Ensure gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition. Gas appliances should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If these are not available it is recommended that they are serviced annually unless advised otherwise by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Britons collectively used 1,233 ktoe (kilotonne of oil equivalent) of gas in their homes in 2017. 85% of us heat our homes with gas-powered boilers, which also heat water, and most of us it to cook meals: while just 30% of us have gas ovens, 61% have gas hobs. And while accidents are rare, they can be dangerous. Gas leaks can cause injuries, as well as explosions and fires which can destroy homes, cause serious injuries and claim lives.
The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) Code of Practice 7 (CP7): The Safe Use of Oxy-fuel Gas Equipment (Individual Portable or Mobile Cylinder Supply) and Code of Practice 47 (CP47) The Safe Use of Individual Portable or Mobile Cylinder Gas Supply Equipment provide guidance on maintenance and recommend, for example, that regulators and flashback arrestors are checked annually, both visually and functionally, by a competent person and replaced every five years. See more details on CP7 Gas Inspections.
Warning signs that there may be carbon monoxide leaking into the home are the same as the signs that there could be a problem with a gas appliance. If you suspect that you or someone else may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning it is important to act fast to remove them from the property and get them outside in the fresh air before calling for medical help. Getting your gas appliances checked or serviced – Safety check versus service – what’s the difference? When having your gas appliances checked it’s important to understand the options available to you to ensure that you request the appropriate service from your engineer. The first thing to work out is whether you require a safety check or service of one single appliance, a safety check for all appliances, or an entire installation.