It is the duty of every homeowner, landlord and employer to ensure that all gas appliances within their properties are well maintained, meeting the required standard. Yet, terrifying statistics from The Gas Safe Register show that 1 in 9 boilers that they inspect are found to be unsafe. This is a shocking oversight.
Here at P Blackhall, we are supporting Gas Safety Week 2019. Are you aware of the dangers that could be lurking from unsafe gas products?
Why Is Gas Safety So Vital?
Gas safety should be at the forefront of everybody’s minds, yet unfortunately this tends not to be the case. Should your gas appliances not be performing to their required standards, it can be far more than a mere inconvenience. A gas appliance that is neglected or poorly-serviced can put you, your family or your employees – and anybody else nearby – at risk of gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Known for being a ‘silent killer’ as you can’t see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide is produced when your gas appliances aren’t burning fuel efficiency. Breathing it in can make you very unwell and can even kill you, hence its nickname.
Some of the symptoms of inhaling low levels of carbon monoxide are not always obvious, but the most common tends to be a tension-type headache. Other symptoms include feeling sick, dizziness, tiredness and confusion. Many people tend to describe the symptoms as being similar to flu-like symptoms. However, long term exposure to carbon monoxide can cause much more serious issues. Even survivors of carbon monoxide poisoning may suffer from lifelong effects.
Every year there are around 60 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales. Although the effects of carbon monoxide can be devastating, they can also be avoided. One of the simplest ways in which you can keep those within your property safe is by purchasing a Carbon Monoxide Alarm, which will beep if it senses high levels within the property. These can be purchased for very reasonable rates, yet shocking statistics show that millions of people across the UK do not have one installed.
The Silent Killer
Annual Servicing Agreements
It’s important to ensure that all gas appliances are services each year, however if you do happen to notice any of the following warning signs, you should call a qualified engineer right away:
- There is an issue with how the gas appliance is working.
- Black stains or marks are appearing around the gas appliance.
- The flame burning is a lazy yellow flame, as opposed to a crisp blue one.
- The pilot light keeps going out.
- There is increased condensation within the room.
Any of these issues arising is a cause for concern and we would always recommend taking immediate action to eliminate the possibility of any further issues occuring.
Only Seek Out Qualified Traders
Across the UK, millions of pounds are spent each year resolving issues that ‘cowboys’ have caused. It’s crucial to ensure that you choose a reliable engineer to carry out any installation and servicing of your boilers or other gas appliances.
Here at P Blackhall Ltd, we are qualified to work on both residential and commercial units. You may, however, be wondering how you can tell apart a certified engineer from an engineer?
- Check the Gas Safe Register (an official list which outlines any business legally permitted to carry out gas work).
- Check they have a Gas Safe ID Card (which any qualified worker will be happy to show you).
If you are based in the Edinburgh region and require a boiler service, give us a call today on 0131 357 6123.
