If you're worried about boiler safety and feel like your system needs a gas safety check, it's important you read the information below - we take gas safety very seriously.
Glow-worm is proud to support and promote gas safety initiatives alongside the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA) - a government funded body whose main aim is improving homeowner awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it. The COCAA work with major energy retailers to promote gas safety initiatives further.
Working alongside the COCAA we are dedicated to ensuring regular gas safety testing is carried out and that all boilers have rigorous gas safety checks and are approved to high safety standards of gas safety before they leave the factory.
Industry standards over recent decades has led to domestic boilers becoming even more reliable, long-lasting and safe to use. As with all gas appliances however, it is imperative that boilers are installed, serviced and given regular gas safety checks by a competent Gas Safe registered gas engineer.
You can find out more about Carbon Monoxide poisoning and gas safety by visiting http://www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com
Carbon Monoxide fumes have no colour, taste or smell and can be produced by appliances that use gas, wood, oil or coal. Carbon Monoxide can also be present in smoke from solid fuel or oil appliances. Carbon Monoxide is potentially fatal, and even low-levels of the poison can cause lasting damage to your health. It's important to have a gas safety check if you feel you have a problem.
You increase the risk of your appliance producing Carbon Monoxide if it is badly installed or poorly maintained.
If you have a solid fuel appliance you should empty and check the ash can daily, clean the flue ways at the back of the boiler weekly and clean the throat plates at the top of the room heater monthly.
If you live in rented accommodation with gas appliances your landlord must provide you with proof that a Gas Safe registered installer has carried out gas safety checks on the appliances within the last 12 months. If you're worried about boiler safety, speak to your landlord immediately.
Carbon Monoxide alarms need to meet European gas safety standards and must be audible. Fit them in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions. We do not recommend the use of a 'Black Spot' detector - these are often inaccurate and will not alert you if you are overcome by Carbon Monoxide fumes or asleep. If you are concerned about the threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning whilst on holiday in the UK or abroad, you may wish to take a battery-operated Carbon Monoxide alarm with you. After all, you can't do a gas safety check everywhere you go.
The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to the 'flu'; nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headaches, stomach and chest pains. If you experience these symptoms but feel better when you are outside or away from the appliance, you could be suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Get a qualified engineer to carry out a gas safety check as soon as you can.
Look out for Carbon Monoxide danger signs such as soot or staining around the appliance and excessive condensation in the room.
Carbon Monoxide can also be present in smoke from solid fuel or oil appliances.
If you are using a gas appliance that should have a crisp blue flame, such as a pilot light, look out for changes. If it turns to a lazy orange flame, the appliance may not be working correctly.
If you spot any of these signs, get someone experienced in gas safety testing to check everything is okay.
If you suspect a Carbon Monoxide leak, stop using the appliance until it has had a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered Installer. You should open windows to ventilate the area, leave the room to get some fresh air and seek medical advice.
If you receive medical attention, be sure to state that you suspect you could be suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning to ensure you receive appropriate treatment, such as a breath or blood test.
Blocking ventilation or misusing your appliance can lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning and would fail any gas safety testing.
You should have your chimney swept at least once a year, preferably before each winter and have regular gas safety checks.
