Using gas appliances and electronic gadgets safely | Tenant news

Gas appliances and electronic gadgets like cookers, heaters, boilers, phones, and kitchen tools are found in every home, but how many people really use them according to manufacturers’ instructions?

Following a few practical steps – and manufacturers instructions - can help prevent accidental fires, electric shocks or perhaps even gas leaks from happening when you least expect them to.

Where are the dangers?

Gas appliances like cookers, heaters and boilers burn fuels that produce gases including carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odourless.

Breathing in carbon monoxide will make you feel sick, causing headaches or dizziness, and in severe cases, death. That’s why it’s vital to keep your home well-ventilated when using gas appliances.

Meanwhile, electrical items like mobile phones and some kitchen appliances can heat up when plugged in and can cause shocks or fires if the wiring is faulty or the devices aren’t being used as manufacturers intended.

Things to watch out for

When using gas appliances, watch out for a smell similar to rotten eggs, unusual noises from appliances, flickering or orange flames, sparks, or power outages, which are caused by a tripped switch in your electrical box (also known as a junction box).

If you smell gas, act immediately to turn off the gas supply at the main valve, open windows and doors, and ensure everyone leaves the property.

Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 once outside and clear of the property. Follow their advice and wait for the engineer to arrive.

Electronic gadgets

If you notice a burning smell or see smoke marks coming from an electrical socket or fuse board, turn off the power at the main switch immediately then contact us by phone to report the problem.

Avoid overloading sockets or using multiple adaptors in one outlet and never use damaged cables as these can cause overheating, electrical faults, and fires.

Regularly check electrical cables and plugs for signs of damage such as fraying or loose connections, and don’t use any device with a damaged cable until it is repaired or replaced.

While advice like keeping electrical gadgets away from water and avoiding using them with wet hands to prevent electric shocks may seem obvious, we all lead busy lives and accidents do happen.

Finally, consider unplugging electrical devices like toasters, kettles, and TVs, when not in use, to reduce the risk of fire and save energy.  For more health and safety tips, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/health-and-safety.

************