GAS LEAK

About Natural Gas

Natural gas is a colourless and odourless gas that is lighter than air and is predominantly made up of methane. For safety reasons, an odourant is added to give natural gas its distinctive smell.
Although natural gas is non-toxic, it can still be dangerous. When mixed with certain concentrations of air, it can ignite if exposed to a naked flame or spark. The distinctive odour helps to ensure that even small leaks can be detected quickly.

What to do if you smell gas

1.Extinguish all flames. Put out cigarettes. Do not light matches. Do not operate electrical appliances, as they may create a spark.

2.Turn off all gas appliances. Make sure that all pilot lights are out.

3.Open all windows and doors to reduce the chance of a gas build up.

4.If you still smell gas, or you think that gas is still escaping, turn off the main gas tap at the meter (if you know how).

5.Then leave the property and call the Fire Department Ph: 999 and Bord Gáis Ph: 1850 20 50 50.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Causes of CO Poisoning

1. You can be in danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at home if dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide accumulate in the home. This can happen as a result of any or a combination of the following:

2. Faulty or damaged heating appliances
3. Heating appliance not maintained or serviced
4. Rooms not properly ventilated
5. Blocked chimneys or flues
6. Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater
7. Poor installation of heating appliances
8. Improper operation of heating appliances
9. Property alterations or home improvements, which reduce ventilation
10. Running engines such as vehicles or lawnmowers in garages
11. Using cooking appliances for heating purposes

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu.

They include
1. Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness
2. Sickness, diarrhoea or stomach pains
3. Sudden dizziness when standing up
4. General lethargy

What to Do?

If anyone has any of the symptoms outlined above get fresh air immediately, then go to your doctor and ask him/her to check for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Stop using the appliance immediately and do not use it again until it has been checked by a registered installer or a qualified service agent.
The amount of CO which the blood absorbs depends chiefly on two things: how much CO is in the air and the time of the exposure. Adverse effects of CO on humans are reduced by periods of breathing fresh air. The degree of recovery depends on the number and length of those periods. The general state of health and degree of physical activity of a person exposed to CO are other factors involved in the effects of Carbon Monoxide on the body.