Gas Safety Qs and As

Safety and Supply

• What should I do if I smell gas at home ?
• My appliances are clear but the smell of gas persists.
• How do I turn off gas supply ?
• How do I turn back on gas supply ?
• What other safety precautions should I take ?
• Can I find a Registered Gas installer ?
• What is Carbon Monoxide ?
• What are the symptoms for Carbon Monoxide poisoning ?
• How can Carbon Monoxide alarm help ?
• What are danger signs my appliances are unsafe ?
• How can I ensure my gas appliances are the highest possible quality ?
• Do my gas appliances need air ?
• Is it safe to use an old water heater ?
• What precautions do I need to take when undertaking home improvements ?

What should I do if I Smell Gas at home ?

• Do not use or smoke a naked flame.
• Do not switch anything electric on or off i.e., doorbells, switches and appliances.
• Open windows and doors to let the gas disperse.
• Check your appliances to see if the gas has been left on without being lit.

My appliances are clear but the smell of gas persists.

• If you have a concern about the product safety of a gas appliance you should contact ConsumerDirect on 08454 04 05 06 
• If your phone is in the immediate area of a leak, use a neighbour’s phone or the nearest callbox.

How do I turn off my natural gas supply?

As soon as you move in or have Natural Gas installed for the first time, for your own safety, it’s a good idea to know how to turn off your gas supply at the safety isolation point. Your builder/developer/installer should have provided you with a ‘Conformance Declaration’ for your gas installation. This document contains important safety information for you including the location of your safety shut off valve for use in the event of a domestic emergency or gas leakage.

• The shut off is frequently fitted within your meter box, outside the house
• If you require a meter key call Gas provider.
• If the Natural Gas shut off valve is hard to reach or will not operate, call your gas provider for assistance.

We advise you to turn off the gas when you go away on holidays, or leave your home unoccupied for any length of time.

• First turn off your Natural Gas appliance taps and any pilot lights.
• Then turn the safety shut off valve to the off position. It is ‘off’ when the lever is at right angles to the pipe.

How do I turn back on my natural gas supply?

Ensure that all your gas appliance taps and pilot lights are turned off then simply return the safety shut off valve to the ‘on’ position.

• It is ‘on’ when the lever is in line with the pipe.
• Then re-light any pilot lights following the manufacturer’s instructions for each appliance.

What other safety precautions should I take ?

• Never block a ventilator which is there to ensure a safe supply of air.
• Use appliances only for the purpose for which they were designed, i.e. do not use a cooker to heat a room.

Where can I find a Registered Gas Installer?

If you are looking for an installer to install or upgrade a natural gas central heating system please call us at Landlord Certificates London at 0800 056 75 75

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a poisonous gas which can be given off by any appliance which burns a fossil fuel such as gas, coal or oil. CO can enter your home or a room in your home if:

• You have a faulty appliance
• Your appliance has not been maintained
• The room is not properly ventilated
• The chimney or flue is blocked

Carbon Monoxide is colorless, odorless and has no taste.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning ?

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. But if anyone in your house has any of the following symptoms when using a gas appliance, turn it off and go to your doctor:

• Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness
• Sickness, diarrhea or stomach pains
• Sudden dizziness when standing up
• General lethargy

Stop using the appliance immediately and do not use it again until it has been checked by a Registered Gas Technician or a qualified Service Engineer.

How can a Carbon Monoxide alarm help ?

Carbon Monoxide alarms are available from all good hardware stores. They are usually installed adjacent to sleeping areas or in rooms containing a gas appliance. More than one may be required to offer full protection. This type of alarm is only useful for a certain length of time, advised by the manufacturer. Never hold on to a Carbon Monoxide alarm after its useful date has expired. A Carbon Monoxide alarm should not be used as a substitute for a smoke alarm.

While Carbon Monoxide alarms may provide an extra measure of warning, they should never be relied on as a substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of your Natural Gas appliances, venting and chimneys.

How can I ensure my gas appliances are the highest possible quality ?

When buying a gas appliance, deal with a reputable outlet and check that the appliance carries the CE mark. (Confirmation that the Appliance is suitable for use in GB). Your installer should be competent and issue you with a ‘Conformance Declaration’ for the new appliance installed. Keep the declaration certificate in a safe place.

Every new appliance is supplied with a full instruction book, essential to the correct and safe use of the appliance. Read it carefully and get to know your appliance. Keep the instructions handy. If you are moving house leave the instruction book for any appliance you are not taking with you.

Do my gas appliances need air ?

Gas appliances need air to burn safely. With enough air, burning natural gas produces Carbon Dioxide and water in safe amounts. These products are normally taken away by a chimney or flue. However, Carbon Monoxide can be produced if there is too little air, or if the chimney or flue is blocked or obstructed.

Is it safe to use an old water heater ?

Older water heaters, made before modern safety devices were introduced in 1996, may be unsafe to use due to the risk of Carbon Monoxide production. If you have an older type, over-sink or over-bath gas water heater, it may be unsafe to use.

What precautions do I need to take when undertaking home improvements ?

Many people when carrying out home improvements, such as adding extensions, double-glazing, conservatories or when removing internal walls or partitions are unaware that they may be affecting the safety or efficiency of their gas installation. This is where certifications available at Landlord Certificates London is quite handy while planing for such home improvements. For further queries contact us at 0800 056 75 75