Gas leaks at home can be caused by a poorly fitted and maintained boilers, heaters and fireplaces. This incident can be deadly because it can lead to fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas formed when gas or LPG is not burned completely. Because it is a colorless and odorless gas, it is often very difficult to detect. However, there are symptoms that you should look out for because these clearly point to carbon monoxide poisoning:
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- breathlessness
- collapse
- unconsciousness
If everyone at home is feeling the same symptoms, this is most likely a carbon monoxide poisoning. What you can do is open all doors and windows, get out of the house, call for help and head to the nearest hospital when necessary.
Detecting and Preventing Gas Leaks
Aside from the tell-tale symptoms of the presence of carbon monoxide, you can look at your appliances because they can indicate gas leak even if you can’t smell it.
- You want to be in the lookout for a crisp blue flame instead of a yellow or an orange flame. Check for any soot or black scorched areas in your appliances. Another good indication is the musty smell and excessive condensation found on your windows.
- Prevention is always better than having to deal with a bigger problem in the end. You can start with the installation of your appliances. Always get an accredited Gas Safety Engineer to complete the installation.
- Consider getting the service of a Gas Safety Engineer to do boiler maintenance and service so your boilers will be checked for any wear and tear.
- Investing on an effective carbon monoxide detector and installing them inside your homes can also be a great idea.
Think of RJ Gas Heating Service when you need boiler services. Call us today. We want to help you ensure that gas leaks will be the least of your concern.
