Many people choose not to install gas appliances in their homes or places of business as they believe that gas is an unsafe and unstable fuel source. While care does need to be taken when using gas appliances, in general gas is a very safe way to provide cost effective heating and cooking for your home. By taking a few simple precautions and knowing what to look out for in case of a gas leak, you can safely use your gas appliances without the need to worry. On this page you will find some great advice on what to look out for in gas, a possible gas leak, what dangers you face using gas in your home and how to stay safe while using gas appliances.
How Dangerous is Gas Exactly?
Gas is a wonderfully versatile and useful source of fuel, but it needs to be treated with respect. Undetected gas leaks can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of breath, confusion and chest pains. Ultimately, exposure to natural gas or LPG can lead to unconsciousness and death. An unexpected increase in your gas bill or a persistent bad smell in the home are both signs that you may have a gas leak and need to have your appliances checked by a professional. Although natural gas and LPG is odourless, the sulphuric ‘rotten egg’ smell has been added to alert people when there is a gas leak.
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
Gas leaks are always serious and should be treated with caution. If you smell a ‘rotten egg’ odour near your gas appliances, then you may have a leak. The first thing to do is to turn off your gas supply, and extinguish all naked flames in the vicinity, especially cigarettes and candles. Then, you should evacuate the room or the building and get in touch with a licensed plumber and gasfitter straight away. If in doubt, get out!
Staying Safe When using Gas
Avoiding nasty accidents when using gas appliances is as simple as taking a few minor precautions. It is not advised to store flammable materials near gas appliances, so make sure you move any oil, old mops, brooms, newspapers, laundry, tea towels etc. Certainly do not keep volatile liquids such as petroleum or kerosene near any gas appliance!
You may also wish to have an emergency shut-off valve installed. This will allow you to quickly and easily stop the flow of gas into your home if there is an emergency. Regular servicing, maintenance and gas safety inspections conducted by licensed and qualified professional gasfitters will ensure that your home is kept safe.
To arrange a gas safety check for your home or place of business, contact Collin’s Plumbing, Gas & Heating in Auckland today. Our expert gasfitters will make certain that your gas appliances are working safely and efficiently. You can also have a CO (carbon dioxide) detector alarm or a fire alarm. These work by sounding an alarm at the detection of CO in the air/environment.
Registered gas fitters can install these safety devices and also can take flue gas analysis tests on your appliances to check for leaks and safety of flues and waste gases in the air.