DIY & Building Basics Gas Safety: 10 Dos & Don’ts

Date Published:

23/10/2009

Ever wondered what you can and can’t do with your boiler – and when to call for help? Find out here.

Dos

1 Use A Qualified Installer
Always employ a competent and registered gas installer when looking for someone to work on gas. For Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the Isles of Man contact Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500. For Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands contact CORGI on 0800 915 0485.

2 Get Appliances Serviced

For your own safety, always ensure your gas appliances are serviced at regular intervals. Typically, servicing will be an annual activity, but the manufacturer’s instructions for the appliance concerned will give specific guidance.

3 Stick To The Instructions

Use your gas appliances as intended by the appliance manufacturer – their instructions will provide guidance on operation and use.

4 Get A Carbon Monoxide Alarm

For added peace of mind for you and your family, purchase approved carbon monoxide alarms which comply with BS EN 50291 and have a BSi Kitemark, and install them in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in every room where a gas appliance is installed. Regularly test your carbon monoxide alarm as the manufacturer guides you – a test button is provided for this purpose. Replace out-of-date alarms for new ones (typical life span of five years); batteries used on carbon monoxide alarms are normally integral to the alarm and cannot be replaced.

Additionally, sensors within the alarm have an operational life span, which shouldn’t be exceeded. Importantly, if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move your family from the area, open doors and windows as you leave, turn off the gas at your gas meter or bulk storage vessel/bottles (for liquefied petroleum gas installations) and contact (for England, Scotland and Wales) the National Emergency Service Provider on 0800 111 999 or (for Northern Ireland) Phoenix Natural Gas on 0800 002 001. For more information, visit the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance.

5 Keep An Eye On It

Where faults such as noisy operation, smells or odd coloured gas flames are noticed, contact your local registered installer for advice and guidance – if in doubt, turn off the gas and contact the emergency service provider listed above.