Stay gas safe this summer

From boilers to barbecues, what you need to know about carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do appliances cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

Gas safety checklist



Gas central heating may be turned off in the summer, but your boiler is still being used for hot water and, perhaps, you use a gas cooker.

Remember the barbecue, too, which is often gas. More than 40% of us own a gas barbecue and 30% of us use it weekly to produce simple meals to enjoy outdoors.

## How do appliances cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

[Carbon monoxide (CO)](/health-library/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning) is a poisonous gas produced when fuel such as gas (or charcoal or petrol) burns incompletely. Inadequately installed or poorly maintained appliances and boilers increase the risk of carbon monoxide being produced.

You can’t see, taste or smell carbon monoxide. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that last year in the UK 319 people were killed or injured due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is important to look out for the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and to seek urgent medical attention from your doctor or emergency department.

It is not always possible to check gas appliances for signs they are not working properly, such as lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones. It is better to ensure that all gas appliances are checked annually by a Gas Safe engineer.


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## Gas safety checklist

If you are going on holiday abroad, follow these tips to protect yourself and your family:

-   All gas appliances, including gas barbecues, should be given an annual safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
-   Ask to see the current gas safety record.
-   Never use a smouldering or lit barbecue (gas or charcoal), gas or paraffin stove, light or heater in a tent, caravan, motorhome or under an awning unless it is a permanent fixture that has been installed and maintained correctly.
-   Make sure you know how to use any gas appliances, including barbecues. This is to help prevent the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
-   Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in your home, preferably one that emits an audible signal. Make sure it is approved to the latest British or European Standard (BS Kitemark or EN 50291). Take a portable one with you on holiday and, particularly when taking it abroad, make sure it will work at your destination.


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References

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Article information

Gas safety is just as important in the summer as it is in the winter. Poorly maintained appliances and boilers can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. Find out how you can keep safe.