As gas heaters fire up in homes across the State, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is alerting plumbers and consumers to the deadly risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
State Building Surveyor at VBA, Andrew Cialini said that despite increased awareness of the risks posed by gas heaters in homes, there were still far too many tragic incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Sadly, each winter sees stories of serious poisonings, close calls and worse as the silent killer of carbon monoxide poisoning strikes homes across Victoria,” Mr Cialini said.
“Residents are reminded to get gas heater appliances serviced regularly (once every two years) and discuss the danger of faulty or poorly maintained indoor gas heaters with plumbers,” he said.
Mr Cialini said VBA had resources available for consumers on carbon monoxide safety and the proper servicing of gas heating appliances.
“Consumers should ask gasfitters for their registration and licence details, which can also be confirmed on the VBA website, and after they have done the servicing work the gasfitter must provide a compliance certificate if the total value of the work is $750 or more,” he said.
“As part of servicing a gas appliance, the gasfitter will test for carbon monoxide spillage and negative pressure – two key risks for carbon monoxide poisoning.”
He said if carbon monoxide spillage was identified by a gasfitter it had to be rectified immediately as exposure could put lives at risk.
Mr Cialini said the effected appliance may need to be repaired or disconnected and consumers could use the VBA’s Find a practitioner tool to find the right kind of gasfitter.
He said VBA also provided resources for plumbers on the responsible servicing of gas appliances and encouraged them to attend a free gas safety webinar from 19 May to 30 June presented jointly by VBA, Energy Safe Victoria and Master Plumbers.
VBA’s consumer resources, including information on how to find a gasfitter, can be accessed at this PS News link and information on its gas safety webinar for plumbers at this link.
