November 22, 2022

7 Gas Safety Tips for Tenants To Follow In 2023

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It's that time of the year again – moving into a new home. Between January and mid-March, millions of people will take the drastic step of leaving their current abode and moving into a new one..

As an incoming tenant, you're probably wondering what you can do to make your new home safe and secure. And gas safety should be top of the list.

In the UK, the burden of gas safety lies with the landlord – they must ensure that all gas appliances within the property are in good working order and safe to use. On the other hand, tenants are responsible for inquiring about gas safety measures before signing a lease and insisting on maintenance year-round.

Here are some excellent gas safety tips to help you keep your home safe.

1. Ask Your Landlord to Share the Gas Safety Certificate

If you are moving into a new rental home, ask your landlord to show you a copy of a valid gas safety certificate before signing the lease. If you are an old tenant, ask your landlord to get a new check every 12 months, as Landlords in the UK are legally required to get a gas check and certificate yearly.

If you don't live in the UK but have natural gas fittings and appliances in your home, you must insist that your Landlord gets a gas safety inspection from a licensed engineer. All gas appliances should be inspected at least once every year because poor maintenance can lead to severe hazards like carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ask to see the engineer's license to verify their credentials and let them in the home. Ensure the engineer inspects all gas appliances, including chimneys, flues, and boilers.

If the engineer marks an appliance unsafe to use, you must stop using it and ask the landlord to have it repaired immediately. Work with your landlord to establish a schedule for having your gas appliance tested and maintained..

2. Learn Gas Stove And Oven Safety

Knowing your gas appliances may appear strange, but it may serve you well. You should know how the appliance is supposed to work to recognize any signs of a problem as soon they appear.

For example, you should know what a healthy flame looks like, what sound your stove or oven makes when it is working correctly, and the correct position of the nobs when turned on or off. Knowing the basics of your appliances will alert you to problems before they become hazardous.

Check appliances frequently for leaks, cracks, clunking noises, and black, sooty patterns. If the flames are yellow and sluggish instead of blue, your stove may have a problem. Similarly, stains or large amounts of soot around the appliances are a cause for concern.

You can read the appliance manual and learn about basic oven and stove safety from verifiable sources like the Gas Safe Register. Moreover, many resources are available to help you choose the right gas appliance for your new home. For example, the National Safety Council offers free online safety courses that you can use to learn about how to select gas-powered appliances for different parts of the home

3. Never Obstruct Your Appliance's Airflow

Carbon monoxide can accumulate whether you use your equipment indoors or outdoors if there isn't enough airflow around it. Therefore, always use gas appliances with adequate ventilation.

Gas appliances require clear vents and chimneys to burn gas safely and efficiently. Ducts, in particular, must be cleaned and inspected regularly to avoid blockage.

4. Invest in A Carbon Monoxide Detector

Install a working CO detector near gas appliances to avoid the hazards of carbon Monoxide. Make sure that the CO detector is working correctly at regular intervals. You may need to change its batteries once a month.

A CO alarm will start ringing when the level of CO in the air is higher than healthy for humans. Once the alarm starts ringing, you can open the windows and doors, turn off the appliances, and get out of the house.

Once you are out, call an engineer to detect the cause of CO accumulation and have it fixed. Early detection has the potential to save lives.

Recognizing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning is also essential. The top six symptoms are headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss.

5. Evacuate If You Smell Gas

If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leakage, get everyone out of the house as soon as possible, open all windows and doors, and avoid touching lights or switches. Don't go into the house until the Gas Emergency service says it's safe to go back inside.

If you are using natural gas in your home, you should have the gas emergency helpline number on speed dial. If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide or are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, you must seek medical attention immediately.

Gas Safety Tips to Avoid Gas Hazards & Live Safe!

Whether you are moving into a new rental home or have been a tenant for some time, it is vital to ensure that your new home is ready for occupancy and safe to use.

Never assume that the appliances in the house are safe just because you moved in! Ask to see the landlord's gas safety certificate before you sign the lease agreement.

Because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and explosion from faulty equipment, it is critical to ensure gas safety year-round. The 5 tips mentioned above will let you do just that!

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