Gas safety should be a top priority on your new home checklist
Gas safety should be a primary concern when you are moving house to ensure that you do not endanger your family, your new home, or even your new neighbours by neglecting this important task.
Everyone knows that moving is taxing and that there are many things to consider, but the thrill of settling into your new home and daydreaming about your interior décor ideas can cause areas such as health, wellness and safety, to be overlooked.
One in every five houses in the United Kingdom, according to the most recent inspections from the Gas Safe Register, is equipped with dangerous gas appliances that may result in carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires, and explosions. It’s hard to determine whether or not the gas work in your new house is safe and legal without doing a little research.
Before you move in, you should…
• Request a copy of the property’s gas safety record – also known as a gas safety certificate – from the present owners to learn about the history of all the gas appliances. Every year, there should be a health check performed by a licenced gas engineer.
• If they are unable to produce a record, or if it has been more than 12 months since the previous inspection, contact a local Gas Safe qualified engineer who will do a safety check for you when you first move into the property. The website www.gassaferegister.co.uk may be used to locate a Gas Safe registered engineer in your area.
• Only Gas Safe certified engineers are permitted to legally do gas work on a property, whether it be on appliances, flues, or pipelines. Therefore, your homebuyer or structural surveys may not establish if the gas appliances in your new house are operating as they should be by default, and you will need to do your own check.
Starting to feel at home…
A little do-it-yourself labour is required for almost every relocation; nevertheless, working with a gas appliance may result in gas leaks, fires, explosions, or the inhalation of carbon monoxide.
According to a recent poll conducted by the Gas Safe Register, 15% of individuals planning home renovations want to do the work themselves on projects that potentially have an influence on gas safety. There are also other ventures that may put you at danger in an indirect manner. For example, constructing a conservatory or an expansion on a location where your flue is blocked or covered is a regular occurrence.
In order to prevent any DIY catastrophes…
• Never attempt to install, repair or relocate gas appliances such as a boiler, oven, or stove on your own; it is always advisable to use a Gas Safe qualified engineer who has the necessary expertise. For further information, go to https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/index.html.
• Before drilling, pounding, or screwing into a wall or floor, use a pipe, cable, or stud detector to see what’s behind the wall or floor.
• Never block or cover any air vents or flues in your home. Eventually, if your flue gets clogged, these gases will escape back into your house, putting you and your family at risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
• Recognize the six primary symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning: headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
•The indicators of a potentially harmful gas appliance include a slow yellow flame, black markings or stains on the surface of the appliance, increased condensation on the surface of the appliance, and an inconsistent pilot light.
• In general, if you suspect the presence of a hazardous gas, it is essential to seek professional assistance. Call the National Gas Emergency Helpline at 0800 111 999 for assistance.
Safety should always be the number one concern for anybody who is moving into a new house, and by following a few simple steps, you can guarantee that you, your family, and your neighbours are safe.
