The issue of a gas leak in homes may not seem like a major problem. We rarely hear about incidents involving gas leaks in the news. This is simply because incidents have been on the decline. Yet gas safety remains a top priority when it comes to safety measures inside the home.
Gas Safety Checks
As per RIDGAS statistics, accidents involving gas leaks that led to injuries reduced from 154 in 2016-2017 to 100 in 20221-2021. This number may indicate a positive trend; there is, however, a rise in the number of dangerous gas fittings.
This could reflect an increase in gas safety checks. Awareness surrounding gas safety has gone up. More and more homeowners are taking measures to protect against gas-related accidents. This includes getting gas safety checks from a registered engineer.
While a gas safety certificate is a legal requirement for rental properties in the UK, the same does not apply to houses where owners reside. Despite no legal requirement for gas safety certificate cp12, many homeowners get annual gas safety checks.
Gas safety checks are important for preventing gas leaks at home. However, it is not the only safety measure. Homeowners must be responsible and apply as many safety measures as possible to prevent a gas leak.
Seven Top Gas Safety Tips to Follow in the Home:
Here are our top seven recommended gas safety tips to follow in the home:
Get Regular Gas Safety Checks
This one is self-explanatory. A gas safety check involves a registered engineer inspecting your entire gas system. This includes a thorough investigation of the gas mains, gas connections as well as all appliances.
A gas safety check takes around an hour and is convenient to schedule. Annual gas safety checks help identify any issues with the existing gas system. This enables you to take timely action if there is an issue.
Make sure you hire a registered safety engineer to complete the check. Only a registered engineer can issue a gas safety certificate that is acceptable.
Maintain Gas Appliances
Gas appliances like stoves, heaters, and boilers need servicing regularly. Not only is this important for the good functioning of appliances but doing so can also help identify leaks.
The cost of repair and maintenance may seem high. However, it is much cheaper than buying a new appliance if the issue becomes serious. Upkeep also makes appliances run more efficiently. Finally, there is no greater benefit than the reduced risk of a gas leak.
Installing Detectors:
Carbon monoxide detectors are easy to install. These notice possible gas leaks. Aside from smoke detectors, having carbon monoxide detectors can prove lifesaving by alarming about a leak in time.
It is not just enough to install a detector; you must also make sure it is working properly. Change batteries frequently. You must install the detector in an open space so it can identify a leak easily.
Have Old Fittings Replaced:
It is better to have old fittings and gas valves replaced before they have stopped working completely. The cost is minimal and ensures that your gas system is up-to-date.
An important word of caution is that you should always hire a professional to do the job. Do not attempt to do it yourself, no matter how simple it may seem.
Keep An Eye Out for Leaks:
Even if you have gas detectors installed, it does not reduce the need to be careful. A gas leak is very hard to identify. A small leak may be undetected at first, even by detection equipment. It is best to look out for signs of a gas leak yourself.
An unpleasant smell and a hissing noise are clear indicators of gas leaks. In addition to this, if you start feeling symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing, for no apparent reason, it may indicate a gas leak.
Always Hire Professionals
It does not matter whether you are getting your gas system installed for the first time or getting maintenance work done, hiring an expert is important.
Many tasks around the house can be DIY projects. However, when it comes to utilities like electricity and gas, hiring experts is the way to go. Professionals are fully aware of all the risks related to the job. They know all the safety precautions to follow when completing a task.
Always be Prepared
Remain prepared for a possible gas leak at all times. Even if you have all the safety measures in place, you never know when a leak may occur.
Have a plan of action ready, so you can minimize the damage even if there is a leak. Educate yourself and family members on ways to act if there is a gas leak.
Some basic measures include opening all windows and letting in the fresh air. Another is shutting off the gas mains. Do not take any action that may generate heat or result in a spark. Finally, evacuate the property and call for help.
Take these emergency steps as soon as you suspect a gas leak.
The Importance of Gas Safety
The importance of gas safety measures cannot be overstated. A gas leak can be dangerous and even deadly. While there are legal requirements that enable homeowners to follow safety measures, applying additional measures does not hurt.
We have detailed seven top tips for ensuring greater safety. Applying these measures will reduce the risk of a gas leak significantly. It is the best you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Natural gas is not taken easily. A gas leak is a serious health hazard, one that requires strong safety measures. The safety measures above are easy to put in place and require minimal effort. Remember, the cost of making your house safer is always justified. It is impossible to put a value on safety and human life.