Gas appliances if not properly maintained by a licensed gas fitter can result in result in death, serious injury or considerable property damage. In this article, Teaslec have provided tips on how to use gas appliances safely in your Melbourne homes.
GAS METERS
• In the winter, snow and ice can affect operation of your meter. Keep your gas meter, vents and any outdoor piping free of snow and ice. Remember to use a broom or brush to remove snow and ice off your meter, not a hard object to wipe them.
• Never tie pets to gas meters or use them to hang any garden tools or a light bulb.
• Never wrap your meters with blankets since gas meters need open air around them.
• Make sure that your gas meters are serviced on a regular basis in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
OVENS AND RANGES
- Clean your gas ovens and ranges regularly to avoid build-up of fat and burnt food.
- Keep ovens and ranges away from flammable materials for example: papers, cleaning fluids, glue, gasoline, varnish, paints, greases and rags.
- Never use ranges or stoves to heat your home.
- Keep an eye on your children when they are near or around gas ovens. If possible, equip a fire extinguisher in your home.
- Make sure that your ovens and ranges are serviced on a regular basis in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
GAS BURNERS
• Notice the flame on your gas burners. If it is a yellow flame, not a normal clear blue colour, your burner is not operating efficiently.
• Notice the strange odour. If you smell a different or unusual odour which may indicate a presence of poisonous gas, shut off the gas burner instantly.
• Make sure that your gas burners are serviced on a regular basis in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never use outdoor gas burners inside your home or building.
• Before turning on a gas burner, light the match or press the ignition button. If the burner does not light, turn off the gas and wait for the gas smell to clear before another attempt.
• Do not operate natural gas burners on other type of gas.
GAS HEATERS
• Turn off the gas heater when you leave your room/house.
• Never place any items nearby that may block the airflow.
• Beware of gas poisoning from gas heaters: If your gas heater is not working properly, leaving the uncomfortable air in the home, you will get sick immediately. In this case, call the gas professional.
• Keep your gas heater and its flue clean and maintained. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and operation.
FURNACES
• Regularly check the flue, heat exchanger, motors and vents
• For floor and wall furnaces, vacuum/clean the furnaces in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Do not place any items near furnaces that may stop the airflow.
• Keep children away from furnaces since they get very hot.
• Lubricate the blower motor.
About Teaslec
Teaslec is your trusted Australian electrician. With our commitment to customer satisfaction, we have been proud to bring high quality workmanship to residents and businesses across Ivanhoe and its surrounding suburbs.
We understand that failing to make sure that gas appliances are safe to use may pose a threat to you and your family health. Melbourne homes should have all gas appliances inspected every two years according to Consumer Affair Victoria. With our wealth of experience in gas safety check, we believe in performing a thorough check on your gas appliances, making sure they operate efficiently and smoothly.
We service 24/7 across Ivanhoe and its surrounding suburbs. Contact us on 1300 044 121 and we will be there as soon as possible.
