Gas appliances and fuel-burning equipment can cause fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning if they're not used safely or maintained properly.
- Arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Fit and maintain an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
- Keep vents, chimneys and flues clear so appliances can work safely.
- Learn the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and act quickly if you suspect it.
- If you smell gas, open doors and windows, avoid electrical switches and call the gas emergency helpline.
- If you rent your home, report missing or faulty alarms and gas safety concerns to your landlord or managing agent.
Symptoms and warning signs
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Warning signs that an appliance may not be working properly include lazy yellow or orange flames, sooty marks, pilot lights that keep going out or unusual sounds.
If you smell gas
Open doors and windows, turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so, put out naked flames, don't smoke and don't use electrical switches.
In Great Britain, call the gas emergency helpline on 0800 111 999.
Carbon monoxide alarms
Use an audible carbon monoxide alarm marked BS EN 50291, install it according to instructions, test it regularly and replace it before its expiry date.
If you're deaf or have hearing loss, you can get specialised detectors which use visual or tactile alarms such strobe lights or vibrating bed shakers to alert you.
If you rent your home
In England, landlords must provide smoke alarms on every floor used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a heating appliance, excluding gas cookers.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm guidance for landlords and tenants (GOV.UK)