Gas-Safety

As winter approaches and central heating boilers switch on throughout the UK, now is the opportune moment to look at the state of gas safety across the nation and discuss the practical steps everyone can take to prevent incidents related to gas leaks, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

What are the dangers of faulty gas appliances?

One of the most common issues caused by unsafe gas appliances and pipework is the risk of gas leaks. Natural gas is most frequently used and is naturally odourless but has a distinctive odourant added during the supply chain so leaks are immediately apparent. This should mean that gas leaks are very noticeable but they always pose the risk of fire and explosions due to the nature of flammable organic gas. Details of CO poisoning - the other main danger of faulty equipment - can be found below.

How can gas leaks and fire risks be avoided?

Gas leaks can sometimes occur due to a sudden malfunction in an appliance but more often than not there are telltale signs of a heightened risk. Oxidisation of copper (green) and iron (orange) pipework indicates corrosion or damage on pipes. If you spot this, you should get a Gas Safe-registered engineer to perform a visual inspection and tightness test in order to be certain that there is not a problem, or deal with any problem that may be detected. It is also possible to check for flammable gas using a gas leak detector. These instruments can detect gas in small concentrations, thus picking up on small leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What is CO poisoning and what are the symptoms?

CO poisoning is caused when a gas appliance burns inefficiently, failing to properly oxidate carbon during combustion. This leads to colourless, odourless CO gas which when inhaled prevents oxygen from travelling around the body. The most common effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, nausea breathlessness, collapse, and loss of consciousness. Due to poor awareness, CO poisoning is frequently misdiagnosed. The Gas Safe Register estimates nearly a third of people do not understand carbon monoxide poisoning which often leads to diagnosis as concussion, meningitis, or flu. It is therefore imperative to consider whether any of the above symptoms occur near a boiler and if symptoms disappear once you have left the house.

How can CO incidents be prevented?

The first step to preventing CO poisoning is to install carbon monoxide alarms throughout a property. Nearly half of UK homes do not have a CO alarm leaving 12 million households at risk. For workplaces, meanwhile, it is often a good idea to fit a CO monitor which records concentrations throughout the day, thus highlighting increases or problem periods. Almost all models of monitor have inbuilt warning systems performing the same function as regular carbon monoxide alarms.

Additionally, boilers should always be installed by a Gas Safe-registered engineer. Professionals will carry out post-installation and in-service checks to regulatory standards, ensuring that combustion remains efficient and that there is no danger from CO. One in six homes has an appliance that was not fitted by a registered engineer so make sure you have all gas appliances properly checked when you move in.

In 2016, 53 fatalities were recorded in England and Wales due to the effects of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, nearly half of which were at home. With the weather turning colder, this demonstrates the need to stay vigilant when it comes to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and to fit alarms in all properties with gas-fired appliances. Furthermore, all gas appliances should be installed and regularly checked (at least annually) by a registered Gas Safe engineer to further minimise the risk of inefficient combustion, gas leakage and fire.