Gas & Oil Fired Equipment

There is a danger of fire and explosions from piped gas supplies and of toxic fumes ( carbon monoxide) if appliances are not working properly. Explosions can occur in gas-and oil fired plant such as ovens, stoves and boilers.


Gas Supply

1. if you suspect a leak you must turn off the supply and notify your gas supplier at once it gas continues to escape.
2. if in doubt, evacuate the building and inform the police as well as the gas supplier.
3. do not check for leak with a naked flame.
4. do not turn the gas back on until the leak has been dealt with by a competent.

Appliances

1. use a competent fitter to install or repair your appliances
2. not use any appliances you know or suspect is unsafe.
3. check also that the room has adequate ventilation – air inlets should not be blocked to prevent draughts, and flues and chimneys should not be obstructed
4. get your appliances regularly serviced by a competent person.

Plant

1. fit explosion relief and flame-failure protection as necessary
2. interlock the heat source and the ventilation system if flammable vapours could build up to dangerous levels in the event of a ventilation failure.
3. plant including petrol – driven compressors and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuelled equipment, such as heaters and paint strippers, should be designed and operated to ensure there is enough air to burn the fuel properly.
4. there should be sufficient ventilation to remove combustion products and solvent given off.
5. make sure the operators are fully trained – use a safe procedure for purging, lighting up and shutting down the plant.