Posts Tagged safety

Boiler installation in flats

September 18, 2008 at 7:26 am · Filed under Boilers ·Tagged ,

Gas boiler installers often face installation tasks which are not standard.

On such question seen on the corgi trade site is

“I’m installing a boiler on the 3rd floor of a block of flats. Do I need to terminate a pressure relief safety discharge pipe from a combination boiler at ground level? Can I bend the pipe back to the wall as it exits their apartment?”

The answer is that this can be done although the important fact to remember is that the termination point needs to face downwards and back to the wall to prevent any scalding water from harming persons or property below the termination.

See … boiler installers need to think as well as fit pipes.

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What design features should I look for in a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector?

June 9, 2008 at 8:40 am · Filed under Boilers ·Tagged

Recommended detectors are certified to British Standard and have an audible alarm. Carbon Monoxide Gas is detected giving you time to empty the room. Battery powered types with electronic detection are better than the paper based types which use chemical responses to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when Carbon Monoxide Gas levels have increased. These are not recommended as they have a life of around six months and you must remember to replace them on a regular basis. Chemical detectors lack of noisy alarms prevents them from waking your household at night time if Carbon Monoxide levels rise and this could be a major safety issue. Co detectors are now readily available in the high street being stocked by many types of stores.

Are Carbon Monoxide electronic detectors available in the stores?

Carbon Monoxide sensors can be very effective early warning devices alerting families of rising Carbon Monoxide levels. These days these are several types of detector available in the local shops. Carbon Monoxide detectors are designed to react to the accumulation of the gas over time. Smoke electronic detectors have become a standard feature in homes and the engineering is reliable, Co electronic detectors are not yet as reliable but the technology is making rapid strides. Your best protection against exposure to Co is the regular servicing of your gas burning appliances. A Carbon Monoxide detector will only ever be a backup measure.

Carbon Monoxide Gas sensors should be regularly checked

Test your Co detector on a regular basis to make sure it is doing its job to protect you. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how the detector should be tried out. Check your detector each month to check that it is working satisfactorily, replace it if any faults are found. The ‘test’ feature on many electronic detectors checks the functioning of the alarm and not the status of the detector. Read the instructions for the lifespan of the detector, often it is as short as two years. There are a variety of electronic sensors designed to meet differing needs. Some operate off the mains others are portable and can be taken on holiday. Select the one that meets your requirements. Some electronic detectors incorporate smoke detection and also Co gas detection. They will have their own installation instructions which you should follow closely.

The advantages of installing a Co detector in your home

Without an installed Carbon Monoxide Gas detector your family would have no warning of rising Carbon Monoxide Gas levels in the room. Properly set up detectors monitor Carbon Monoxide levels over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms of poisoning. Whilst smoke sensors need to be installed high on the wall or near the ceiling a Co detector can be installed lower down. Make sure that you will be woken should your Carbon Monoxide detector go off whilst you are asleep. Install the alarm near your sleeping areas.

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Carbon Monoxide Gas and central heating appliances

June 9, 2008 at 8:34 am · Filed under Heating ·Tagged ,

Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide Gas is very dangerous and toxic. Carbon Monoxide Gas can be produced by a gas appliance when there is insufficient oxygen in the air supply to the burning chamber, it is also created by faulty gas fires and other gas appliances. The stock flue gases from a gas appliance, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Co2, this is displaced by Carbon Monoxide Gas when the oxygen levels are decreased. Building rules prescribing air prerequisites and the widespread accessibility gas appliance servicing services has reduced the relative incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year.

Can I check my central heating appliances to see if Co could be a problem?

Gas burning in an oxygen poor atmosphere can produce visible deposits which can discolour gas appliances and the walls surrounding them. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to inspect pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellowed or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. If the flame changes from blue to yellowed or orange this could mean that Carbon Monoxide is present and you should have the appliance inspected by a professional person.

Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide related illness.

Bad ventilation resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous Carbon Monoxide Gas. The underlying cause of Carbon Monoxide Gas production is lack of air to a gas flame. A CORGI-registered engineer should be employed to service your gas appliances. Carbon Monoxide detectors can give a warning of abnormal Co levels, models with a loud alarm are the most effective at warning the inhabitants of the home. Air air bricks and panels should be kept open and checked throughout the year to make sure that the designed air flow is kept to your gas appliances. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be developing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. chimney ventilation can become blocked in the summer by a birds nest and you may not notice id a fire is not used in the summer so a visual inspection should be incorporated in your home maintenance plans. It is important to be aware of the different sounds from your smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different noises so you know which detector was triggered off.

What are the risks with Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning?

If you suspect there is Carbon Monoxide Gas in your home you should err on the side of caution. signs can be similar to other sicknesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Seek help without delay. Anyone can fall victim to Co poisoning, even the fit and healthy. Your Favourite animals could also be injured or worse.

What should I look for as early marks of poisoning from Carbon Monoxide Gas?

Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning exhibits symptoms which can appear like other sicknesses, for example: -
- persistent headaches
- light headiness
- fatigue
- biliousness

Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered gas plumber if you see anyone in your home with similar signs. Open windows and improve air flow while you wait and ensure that no one stays in the home until the all clear has been given.

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