Natural gas is one of the main resources used in homes but it is also one of the most dangerous ones. This is why it is extremely important that the correct precautions are taken while installing and using natural gas at home.
Individuals should not only know efficient gas safety tips to protect their homes but should also be aware of the symptoms to detect leaks. The following section includes various tips that people can use to prevent gas-related incidents and also the main symptoms of gas leaks.
Home Natural Gas Safety Tips
The tips mentioned below are very simple and should be taken up by all homeowners. These tips, if regularly followed can help you prevent gas-related incidents from occurring and protect you from suffering a great loss.
1. Get A Gas Safety Check Annually
Getting a Gas Safety Check is extremely important to prevent any gas-related incidents from taking place in your home. Landlords should schedule an annual Gas Safety Check and get all the gas appliances and fittings in their homes inspected.
They can do so by taking an appointment with a gas company which will send a registered engineer to check the house. After the inspection has been completed, the engineer will hand over a CP12 certificate to the landlord. This certificate proves that the house has been inspected and is safe.
2. A Gas Safe Registered Engineer Should Conduct The Inspection
Gas Safe Registered engineers are specifically trained to inspect your home. This is why landlords must make sure that the engineers sent to conduct the checks have been registered.
They can do so by first checking the IDs of the engineer which contains all their personal information as well as a hologram that proves that the documentation is legitimate. Secondly, they can search for the engineer on the Gas Safety Register to further check whether they are eligible to perform the check.
3. Be Aware Of The Gas Appliances
If the appliances installed in your home are not working properly or are showing odd signs, get them checked. There can be various signs including the presence of black marks around the appliance, yellow flames, and even condensation.
Appliances that have been marked unsafe to use by a registered engineer should be either repaired or removed. This action should be taken immediately.
4. Install The Correct Safety Devices
Safety devices such as CO alarms and leak detectors should be installed properly for timely detection. These allow people to take action and prevent any big incident from occurring. The installation of these devices should always be done by professionals.
5. Your Home Should Have A Proper Ventilation System
The ventilation system in your home needs to work efficiently to prevent gas-related incidents from occurring. The chimney and the vents should be checked regularly and all the blockages should be removed.
Leak Symptoms
While the tips mentioned above can help you keep your house safe, it is also equally important to know the symptoms of a leak. The following are some of the most common symptoms that will help you detect a leak:
1. Always Check Your Stove
Whenever you exit your kitchen, always make sure that your stove is turned off. It is a very common mistake to leave your stove on after cooking.
Similarly, check the flame of your stove when turning it on. Gas stoves usually produce a blue when after the burner is turned on and if the flame is orange or red instead, it means that there is another gas in the surrounding that is taking up the oxygen. This is another sign of a leak.
2. Look Out For Signs Of CO Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the most dangerous gases that can be produced if natural gas is unable to burn properly. This can take place if gas appliances are ill-fitted or damaged.
In case CO poisoning occurs, you should be aware of the symptoms. These may include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and breathlessness, and in severe cases, people can lose consciousness.
3. Beware Of A Hissing Or Whistling Sound
If there is a substantial leak around, you may be able to hear a hissing or whistling sound. If this sound is coming from one of the appliances or pipes, you must immediately turn off the gas supply and call a professional for help.
4. Smell Of Sulfur Or Rotten Eggs
Natural gas is colorless which is why companies put in an additive called Mercaptan that makes the gas smell like Sulfur or Rotten Eggs. This helps people in detecting a leak. If you detect such a smell coming from your appliances or their fittings, turn off the main gas supply and call for help.
5. Conduct A Soapy Water Test
Create a concentrated solution by mixing a teaspoon of soap in a cup of water. Pour this solution onto the area you think is leaking. If there is a gas leak, bubbles will start showing up which will detect the leak.
Conclusion
It is very important to know how to secure your home and take the right steps to protect it. Gas leaks are one the most common causes of accidents within houses so you should regularly check all the appliances and immediately act if an issue is detected. The tip mentioned above can be followed to adequately prevent a gas-related incident from occurring.
It is equally important for individuals to detect leaks themselves and be aware of their signs. The symptoms mentioned above are very common and usually take place immediately after a gas leak. If these symptoms are detected, all the gas appliances should be immediately inspected and the correct action should be taken to fix them.
