The start of the New Year is behind us and all the celebrations have fallen away in a hedonistic blur. But did you make some good New Year Resolutions for you and your family this year? Here are a few New Year safety resolutions we’d love to see being made in 2019…
Keep up to date on servicing of all gas appliances
Gas appliances in your home need to be safety checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer and serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions. If not, families can run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a major killer (see below). It’s also a good idea to have your gas pipework inspected at the same time. Remember, it’s vital to ensure anyone doing work on gas appliances is Gas Safe registered.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by faulty or badly-serviced gas and other fossil fuel-burning appliances and systems. It is a silent killer because you can’t see it, hear it, smell it or taste it.
According to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England (November 2013), accidental carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause of around 40 deaths and 200 hospitalisations each year in England & Wales. Scarily, those most at risk are the under 14s and the over 65s.
If you are aware of any of the following signs, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer straight away and always check your carbon monoxide alarm is working correctly..
Signs of carbon monoxide:
- Boiler pilot light flames burning orange instead of blue
- Sooty stains on or near appliances
- Excessive condensation in the room
- Coal fires that burn slowly or go out
- Families suffering prolonged, flu-like symptoms.
Check smoke alarms on a regular basis
Whenever you check your carbon monoxide alarm, make sure to check your smoke alarms too. Again, taking a few seconds to do this every few months could save lives. The UK fire service recommend the following for smoke alarms:
- Test your smoke alarm when the clocks are changed and vacuum it gently to remove dust from the sensors
- Change the battery once a year (unless it’s a ten-year alarm)
- After 10 years it’s best to get a whole new alarm.
Get faulty electrics fixed
Every year, over half of accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it’s important to ensure electrical equipment and installations are regularly checked and maintained to prevent danger.
If you notice any problems, stop using your electrical appliance immediately, repair or replace it. Repairs should only be carried out by a competent person (such as a qualified electrician). And according to electrical safety campaigner Electrical Safety First, you should have the electrical installation in your home checked by a registered electrician every ten years, or when you move house.
Keep vigilant for water leaks in the home
If you have received a water bill that’s higher than usual, it may mean a leak in your water supply. If you are concerned that you might have a water leak in your home, it’s vital to get it checked by a qualified plumber as soon as possible.
Find out more about how Paine Manwaring can work with you to supply heating, plumbing and electrical services for commercial and domestic premises across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
Visit our website, or contact our friendly and expert team on 01903 237522 (Worthing) | 01243 784711 (Chichester), email enquiries@painemanwaring.co.uk or complete our online form.