The Hazards of Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Checks

It is morally and ethically fundamental for Landlords to prioritize gas safety inspection at their property and stress its value to the tenants. This practice can protect against life-threatening natural gas hazards, especially Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Since the said gas has no smell or taste, no one would know if there’s a leak. Therefore, the installation of alarms is imperative. In order to exercise gas safeety checks, every landlord that owns a property in the United Kingdom must certify the installation of smoke alarms on their rented residential or commercial property.

In all rooms, the heating appliances in use must have Carbon monoxide alarms set up for safety, including all fireplaces. The regulations in Scotland demand all landlords set up alarms with all combustion appliances, except those used for cooking.

Whether you are constructing a new building, renovating it, or fitting/replacing any gas appliance, the legislation in Wales and Northern Ireland requires the landlords to mount smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with every combustion device.

Remember that prevention is better than cure; landlords and tenants must take rigorous measures by performing annual gas safety checks to prevent mishaps.

Gas Safety Checks

Here is a list of rules that the landlords (before tenants move into the apartment) and the tenants (the entire time they occupy the rented property) must follow:

1. All gas appliances and gas supply sources are serviced within twelve months to the date of installation by a registered Gas Safe Engineer.
2. Only a registered and certified engineer can perform official gas safety checks.
3. Ensure that every room of the apartment has a working carbon monoxide detector. The tenants must check and ensure that their batteries are replaced if any gas detector stops working.
4. A valid and up-to-date gas safety report is presented to the tenant within 28 days of the gas safety check.
5. The gas safety certificate must be kept handy to be shown when a gas safety inspection is carried out.
6. Keep a log of any/all defects and apply suitable corrective measures.

Reasons For a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak

Any combustion appliance that has been fitted poorly or damaged can cause a gas leak. It can also be caused due to use of a low-quality boiler/cooker, faulty/ broken gas pipes, or a defective meter itself.

It is therefore crucial that all the appliances at the property are installed by competent Gas Safe Registered engineers and serviced in their due time. The upkeep of the maintenance record book is also imperative. Do not skip gas safety checks and abide by the gas safety rules to avoid any fatal outcomes.

How to Detect a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

You must know that the carbon monoxide gas (CO2) is tasteless, invisible, and does not have any distinct smell; hence detection of this gas is almost impossible. The person exposed to the gas may not even know about the leakage.

However, you can use look out for the following signs to detect a plausible gas leak at your apartment:

1. Use your sense of smell to sniff out any unpleasant odours.
2. When igniting a gas appliance, check the colour of the flame burning on it. The flame should be blue; any other colour (orange or yellow) may indicate an issue.

What To Do in Case of Suspected Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

One must always be aware of what needs to be done in case of any gas-related emergency. The first thing is to ensure that the landlord has gone through all the clauses in the gas safety certificate signed by both parties at the time of renting an apartment, to ensure protection.

Secondly, get gas safety checks immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide leakage at the property. Enlisted below are a few measures that you can take if you suspect a CO leak:

1. Immediately turn off the gas supply from the control valve and switch off all fuel-burning appliances.
2. Contact the National Gas Emergency Service on their helpline.
3. Avoid the use of any gas and electrical switches until the area has been cleared off and marked safe by a qualified engineer.
4. Assure room ventilation by opening all windows and doors in your apartment.
5. Do not smoke or ignite any flame.
6. Go out of the room and breathe in some fresh air to prevent your blood from getting poisoned by the carbon monoxide gas. In case you feel ill, call healthcare services. This will allow them to guide you through a lifesaving emergency protocol or send help. You may also go to any nearby hospital.
7. Make sure that the tenants residing in the apartment follow the health and emergency guideline provided by the Gas Emergency Services.

Contacting National Gas Emergency Service Provider

You can contact the National Gas Emergency Service Provider (ESP) on a toll-free number, 0800 111 999. You may call anytime, 24 hours a day. The agent may inquire you about the following details:

1. Your name, phone number, and other required personal information may be required.
2. Your present location or the address of the area where the gas leak is suspected.
3. The part of the building where the smell is most noticeable?.
4. Is the suspected smell coming from the basement of the apartment?
5. Time for which the smell of the gas has been noticeable?.
6. Number of individuals present at the place who got exposed to the gas.
7. Was a `neighbor affected by the gas?.
8. Is the smell coming somewhere outside or inside your apartment?.

Health Symptoms That May Suggest Carbon Monoxide (CO2) Poisoning

If you experience any of the following symptoms after inhaling the carbon monoxide gas, please seek medical help immediately:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathlessness.
• Fainting.

Upon reaching the hospital, explain your symptoms so the doctor can order a simple breath/blood test to confirm or dismiss carbon monoxide poisoning.