Gas is a convenient and economical way of heating your business as well as your home – and therefore, it has many advantages. However, due to the nature of gas (it is highly combustible and faulty appliances can create carbon monoxide gas), there are also dangers. It is therefore very important that the Gas Safety Regulations of 1998 be strictly followed. Aside from these regulations, it pays to follow some simple rules and guidelines to ensure safety at all times. Here is a list of gas safety tips:
- Annual safety checks. By law, the landlord of the property is required to inspect the safety of all gas appliances and gas fittings. These safety checks must occur every twelve months. The safety inspection must be followed by a report, and the landlord is required to keep these records for at least two years.
- Installations and repairs. All installations, fittings, repairs, and replacements of appliances and fittings should be done by a Gas Safety Engineer – this is also determined by law.
- Safety Engineers. The gas safety engineers should be properly qualified to handle the job at hand. You should therefore ask the engineer for their ID card – and be sure to check the back to see if he or she is qualified to handle the specific project.
- Carbon monoxide alarm. There are carbon monoxide alarms available to warn you when carbon monoxide is detected. These alarms are not expensive but can save lives – it’s recommended that everyone should have one in their business or home.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is created when a gas appliance doesn’t function properly. It is a gas that can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled, yet can lead to death when inhaled in excessive amounts. Make sure you understand what carbon monoxide is, why it is so dangerous, and what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are. Symptoms include: headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and difficulty breathing.
- Ventilation. Always make sure your property has plenty of ventilation. This ventilation will ensure that either gas (from a leak in the fittings or flues) or carbon monoxide (from faulty gas appliances) can quickly be removed.
- Use gas properly. Always make sure the appliances and the gas are used for their intended purpose; don’t use a gas oven to heat a room, for example, or don’t use a gas barbeque appliance in a closed room.
- Follow instructions. Always use gas appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In case of doubt, make sure you consult a professional.
Gas is a convenient resource but its dangers can never be underestimated. Follow the above tips so your home will be gas safe. Also, rely only on a licenced and qualified gas engineer London, such as the ones from firms like www.milgas.co.uk.
