Preventing Gas Leaks

Gas is essential for our way of lives generating nearly 50% of our electricity and heating 70% of our homes. Gas is a powerful natural resource that every householder must respect as it can and sadly does kill. Every year people in the UK die from gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.

We have already discussed carbon monoxide and the need for alarms. Natural Gas is less of a risk because most people can smell them (some cannot though), but it’s still perilous and can suffocate you.

Gas is highly flammable and even explosive. We have all seen the horror stories on the news where whole houses have been destroyed by a gas explosion.

No one wants to deal with a Gas leak prevention is better than cure the best thing to do is prevent Gas leaks happening in the first place.

Never fit gas appliances yourself always use a Gas Safe Registered Engineer with the skills and proper credentials to install appliances and to be double safe always check your engineers Gas Safe Card.

Most gas leaks occur when appliances haven’t been fitted correctly. A Gas Safe Engineer has the equipment to check for leaks and knows how to fit a Gas Cooker, Fire or Boiler.

Avoid old and used gas appliances (if possible) when installing new cookers and boilers used appliances could be faulty and potentially hazardous.

Not everyone’s situation allows for new appliances those on a low budget might have no other option than secondhand, and many who rent homes have no choice they have to use what appliances are there.

Don’t worry there are some visual checks you can do. Check the flame; it should be blue. Orange and yellow flames could be an indication of leaking gas other signs are soot and dark burn marks on the outside of appliances and pilot lights that keep blowing out.

Still unsure? Get your appliances checked over by a Gas Engineer.

All gas appliances such as Boilers and Fires should be serviced annually by a qualified Gas Engineer. Annual Boiler and Fire servicing ensures the appliances run well and protect you and your family from Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

By getting your appliances fitted, checked, serviced and upgraded by competent Gas Engineers you should never suffer a Gas Leak.

What to do if you smell gas

• Shut off your gas supply at mains
• Open all windows and doors
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t turn on any light switches or electrical appliances
• Evacuate your home
• Call a Gas Safe Registered Engineer