Are you aware of the potential dangers associated with gas appliances and how to keep yourself safe? At Go assist, our engineers and experts spend their day-to-day lives around gas appliances and have 6 top tips to help keep you safe.
1. Ensure you use Gas Safe registered engineers to install, fix and service your appliances
The Gas Safe register in the UK certifies and regulates gas businesses and engineers to ensure they are fit and fully trained to provide the best service for their customers. These engineers are experts in their field and know how to safely handle gas appliances without putting you at risk.
2. Check your engineer's Gas Safe Register ID card
Engineers who are not Gas Safe registered simply have not been trained sufficiently enough to install, repair, or check gas appliances, which puts you and your household at risk the engineer will not perform the job to a satisfactory standard. If a gas appliance is not installed, repaired, or serviced correctly it can lead to gas leaks, fires, or possibly even explosions. Always ask to see your engineer's Gas Safe Registered ID before they begin work on your appliance; most engineers would be happy to present this to you as it will help you put your mind at ease.
3. Understand the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Gas appliances can emit deadly gases into your home if they become faulty, the most dangerous to human health being Carbon monoxide. Understanding the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning could be potentially life-saving knowledge. The first signs of carbon monoxide exposure are reported to include mild headaches and breathlessness, continued exposure will lead to more headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Eventually, symptoms can progress to irritability, delirium, impaired judgment, coordination, and ultimately loss of consciousness. If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home and are feeling unwell, call 0800 111 999 and vacate the property.
4. Check your gas appliances for warning signs
According to research, only 33% of adults know the signs of an unsafe gas appliance. The most common potential warning signs of an unsafe gas appliance are a lazy yellow flame, your pilot light continuously tripping out, condensation inside windows, and black marks or stains on your appliance. If you notice any of these signs with your gas appliance, we recommend getting in contact with a Gas Safe appliance engineer.
5. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm
The best way to keep yourself safe from carbon monoxide and other potentially unsafe gases your appliance could be emitting is to install a carbon monoxide alarm. Installation is simple and quick, and the alarm only needs a small amount of maintenance with a quarterly test to ensure it’s working as it should. This alarm will sound at the smallest detection of carbon monoxide, alerting you to a leak quickly, and keeping you and your family safe.
6. Keep vents, flues, and chimneys clear
Chimneys, vents, and flues are vital in ensuring gas appliances burn properly – therefore it's important you regularly maintain that these ventilation points are kept clear and cleaned regularly.
Keep yourself and your home safe when using gas appliances this Christmas by following our experts’ top tips this festive period. For more information and helpful tips, check out our blog here.