Gas Safety Advice
To ensure the safe performance of all heating systems in our properties, we inspect and service all appliances annually. We only use Gas Safe registered contractors for repair or installation of gas appliances.
It is important that you allow our contractor access to carry out this important work. Failure to ensure access will result in the Housing Executive disconnecting your gas supply.
Gas Installations
If you have a gas supply it is important to ensure there are no potential fire risks.
There have been occasions where wheelie bins or other waste materials have been maliciously set on fire and have subsequently damaged the gas meter.
Where possible, do not store waste material or wheelie bins on or adjacent to the gas meter installation as this increases the potential fire risk if these are set alight.
Wheelie bins should be stored at a place away from the gas meter installation or in a secure area.
No one should in any way
- interfere with the integrity of the gas installation/apparatus or compromise its safe operation, or
- damage (including misuse, interference, tampering or stealing) the meter, meter apparatus or any other pipes at the meter.
Any failure by you to comply with the above conditions may result in legal action being taken against you.
Please try and keep gas meter installation unobstructed and freely accessible. Do not place or store materials in front of meters as this prevents the meter reader from your gas supplier being able to access the meter. This is particularly important in relation to safety as speedy access to the meter installation can be crucial in the event of a gas leak.
It is also important that a meter reader gains access to read the meter when they call. This will ensure that any bills issued by your gas shipper/supplier are accurate and based on actual readings, instead of estimated readings which are generated if a meter is inaccessible.
Carbon monoxide alarms
Where a new or replacement heating system is installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide detector/alarm will be provided in the room where the boiler is located
If the boiler is located in a room or space not normally used, such as a boiler room or cupboard, the detector will be located just outside the room or space.
The CO detectors will be fitted either on a ceiling or a wall, and between 1000mm and 3000mm from the boiler
These should not be removed
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal.
Carbon-based fuels and appliances are safe to use if correctly installed and maintained. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.
When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs. You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning.
It is essential, therefore, that you allow the Housing Executive access to service your boiler annually
Safety precautions
There are some easy ways to help avoid the build up of carbon monoxide:
- never block ventilation;
- ensure that flues are kept clear at all times.
What are the danger signs to look out for?
- Staining, soot or discolouration around a gas fire or around the top of a water heater or central heating boiler.
- A yellow or orange flame in a gas appliance.
- Onset of symptoms such as tiredness, headache, nausea, giddiness, pains in the chest and stomach (these can often be mistaken for symptoms of a cold or influenza).
What should I do if I suspect an appliance is unsafe?
Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Contact us on 03448 920 901
