Homes are supposed to be the safest place but unluckily, the most frequent accidents occur in our homes. In response of the ever-evolving technology, people are thinking about the home renovation to
meet the contemporary standards.
In the USA, approximately 12 million people get injured every year while carrying out home improvement activities. Whether you are simply redoing the bathroom or completely remodeling your
house, it is imperative to maintain a safe working environment.
Gas Safety During Home Improvements
The study by National Fire Protection Association shows that 784 people have lost their lives due to gas exposure in 2009. This reflects a higher tendency of gas accidents while improving your home. That said,
by following the safety tips below, you can avert gas hazards during home improvement.
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Hire A Gas Safety Engineer
After witnessing a large number of gas accidents both in the workplace and in homes, the government of the UK passed a law. It obliges homeowners to submit a gas safety certificate every year to ensure their property is safe from any gas hazard.
Likewise, commercial gas safety certificate is mandatory for a workplace. A registered gas safe engineer inspects your property and issues a certificate which costs around £35 to £150 depending on the size of
the property and the number of gas appliances installed.
When the gas safety engineer visits your home or workplace, do ask him to show the gas safe ID card to ensure they are Gas Safe Register engineer. Gas certification will not only ensure your safety but will
also boost your property value if you are thinking about selling or renting your property.
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Don’t Think Of DIY When Dealing With Gas Appliances
Never think about fitting, fixing, or moving gas appliances during home improvements, such as boilers or cookers. A minor gas leak can lead to explosion, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
DIY tutorial on the internet will arouse you to pull your socks up and start messing up with your gas appliances but we recommend not to go for this absurd idea. Saving a few dollars by doing
experimentation on gas work will cost you many lives.
Do not try to repair or remove faulty gas appliances by yourself. Where necessary, make a call to a gas safe engineer for help. Moreover, make sure you do not hit the pipes accidentally while undergoing any
construction work.
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Install A Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Carbon monoxide is a slow poison that will take your life before you even notice it. You cannot smell or see this gas, making it the deadliest gas.
Every home must have a carbon monoxide gas installed. If your home doesn’t have any, write it at the top of your home improvement plan. This is a must-have to protect you!
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Ensure Proper Ventilation
Accidents can happen anywhere, even in the safest places. But the matter of concern is your preparedness in case an emergency occurs.
You should be vigilant enough to know that a well-ventilated dwelling can avert the impacts of gas accidents. Ventilation channels, such as windows help fumes and smoke to excel easily if a fire outbreaks.
If your home has a few windows and exhausts, then add some windows in your home improvement task, especially in the kitchen where most of the gas appliances are installed.
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Do Not Neglect The Signs Of Danger
Sometimes, we are so much into the renovation task that we neglect the minor symptoms that are indicating a catastrophe.
You and your family must be aware of the signs of danger and react as immediately as possible. For instance, flames are orange or green, condensation in the room, soot in gas appliances, or rotten egg smell; all these signs indicate your gas appliances are having some issues that need to be resolved readily.
Sometimes, you get a headache or suffocation if any gas is leaking around you. So keep all these signs in mind while improving your home to stay safe and secure.
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Address The Leak Readily And Properly
It is natural to get panic if you find out that the gas is leaking around you but the important thing is how readily you overcome it.
Do not turn on any ignition source, turn off the gas supply at the cylinder or meter, and open all the doors, windows, and other ventilation channels so that gas can find a way out of your home. If you feel like the gas is too intense and the smell is persistent, just evacuate the area before the gas could choke or faint you. Call a gas fitter to repair the leaks and ensure the proper working of the gas appliances.
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Do Read User Manuals
The last thing you would want to read is the user manual that comes alongside gas appliances. Do you think you are smart enough to operate the appliance without wasting time reading boring instructions? You are at a loss if you think you are!
Manufacturers write it down for the sake of your safety; it may cost you a few minutes but it is worth it for your life. by reading those instructions, you will get to know the proper usage of appliances that will surely extend their lifespan.
Other Home Improvement Considerations
Some home improvement tasks have a great impact on your gas appliances even if they are not being touched directly, for instance;
- Scaffolding: This work can potentially damage your flue or chimney terminal outlet.
- Roof work: Make sure chimneys and flues are not blocked, removed, or damaged. If new openings or windows are being installed, make sure to maintain a suitable distance from flues and chimneys as recommended by manufacturers.
- External cladding: Make sure vents, flues, or chimneys are not obstructed or damaged.
- New conservatory: Make sure flues are not enclosed and any new window addition is undergone by maintaining a safe distance from flues and chimneys. Only a safe gas engineer should be allowed to move the flues.
To Sum Up
Your home should provide you with the requisite peace of mind and a sense of safety. Unluckily, there are many ways your home can get into an accident. Most frequent gas hazards are reported in homes. So we have mentioned some useful tips that you must keep in mind while undergoing any home improvement task. Remember, whenever you go for gas works, always hire a gas-safe engineer who holds the relevant qualification for working on your appliances.
