A new study conducted by the Gas Safe Register found that 30,000 UK homes are at risk of gas dangers, such as fires, gas leaks and explosions, during the summer months. Nearly one-third of the homes at risk were exposed to carbon monoxide leaks. While 19 per cent of homeowners claim to not use their gas boilers during the summer, the majority of at-risk homes are in danger due to their homeowners misunderstanding how boilers work.
Even if you turn off the heating in the summer, your home still uses the gas boiler for gas appliances and to heat water. Neglect can potentially cause the gas boiler and your appliances to develop hazardous leaks. Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, there are several safety practices that you can follow this summer to better ensure the safety of your home.
If you are a homeowner:
- Gas appliances (including portable barbecues), flues and pipework should be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The installation of any new gas appliances or pipework and the maintenance of existing gas systems should be carried out by a certified Gas Safe engineer as well.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and perform regular inspections to ensure that they are functioning properly.
If you are a tenant:
- Contact your landlord to review the building’s gas safety record to verify the landlord’s compliance with gas safety regulations.
- Schedule an annual inspection of any personal gas appliances by a certified Gas Safe engineer.
- Regularly inspect carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are functioning properly. If your home is not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, either contact your landlord to discuss installing several, or purchase your own. If you purchase your own carbon monoxide detector, verify that it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark.
If you or anyone in your household starts to experience headaches, nausea or dizziness, you should open all windows and doors before turning off the gas supply. Then, call the National Gas Emergency number (at 0800 111 999) and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
