7 Top Gas Safety Tips for Homeowners

Gas Safety Tips for Homeowners

Undoubtedly, energy is vital for our life. But it comes with a huge risk. Even a minor fault can result in a severe accident. If we specifically talk about gas, gas accidents can be life-threatening. 

The carbon monoxide, which is present in the natural gas, is dangerous for us. It is one of the common causes of death in the US. Leakage in the gas pipes, broken gas appliances, and improper use of gas cylinders are some common reasons for gas accidents. 

However, staying safe from all these mishaps is possible. If we take some precautionary measures, we can drastically reduce the risk of gas leakage. Let us learn about these measures and see how we can stay safe: 

Always Renew your Gas Certificate 

Do you know how important a gas certificate is? It is a document that verifies all your gas appliances. If you are living on rent, ask the landlord to give this certificate to you. But, if you own the house, you need to bear the cost. 

Every country has its policy for gas certificates. Check out the price of gas safety certificates in Buckinghamshire to get an idea about its average cost. The cost varies according to the total number of gas appliances in your house. 

Here is how you can get a gas certificate: 

  • Call a gas safe company that issues gas certificates 
  • The company will send a certified expert to check the appliances
  • The expert will check your boiler, pipes, and all other gas appliances
  • The person will also give recommendations regarding service or renewal
  • Once everything is in proper condition, you will get a certificate

Check Carbon monoxide Leakage through Alarms 

Firstly, install alarms for carbon monoxide detection in every room. It is an odourless gas and sometimes it leaks with no symptoms. However, you should take immediate action if you notice a rotten egg smell, fumes, or a hissing sound. 

Some alarms are portable so you can even take them near the stove or gas pipelines. If the alarms start beeping, take immediate action. 

Do not panic. Instead, turn off the stove or shut off the gas valve. Then, call a gas expert for further inspection. Some people don’t keep a check on their gas appliances after getting a certificate. The certificate is valid for 12 months and problems may arise in between. Therefore, alarms are helpful to stay on the safe side. 

Know Where the Shut Off Value is Present 

In most cases, many of us don’t know where the shut-off valve is present. Even if we detect gas leakage, we are unable to control it because we don’t know the location of the valve. 

Therefore, call agas expert and know its location. Let all adults in your family know about it. Check the pipe near the gas meter which is coming from the ground. Commonly, the valve is present on this pipe. But, never try to operate it if you don’t have any knowledge of it. 

Bonus Tip: 

Put small marking with paint or marker to show where to turn the valve for shutting it off. It will help you remember where to turn the valve even if you are in a hurry. 

Create an Emergency Plan 

Contingency plans are not just for the commercial sector. Even at home, all of us need to create a plan to deal with sudden urgencies. In most cases, people create panic and do not know what to do in case of an emergency. 

Having a contingency plan helps you efficiently deal with accidents. Here is how you can create it: 

  • Search online about the dangers and symptoms of gas accidents
  • Contact a reliable gas safe company to gain more knowledge
  • Purchase a fire extinguisher using ABC dry chemical
  • Allot duties to all duties 
  • Make two adults responsible for shutting off the main gas valve
  • Purchase a whistle and keep it at an easily reachable place 
  • Tell children to quickly gather in front of the main door when they hear the whistle sound 
  • Make one person responsible for calling the gas expert 
  • Also tell adults to open the windows and doors of the house immediately 
  • If the condition gets severe, tell them not to hesitate in evacuating the house 

Check Ventilation of Gas Appliances 

Checking the air vents of gas appliances is important. There shouldn’t be any blockage in it. Sometimes, the dust and grime become the reason for the blockage. In this case, clean the air vents. But, make sure to check the manual before cleaning. 

Follow the exact cleaning procedure as mentioned in the manual. Or, if you have no idea how to clean it, call a gas engineer to guide you. You can also get this work done at the time of getting the gas certificate. 

Lit Pilot Lights Safely 

In some appliances, there is a pilot for the ignition of the gas. People often complain about the gas leakage from these appliances. Since the old appliances do not have an option to turn off the gas, it comes even if the pilot is off. Therefore, always stand at some distance when turning on the pilot. 

Never Take Risks with Gas Appliances 

Remember, DIY tricks are not for gas appliances. You might find millions of DIY tutorials to fix your boiler, oven, or any other appliances. But it comes with a huge risk. 

Therefore, take good care of these appliances. And, always contact the customer service agent if you need any guidance. Furthermore, if you notice any problem in the appliance, call an expert immediately instead of delaying. Timely notice can stop the issue from getting worse. 

Wrapping It Up 

All in all, gas safety measures are essential for the safety of our family. Being a responsible house owner, you should purchase all safety equipment and install alarms for the gas leakage. Besides this, gaining some knowledge and drafting a plan to deal with emergencies is important. 

Never forget to renew your gas certificate, always check the gas appliances, and stay aware of the leakage symptoms. All these steps can help you and your family stay safe.