Our home is a sanctuary of peace, comfort, and security. It is the one place where we can feel safe and at ease. However, ensuring that our home remains safe requires careful planning and ongoing effort. Securing our homes should be a priority concern among homeowners.
Home safety is a general term for a variety of safety procedures. We must keep our home safe from accidents, natural elements, and intruders. This is why home safety begins even before any construction can begin. There are several structural integrity considerations to consider, including electronic wiring, plumbing, gas connections, insulation, and home security measures such as closed-circuit cameras, among others.
While home security is an expansive topic, we will be focusing on just one aspect: gas safety. Let’s explore why gas safety is a concern and how you can protect yourself against gas-related incidents.
Concerns Surrounding Gas Safety
It is relatively uncommon to hear about gas-related incidents in recent years. Cases of gas leaks or house fires have decreased dramatically. It is also not because fewer people are using gas mains. A 2023 survey found that 85% of households used gas mains.
The real reason is the implementation of better safety measures, due to regulations and improved gas appliances, which minimize the chances of gas-related incidents. Homeowners are also more cautious, as awareness of gas safety has increased. Still, there is always room for improvement in gas safety. It is helpful to review a checklist of safety measures that all homeowners must follow to maximize gas safety.
Gas Safety Checklist
Here is a comprehensive checklist of the top gas safety measures that will help you optimize the safety of your home:
1. Safety First
Gas safety should be a concern right from the beginning. Whether you are constructing your home or buying or renting one, always be aware of the safety features. Gas connectivity, through gas mains and pipes, requires careful examination.
The HVAC system and all gas appliances connected must be checked to ensure that they are correctly fitted. Hire only professionals for any gas-related work, as they are well-versed in all safety protocols and requirements. Safety must be top priority when designing or renovating your home. This way, you will be ensuring security from the very beginning.
2. Keep Appliances Repaired and Maintained
Gas appliances need to be kept in good running condition. They must be fitted correctly and maintained regularly. Maintenance requires cleaning and servicing of appliances; it keeps them working well over the years.
In case an appliance requires repairs, it is best to immediately shut it off or discontinue its use until it is repaired. Contact an expert immediately, even if you suspect an appliance is not functioning correctly. It is always better to get it inspected.
3. Getting Gas Safety Inspections
Speaking of inspections, regular gas inspection is a highly recommended safety measure. Landlords are mandated by law to get annual gas safety checks. They must submit a copy of two of the most recent gas safety certificates, CP12, to the tenants.
However, anyone can get a CP12 and should get one. An annual gas safety check is recommended for all homeowners, not just landlords. It is a small price to pay for the assurance that you and your family are safe.
All you have to do is search for a registered gas safety engineer in your area. Book a home inspection at your convenience. A gas safety check will take at most half an hour. The inspection will help detect any issues that may be present or give your gas connection a clearance for gas safety. In either case, it is best to know where you stand.
You never know, a regular gas safety check may lead to the detection of gas leakage. This could potentially save you and your family.
4. Ventilation Maintenance
Not only is it essential to have adequate ventilation, but regular maintenance of the ventilation system is also necessary. Have lots of windows and open them regularly to let the fresh air in. This will greatly improve the air quality inside the house.
Additionally, regularly clean chimneys and flues. These may become clogged over time and fail to perform their function efficiently. Hire a professional service if you have to, because maintaining the performance of the ventilation system is too important to be left to an amateur. Cleaning a chimney is hazardous work and you do not want to bear the risk.
5. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas leaks are notoriously hard to detect. This is where carbon monoxide detectors come in handy. These are wonderful devices, similar to smoke detectors. The CO detector can sense levels of gas in the air. If the level rises above an acceptable threshold, the device will ring the alarm. You can connect the CO detector to your smartphone and get alerts no matter where you are. This will help you to act quickly and prevent a major accident from occurring.
Your Part in Gas Safety
No matter how many gas safety measures you implement, doing your part is always necessary. This means always be vigilant and aware. Make sure you know the signs of a gas leak, so you can act fast, even if it is just a hunch. Remember, it is better to be wrong than be unsafe in your own house.
Another important thing is to use gas appliances carefully. Keep hazardous and flammable materials at a safe distance from gas appliances. Keep pets and children at a safe distance. Know how to shut gas mains in case of an emergency. Also, plan and practice an evacuation, as you never know when you may need to escape a gas leak. Have all the emergency numbers saved and easily accessible.
Gas safety is an ongoing process. It never ends and we must never let our guard down. Even with all the safety procedures and measures, there is always a non-zero chance that something will go wrong. Safety measures are there to minimize the possibility and keep you safe.