manager for Home Services and Mortgages, Ashton observes the markets and, along with his team, strives to get the best possible solutions for consumers. The products within his...
