Safety Warnings
If your fire starts to burn more slowly than usual or fumes and smoke start to build up in the room instead of going up the chimney, open doors and windows and let the fire go out. Seek professional advice before relighting.
Safe use of gas fires
Gas appliances operate safely when they are installed, operated and maintained correctly.
It is best only to buy appliances from reputable dealers. Make sure they meet the appropriate British or European Safety requirements. Avoid buying second-hand appliances if you can. If you do buy second-hand, choose appliances that have been tested for safety. Insist on a written guarantee from the dealer and a copy of the user instructions. Never install or reconnect a gas appliance yourself.
By law, gas appliances must be fitted and maintained only by an installer who is registered with CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers). If the appliance is fitted to an existing chimney, this should first be swept. Any newly installed appliance in a bathroom must be of the room-sealed type.
When installing a gas fire of 14 kilowatts input or less in a bedroom it must either have a spillage safety device or be room-sealed. If it is larger than 14 kilowatts input it must be room-sealed.
Have all your gas appliances serviced regularly by a Corgi registered installer - once a year for gas fires and boilers. Ensure this includes a safety check to make sure flues are working properly.
Ventilation is vital. All fuel uses up fresh air as it burns and gives off waste gases. Gas appliances need fresh air to burn properly. Never block or obstruct any vent. If your appliances are fitted with balanced flues, make sure the grille outside is kept clear. Where appliances require flues, removal of waste gases is essential.
Safe use of portable gas heaters
Cylinder gas (liquefied petroleum gas/LPG) is used to fuel powerful domestic heaters in houses, boats, caravans and mobile homes. Portable heaters do not need flues but they do need a lot of air. They should not be used in confined spaces with poor air circulation.
All new portable cabinet heaters made to British Standards BS 5258 Parts 10, 11 and BS EN449 are fitted with a special safety device that cuts off the gas supply if the room gets too stuffy. Other portable heaters, designed for outdoor activities, have no such device and must not be used in confined spaces.
- Choose an appliance that meets the British or European safety standard.
- Avoid buying secondhand.
- Get Corgi-registered installer to install and check new appliances.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Have your appliances regularly serviced by an engineer who is registered with CORGI.
- Make sure there is enough air coming into the room - by not blocking or obstructing vents.
- Keep portable heaters clear of furniture, bedclothes and curtains.
- Do not use a portable heater for drying clothes.
Changing gas cylinders:
- Do it in the open air. If this is not possible, open windows and doors to increase ventilation. Never change the cylinder on a stairway or other escape route.
- Extinguish all sources of ignition such as cigarettes and pilot lights. If you are indoors, turn off other heaters and electrical appliances.
- Make sure the valve on the empty cylinder is closed before disconnecting the heater. Do not open the valve on the new cylinder until the connection to the heater is secure.
- Look for any gas leaks by brushing soapy water onto the flexible hose and fittings and looking for bubbles. If you find a leak, take the heater and cylinder into the open air, and do not use either until the faulty part is replaced.
- Store spare cylinders upright, and outside wherever possible. Never store them in basements, near drains, under the stairs or in a cupboard containing electricity meters or electrical equipment.