Gas Safety is probably the least thought about element when moving into a new house. However, Gas can become very harmful at one point and can start a fire. So do not underestimate when someone tells you to be safe about gas explosions. Because it can take lives.
Did you read this article by the INDEPENDENT about gas explosions? The article states, “Nine suspected gas explosions affecting tenants and homeowners have taken place across Britain between since late October 2020 – nine blasts which caused deaths, injuries or serious building damage.”
So in this article, we have covered five essential things that you should know about gas safety. Please read the article carefully as it can save you or your loved one’s life. Or, on a larger scheme of things, it can save you from a fire disaster.
5 Things to Know about Gas Safety
Get a Gas Safety Certificate
Whenever you move into a new house, make sure that the real estate agent shows you the gas safety certificate. This certificate ensures that the house has been thoroughly inspected by registered professionals and there are no harmful gases on the premises.
If there is no certificate, it is important that get this gas certificate yourself. Gas safety certificate cost is quite affordable; however, it does depend on the size of the property. On average it should cost you around £35 and £90. Maybe even more, because it all depends on the size of the property, the neighborhood you are living in, the number of appliances you need to get checked, etc.
Let me tell you one thing; it’s worth the money! So don’t think about finances when getting professing gas safety check done; think about protecting your house from any unforeseen disasters.
Check Your Gas Appliances Yearly
While yes, many of us might assume that since we got our properties professionally checked, so we are good to go. A big misconception! You don’t know when your gas stove starts leaking due to some accidents, or maybe there is a gas leakage in your water heater.
Some signs will help you know that there is a gas leakage, but the government recommends that you should get your properties to get checked at least once a year, just to be sure. Better safe than sorry, right?
There are certain incidents where you are entitled to a free gas safety check! Want to know how? Well, you are only eligible for a free yearly check if you are chronically sick, disabled, or you are in your pension age. So if money is your concern for the yearly check, see if you are eligible for a free yearly gas check.
Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can burn down your entire house. So I kid you not when I say be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are appliances like carbon monoxide detectors that you can get installed in your house, possibly in the living room. This detector will start beeping if the harmful gases get to a level where it gets dangerous, and you need to evacuate the property.
The signal from the detector is also sent to the fire department and registered professional gas safety workers. I recommend you check the safety ID of the worker to make sure you got the right person for the job.
You should also be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning that we have mentioned below:
Headaches
Feel Dizzy
Nausea
Flue-like symptoms
Have trouble breathing
Loss of consciousness
These symptoms also appear in other residents of the house. One thing that can help you understand that you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning is that when you leave the property/house, all the above-mentioned symptoms will disappear.
So if you suspect that you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, here are a few things that you should do immediately:
Open the doors and windows of the house immediately
Turn of all the flames and gas appliances
Evacuate the house
Let your neighbors know
Go to the Hospital to get yourself, and other housemates checked
Call the fire emergency department
Call the Gas emergency helpline
Beware Of The Warning Signs Of Your Gas Appliances
Many of us are using Gas appliances when it comes to our houses. This includes gas stovetops, gas heaters, gas ovens, etc. So when you are using these appliances, you need to be careful and keep an eye out for any leakages from these appliances as well.
There should be a blue flame on your gas stove. A Yellow or orange flame would mean you need to get your stove checked.
If you see soots or black marks, or any other kind of stains on your stove, you might need to call in a professional to check your appliance
If you see that your pilot lights are going out frequently, it’s time to get your appliance checked.
Increased condensation on your windows or doors also indicates a gas leakage, and you might need to call in a professional to fix the issue.
Cooking Tips
Sometimes it is our fault that we are faced with fire accidents. Here are a few cooking tips from me to keep you and your family safe:
Maintain the flame when cooking. Turn it off as soon as you are done cooking.
Keep an eye out that you don’t leave the stove on and burn your food.
You must maintain and clean your stove daily.
Using the right utensils also matter. The material of the utensil should be anti-corrosive and non-inflammable.
Conclusion
Fire is no joke; it has taken millions and billions of lives of people. And domestic fire hazards have contributed a lot to these accidents. So be careful and follow the tips we mentioned above as religiously as you can.
