Gas Heater Appliances Safety South Africa
While gas is usually safe to use, If not looked after, gas can cause poisoning, explosions and fire - damaging homes, businesses and can cause deaths.
Carbon Monoxide - “The Silent Killer”
“Carbon Monoxide or CO, is produced by devices that burn fuels. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source”. Read more at Carbon Monoxide Kills.com
Points to follow regarding Gas Heater Appliances Safety:
- Follow the manufacturer’s guideline documents carefully. Rather be safe than sorry.
- Never leave your heater unattended.
- Always turn off your heater if you are away from it for a long period of time. Both the starter switch on the heater and the tap on the cylinder should be turned off.
- Check, maintain and service the heater, regulator valve and hose connectors of your unit. Speak to a registered professional for advice and maintenance. If in doubt, ask these resources: www.lpgas.co.za | www.saqccgas.co.za
- Do not use aerosol spray cans or any flammable liquids near the heater.
- Don’t sit too close to your heater, you may not even notice that you’re slowly being burned. touching any part of the heater grill can cause serious burns.
- Only use your heater in a well-ventilated room. If a room become too hot or feels stuffy, open a window and/or door to ventilate the Carbon Monoxide which is odourless and colourless.
- Keep your gas unit away from electrical wall sockets (plugs) and multi-plug units - sparks and gas are a recipe for disaster.
- Never place a heater close to appliances, furniture or curtains. Give at least a metre’s spacing between the heater and other objects. Never hang material or clothing over a heater in an attempt to dry it.
- Do not move your unit when it is turned on. Always turn it off when moving it around. When transporting your unit, remove the gas cylinder.
- Never extend your hoses yourself, contact a qualified gas installer to advise you on your options.
- Buy your gas heaters and other gas accessories from a reputable dealer. If in doubt, ask the resources mentioned in point 4.
