Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about combi boilers, central heating, Glasgow plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
Gas appliances and flues can sometimes be dangerous to have in a home, but a large number of UK residents do not know this. A high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is possible if a gas appliance or flue is improperly installed or not ventilated as required.
Carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas, is difficult to detect because it has no taste, smell, or colour. Effects of breathing in carbon monoxide include drowsiness, stomach and chest pains, and vomiting, and in some instances, CO poisoning is fatal. It is critical to act quickly if you suspect you or a family member has carbon monoxide poisoning because CO leaves the body rapidly, and test results will be inaccurate as soon as four hours after exposure to this poisonous gas.
Researchers at the University of London, under the direction of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), revealed some startling statistics from a residential carbon monoxide study. One or more gas appliances were found to be defective in nearly 25% of homes in the study, and high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning was present in 8% of these homes. Nearly 50% of the residents in the study did not have adequate information about the health risks of carbon monoxide. Everyone living in a residence is at risk for a variety of ailments, paralysis, and death if basic gas safety rules are not followed. The lack of gas safety education is obvious; more than 60% of carbon monoxide-related deaths are the result of an improper response or the total lack of response to a gas appliance malfunction.
A CORGI-registered technician should be your only choice for any type of service for your gas appliance, including installation, maintenance, yearly safety checks, and repairs. When you hire a CORGI-registered professional, you know that he or she will have the training necessary to perform the work safely. Choose a CORGI-registered installer to perform the required annual safety checks for your gas appliances, and look for a qualified chimney sweep to clean your flue at least every twelve months.
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.
Quickly turn off any gas appliance you suspect is not functioning properly. Let fresh air into the area by opening windows and doors, and turn off the gas supply line if you know how. If there is soot or stains around an appliance, a pilot light that refuses to burn, or a yellow-orange flame, your appliance is not working correctly. For expert advice, ring the HSE Gas Safety Advice Line (0800 300 363) or the National Grid on the Gas Emergency (0800 111 999).
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