How property owners and tenants can safely use gas appliances
With temperatures continuing to drop this winter, Western Australia’s energy safety regulator has shared important advice about how property owners can stay warm and safe when operating gas appliances.
Western Australia’s energy safety regulator, Saj Abdoolakhan, stressed the importance of practising safe usage of gas appliances, flagging that incorrect usage of gas equipment can build up carbon monoxide – a toxic gas known as the “invisible killer” because of its lack of taste, odour or colour.
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“If a gas appliance is faulty or used in an area without enough ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to serious or even fatal consequences,” Abdoolakhan warned.
To ensure that gas-based devices are safe, Abdoolakhan echoed recommendations made by Western Australia’s Building and Energy Division advising that “gas appliances should be serviced by a licensed gas fitter at least every two years, or annually, if the equipment is more than 10 years old”.
“If it’s been more than two years since your gas heater was serviced, or if it’s showing signs such as discoloration or difficulty relighting, contact a licensed gas fitter,” said Abdoolakhan.
The energy safety regulator explained that a gas fitter will be able to thoroughly examine appliances for issues such as burner problems within the appliance, overheating, blockages, and assessing whether the ventilation in a room is adequate.
“A room with a bayonet socket for a gas space heater should have two permanent and unobstructed ventilation openings: one close to the floor, the other close to the ceiling,” Abdoolakhan explained.
“You should also avoid using exhaust fans at the same time as an open-flued gas heater because this can draw carbon monoxide into living spaces.”
Abdoolakhan also stated that portable and outdoor gas appliances such as camping equipment and patio heaters require the same regular service checks, and explicitly should not be used indoors under any circumstance – due to the need for proper ventilation.
Even with these guidelines in mind, the energy safety regulator emphasised that “gas appliances are safe if they are in good working order, used correctly, and in a well-ventilated area”.
In the event of an unexpected gas smell or suspected gas leak, the energy safety regulator advised that users of gas equipment should be aware of the immediate action they should take: