The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has issued a warning to residents on the deadly risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as gas heaters across the State are being switched on to beat the chill.
State Building Surveyor at VBA, Andrew Cialini reminded Victorians to hire a licensed or registered plumber to service their gas heaters before putting their lives at risk.
“Despite increasing awareness of the risks posed by gas heaters in homes, tragic incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning continue,” Mr Cialini said.
“Sadly, each winter sees stories of serious poisonings, close calls and worse as the silent killer of carbon monoxide poisoning strikes homes across Victoria,” he 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.”
Mr Cialini said consumers should ask gasfitters for their registration and licence details and, after they had completed the servicing work, gasfitters must provide a compliance certificate if the total value of the work was $750 or more.
The State Building Surveyor said as part of servicing a gas appliance, gasfitters would test for carbon monoxide spillage and negative pressure, two of the key risks for carbon monoxide poisoning.
“If the gasfitter identifies carbon monoxide spillage, it must be rectified immediately as exposure can put lives at risk,” he said.
Further information on carbon monoxide safety, and how to find a licensed or registered plumber, can be accessed at this PS News link.
