Gas Safety
Every year in the UK some 30 people
are killed and many others are affected by carbon monoxide
poisoning from faulty gas installations such as fires and boilers
in their homes.
Carbon monoxide is a particularly
dangerous gas because you cannot smell it. The symptoms of
poisoning are tiredness, drowsiness, headaches and pains in the
chest and stomach. People suffering from carbon monoxide
poisoning often fall asleep not knowing why they feel tired.
Faulty gas appliances in bedrooms are particularly dangerous
because a sleeping person does not raise suspicion in others.
It is essential therefore to have
all gas appliances checked annually and the installation of a
carbon monoxide detector (similar in size and appearance to that of
a smoke detector) is recommended. If you are in receipt of an
income related benefit or are elderly and would like a carbon
monoxide detector fitted, you should contact the Home Safe
Service
Gas Safety (Installation
and Use) Regulations 1998
Landlords are legally required to
ensure that any gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for
their tenants use are safe. In particular landlords
must:
- Have their gas appliances checked annually by a CORGI
registered gas engineer who will normally issue a "Landlord Gas
Safety Certificate." (CP12)
- Keep records of the checks for at least 2 years
- Issue a copy of the CP12 certificate to their tenants.
These regulations also apply to
owner-occupiers who must:
- Only allow work to be carried out on their gas appliances by a
competent person
- Not use a gas appliance if they suspect it to be unsafe.
In all cases if you suspect that a
gas appliance is unsafe you should immediately contact
National
Grid
Safety
tips:
- Never use a gas appliance if you think it is not working
properly
- Poor combustion is characterised by a yellow or orange flame,
soot or stains around the appliance and a pilot light that keeps
going out.
- Never cover an appliance or block air vents or outside
flues
- Never fit draught excluders or double-glazing to rooms
containing a gas appliance without providing suitable alternative
ventilation.
For more information on gas
safety you can contact the
Health and Safety
Executive
The following leaflets are
available:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Leaflet
- Gas Safety Leaflets
- general
- for landlords
- Home Safe Service Leaflet
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Page Last Updated: 6/19/2008
Eastleigh Borough Council
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Eastleigh Borough Council, Civic Offices, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9YN
Telephone:023 8068 8068; Fax:023 8068 8257; Text:07797 877001
Email:
direct@eastleigh.gov.uk