This Christmas, it’s important to be vigilant when it comes to safety in the home. Hoards of visitors, mulled wine and more excitement than usual can mean that safety is the last thing on your mind, when in reality you should be even more careful at this time of year. Here are some tips from our Gas Safe engineer on having a safe and enjoyable Christmas.

Gas appliances

At this time of year, many people use their boilers and gas appliances more frequently than they usually would. Keeping relatives warm and comfortable can be a priority, and appliances such as gas cookers will be on overdrive with all the food preparation you will need to do.

For this reason, you\’ll need to be extra careful about your gas appliances. Make sure they\’re in good working condition beforehand – a Gas Safe engineer should be able to do an inspection and advise on anything which needs to be seen to before the Christmas period starts.

In particular, gas cookers and gas fires will need to be functioning safely and efficiently before they are continually in use over Christmas.

Carbon monoxide poisoning and Gas Safety

In addition to checking individual appliances, you\’ll need to make sure your boiler or central heating system has been inspected and is in good health this Christmas. Carbon monoxide poisoning is lethal and is particularly prevalent in winter when gas gets used more often and windows and doors are shut to keep in warmth. The gas itself is colourless and odorless so it is difficult to detect. This means gas can quickly build up in your home without you knowing it.

Again, a Gas Safe engineer should be able to perform the necessary checks for you, but there are a few warning signs you should be on the lookout for. These include:

– You or your family members suffering prolonged flu-like symptoms

– Boiler flames which appear to be burning orange, instead of blue

– Sooty stains on or around your appliances

– Excessive condensation in the room

– Coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out

What to do in a gas emergency

If in doubt, you should follow this advice from the Gas Safe register (formerly CORGI):

If you smell gas or you suspect you have a gas leak, turn off gas at the mains, put out any flames, open all doors and windows and leave the area immediately. Ensure anyone who feels unwell seeks medical advice. You should also call the Gas Emergency freephone number: 0800 111 999.

To prevent a gas emergency, you should follow these two bits of advice:

1. Always have your gas appliances serviced by a registered Gas Safe engineer – they should carry an ID card which you can ask to see as proof.

2. Have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in your home – this will alert you if carbon monoxide levels reach dangerous levels

After a gas related emergency

If you\’re unlucky enough to have experienced a gas emergency, it is important to book a Gas Safe engineer to carry out any necessary repairs and pinpoint the root of the problem.

aspect.co.uk are London property maintenance experts, offering a range of services from plumbers to gas boiler repair jobs.

http://aspect.co.uk (http://www.aspect.co.uk/gas-central-heating/) are London property maintenance experts, offering a range of services from plumbers to gas central heating installations.

Author Bio: aspect.co.uk are London property maintenance experts, offering a range of services from plumbers to gas boiler repair jobs.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: gas central heating,gas safe engineer,gas safe,gas