Need To Know’s For Household Gas Leaks

-04/11/2021-

Guscott Heating Services

Just how much do we know about carbon monoxide poisoning?

Household gas safety should be a priority and we believe it isn’t spoken about enough!

Take this for instance, did you know that there has been an increase in unsafe gas appliances across the country since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic?

In research carried out by Project Shout, Gas Engineers discovered the reason for the increase in unsafe appliances was down to the pause in checks caused by lockdown and the uncertainty of allowing tradesmen into public homes.

The fact remains that carbon monoxide is the ‘undetectable’ poisonous gas that HAS NO COLOUR, NO SMELL, NO TASTE AND IS INVISIBLE TO HUMAN SENSES! The research even tells us that in the UK alone over 200 people find themselves hospitalised after being exposed to carbon monoxide which has led to around 50 deaths!

Such facts are massively scary when presented to us and if you didn’t know before, we hope you consider taking extra care when it comes to gas safety for your own home!… Especially if another lockdown occurs.

With the Winter soon approaching, Gas Safe Registered Engineers such as ourselves must do everything we can to help spread the word on the silent killer. We urge all homeowners to check if all of their gas appliances at home have been given the clear and presented with an official gas safety certificate.

So What Happens When You Become Exposed To Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide can cause multiple symptoms and can differ quite vastly. They can actually be similar to the effects of the Flu and here is what the NHS states as the potential symptoms:

Headaches
Tiredness
Confusion
Dizzy Spells
Stomach Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Shortness of breath/ Difficulty breathing

Ok, So What Do I Do If I Think I Have A Gas Leak?

First thing first, you need a carbon monoxide alarm. As we stated earlier, the gas is undetectable to human senses. Should your alarm ever go off, you must open all doors and windows immediately in order to filter out the gas.

Secondly, stop using any fuel burning appliances and leave the property immediately!

You must avoid using any electrical appliances too as there is a potential for this to cause a spark and ignite any gas in the air! So this means no smoking!

Lastly, if you feel unwell call 999 immediately. If you don’t have any symptoms however, you must call the National Gas Emergency Service Number on 0800 111 999 and notify them of your gas leak.

How Do I Know If It’s Safe To Enter The Property Again?

Do not re-enter the property until the alarm has stopped and of course do not use the gas appliance again until it has been checked by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer!

Whether you would like your gas appliances including your boiler to be checked over for the first time with Guscott Heating Services, or you would like to book your annual boiler service in, please head over to our Contact Us page to book yours today.