Gas appliances Get them checked Keep them safe

The problem

Every year about 14 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health. When gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, excess carbon monoxide is produced, which is poisonous.

You can't see it. You can't taste it. You can't even smell it. But carbon monoxide can kill without warning in just a matter of hours.

You are particularly at risk when you are asleep or in a confined space because you cannot recognise the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. These include tiredness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, pains in the chest and stomach pains. These symptoms can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with flu or simple tiredness.

If you or other experience the above symptoms, and you believe carbon monoxide may be involved, you must seek urgent medical advice. Your doctor will need to test a blood or breath sample.

Carbon monoxide quickly leaves the blood and tests may be inaccurate if taken more than four hours after exposure has ended.

For Inspection and Testing of your appliances call EHLUK any time of the day or night should you fear there is problems or you simply want your appliances checking and or servicing.

EHLUK want to make you aware that you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if:

your appliance was poorly installed
your appliance is not working properly
your appliance has not been checked for safety or maintained regularly
there is not enough fresh air in the room
your chimney or flue gets blocked up
you allow an engineer who is not on the Gas Safe Register to install or maintain your appliance(s)

There is a particular risk if you sleep in a room where an appliance that is not of the room-sealed type (e.g. a conventional gas fire) is left burning at night. (Flue outlets for room-sealed appliances are commonly located on an external wall at a low level protected by a cage rather than at or above roof level.)

EHLUK & the Health and Safety Executive. Gas appliances. Get them checked. Keep them safe.

The answers

NEVER use a gas appliance if you think it is not working properly. Signs to look out for include yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which display this colour flame), soot or stains around the appliance and pilot lights which frequently blow out.

NEVER cover an appliance or block the convection air vents.

NEVER block or obstruct any fixed ventilation grilles or air bricks.

NEVER block or cover outside flues.

CAUTION Whenever draught exclusion, ceiling or extraction fans, double glazing or conservatory extensions are fitted to a room containing a gas appliance, the appliance should subsequently be checked for safety.

EHLUK :- A safe gas appliance

Clear flue

Steady blue flame

EHLUK :- A dangerous gas appliance

Yellow or orange flame

FUMES

Scorched or sooty stains

EHLUK & the Health and Safety Executive - Gas appliances. Get them checked. Keep them safe.

ALL gas consumers are advised to have appliances checked for safety at least every 12 months by a EHLUK - a Gas Safe registered Company.

You could be entitled to a free safety check.

If you are over 60, chronically sick, disabled, deaf or hearing-impaired, blind or visually impaired, you are entitled to join your supplier's Priority Service Register.

It is free to join and once a member you are entitled, among other things, to a free annual gas safety check (unless you live in rented accommodation where it is your landlord's duty to ensure the check is done).

For more information look at the back of your gas bill.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS are a useful back-up precaution but must NOT be regarded as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas equipment by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you decide to buy a carbon monoxide alarm, ensure it meets current safety standards (BS EN 50291) and carries the Kitemark. If in doubt ask a member of staff for advice. Always follow the manufacturer's siting instructions.

If you smell gas, or suspect there is a gas escape or a carbon monoxide leak, you should immediately do the following:

Call EHLUK to which we will attend within 30 minutes

Open all doors and windows.
Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is).
Make sure that any investigations or repairs are carried out by a EHLUK Gas Safe registered engineer.

The Law

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place duties on gas consumers, installers, suppliers and landlords. These regulations link with other safety controls on combustion equipment, e.g. the Building Regulations, which are standards for ventilation and flues.

For your own protection remember:

EHLUK will send a competent person to carry out work on gas appliances or fittings. Do-it-yourself work on gas appliances or fittings could be dangerous and is likely to be illegal.

EHLUK & the Health and Safety Executive Gas appliances. Get them checked. Keep them safe.

Registered engineers to disconnect any gas appliance or fittings which are so dangerous as to be a threat to life if they are used. If your engineer asks your permission to disconnect such an appliance or fitting it will be in the interests of your own safety, and that of others, to agree. Before you use this appliance or fitting again, have it repaired by EHLUK - a Gas Safe registered company

EHLUK - the fast friendly company who do it all with total care and repair.

Call us today on 0871 976 9620