Gas Safety Week: Top tips for gas safety
Gas Safety Week kicks off on 13 September, and Osprey Plumbing & Heating joins organisations across the UK in raising awareness of gas safety.
A faulty or badly installed appliance can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fires, gas leaks, and explosions. With one in five UK homes having unsafe gas appliances, Gas Safety Week aims to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of having your gas appliances safety checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer each year.
Gas Safety Week aims to make homeowners, landlords and business owners aware of the potential dangers of gas and how they can minimise their risk of a leak. The annual campaign is coordinated by the Gas Safety Register, the official list of registered gas engineers.
What causes a gas leak?
The most common cause of a gas leak in the home is a badly fitted or disconnected, faulty or poorly maintained appliance such as a cooker or boiler. If you don’t have your new boiler, gas cooker, or hob fitted correctly, gas can escape from the pipe leading into your appliance or around the seal. You are also at risk of a gas leak if you don’t get your gas appliances serviced at least once a year. They will have a greater risk of breaking down and eventually lead to a gas leak.
What are the risks of a gas leak?
If a gas leak remains undetected, there’s a real risk of a fire or even an explosion. In the year up to April 2020, there were as many as 41 gas explosions and fires. While some people escaped with injuries, others died as a result. Gas is highly combustible. An appliance that works safely will burn gas in a controlled way so you can heat your home and cook your food. However, if gas leaks from faulty pipework or an appliance, it can spread fast. There is a real risk of the leaked gas accidentally igniting and causing a fire or explosion.
A gas leak can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be cause headaches, dizziness, sickness, shortness of breath. In some cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
What are the signs of a gas leak?
If you are concerned about a gas leak in your home, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for, such as:
- Rotten egg smell
- Whistling or hissing noise
- White cloud or dust cloud
- Damaged gas pipe
- Bubbles in water
- Dying or dead houseplants
You may also experience a feeling of light-headedness, headaches, fatigue, breathing problems or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect it’s due to a gas leak, go outside immediately.
What should you do in the event of a gas leak?
If you smell gas or have reason to think you have a gas leak, don’t panic. There are several things you can do to stay safe. For example:
- Open windows and doors to allow fresh air in
- Turn off the gas at the mains tap near the meter if safe to do so
- Extinguish all naked flames and put out all cigarettes
- Leave the property
- Phone the National Gas Emergencies number on 0800 111 999 from outside the property
- Follow the advice given to you by the emergency adviser. Don’t turn your gas supply back on until checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- If you feel unwell, get medical attention as soon as possible and let them know you may have carbon monoxide poisoning
Don’t
- Turn any electrical switches on or off
- Smoke or use any other naked flame
- Use mobile phones, doorbells or any other electrical switches
Gas safety tips
There are several things you can do to be gas safe and help prevent a gas leak. Here are our top three gas safety tips:
- Have all your gas appliances served annually: An annual check of your gas appliances can help protect your home or business from fires, explosions and the other risks associated with gas leaks. To keep on top of when your appliances are due their annual check, sign up for a free reminder service at www.StayGasSafe.co.uk.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm: A carbon monoxide alarm is crucial if you have gas appliances in your home. The device sounds an alarm if it detects carbon monoxide, giving you time to get out and phone for help.
- Hire a Gas Safe-registered engineer: All gas engineers must register with the Gas Safe Register before carrying out work on a gas appliance. Always check the engineers Gas Safe Register ID card before they begin work and keep a digital copy of their documentation to ensure easy access to compliance information.
If your gas appliances are due an annual service or you want to find out more about how Osprey Plumbing & Heating can help you be gas safe, get in touch with us today on 01843627057.
