Business owners and homeowners need to make sure that their gas connections are safe for their employees and loved ones at home. Follow these basic tips to make sure that your gas connections are secure if you have a domestic gas or a business gas connection. The trouble with a gas connection is that leakage might not be easily apparent. This is why it is all the more important to follow these tips.
Check Burners For Warning Signs
The first thing you need to do if you have kitchen stoves, burners, and boilers is to check the colour of the flames. The colour of a regular flame will usually be blue. Seeing yellow languid flames is a sign that your gas hob might need to be replaced because it could be leaking. The best way to check this is to first check your pilot lamp.
It is a clear indication of leaking if the pilot lamp on your appliance is not working as it should. A soot buildup or signs of staining is also an indication that there might be problems with the gas connection. When was the last time you had your appliance serviced? It is advisable to get your appliance checked if it has been a long time since the last maintenance.
Yearly Gas Check By A Registered Engineer
All gas appliances require a yearly safety check to ensure that they are functioning in their optimal performance. Failing to maintain the appliances can result in carbon monoxide poisoning for the people present around these appliances. Always get your appliances serviced and maintained by Gas Safe registered engineers. Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card if it is not clearly within sight.
Ask your landlord for their Gas Safety Record to make sure that the chimneys, fittings, and gas appliances are safely installed. It is your responsibility to make sure that all of the gas appliances you own are regularly serviced and maintained in good condition.
Keep The Vicinity Of Gas Appliances Well Ventilated
Blocking the ventilation around a gas appliance is never a good idea. In the case of a gas leak, the vicinity can become extremely poisonous for the residents. Simply turning on a light switch could cause a sudden spark which can have multiple negative consequences based on the amount of gas that is present. Always make sure that gas appliances have the necessary ventilation to prevent a disastrous outcome.
Proactively Using Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Any place, domestic or business, that has multiple gas connections should have both a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Both of these devices can help save lives by giving out early warning signs. These devices can come in especially handy if the premises are left vacant overnight.
Some of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, loss of consciousness and nausea. It may be a sign that your smoke or carbon monoxide detector needs to be checked if anyone is experiencing any of these symptoms. Set aside a day of the week to test the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly at all times.
Knowing How To Respond To Emergency Situations
Always remember never to turn on or off any electrical or light switches if you suspect that there could be a gas leak. Vacate the premises as soon as possible and contact the Gas Emergency service. Do not go back inside unless you are told that it is safe to do so by the Gas Emergency service.
