The following articles were printed by British Columbia Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services: Boiler, Gas, and Railway Safety Branch as a part of their Safety Engineering Services.

Safety Advisory on:

• Reminder to Contractors: Reinstallation of Gas Appliance Vents – Update
• Consumer Alert – Do Your Homework Before Hiring a Furnace Cleaner
• Using the Wrong Glass Could Be Dangerous
• Carbon Monoxide – The Silent Killer
• Furnace, Chimney Cleaning Reduces Risk
• To Prevent Fires, Protect Gas Meters
• Reduce Heating Costs, Not Safety

REMINDER TO CONTRACTORS:
Reinstallation of Gas Appliance Vents – Update

The Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services is reminding contractors carrying out repairs to leaking condominiums or other buildings that all vents and vent terminations for natural gas or propane fired appliances removed during repairs, must be replaced by a licensed gas fitter employed by a registered gas contractor.

Vent and vent terminations are an integral part of natural gas and propane appliances and must be reinstalled correctly to ensure the vent components conform to all the requirements of the Gas Safety Code and are operating safely. Improperly installed vent components can cause blockages of the vent, impede the operation of the appliance, produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or start fires. When conducting repair work the following safety rules should be followed:

• Natural gas or propane piping, appliances or equipment that require removal, dismantling or modification must be placed in a safe condition or removed from service prior to commencing repairs.
• When appliances are removed or piping is repaired gas supply lines must be capped off. This work should be carried out only by a licensed gas fitter.
• If vents or vent terminations are removed, covered or located under protective coverings such as tarps, appliances should have the natural gas or propane supplies shut off.
• Adequate clearances to combustible materials and building openings, the use of certified parts, proper joints and acceptable support of the vents are necessary for safe operation of the appliance.
• Building occupants must be given written notice that appliances are not to be operated until approved for operation by a licensed gas fitter upon completion of repairs.
• The gas fitter should attach a gas fitter's tag to each appliance that has had a vent or vent terminal reinstalled.
• The licensed gas contractor should maintain a record of the reinstalled vents. This record will serve as confirmation that the venting components have been installed in conformance with the Gas Safety Code and should list the building address, unit number, type of appliance, details of the work carried out and the license number of the gas fitter who completed the work.

On completion of the repairs to the building, this record should be forwarded to the Gas Safety Program, 88 - 6th Street, Suite 400, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 5B3.

A gas inspector may inspect the reinstalled vents and vent terminations.

CONSUMER ALERT – DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE HIRING A FURNACE CLEANER

The gas safety branch of the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services urges British Columbians to have their gas furnaces and ducts cleaned and serviced.

"Furnace cleaning and servicing should only be carried out by a licensed gas fitter, as specified by the Gas Safety Act," chief gas inspector Susana Katz said. "Qualified people will be glad to produce their license. You should not hesitate to ask the service person for proof of certification."

Improperly cleaned or serviced gas furnaces could result in leaking gas or carbon monoxide poisoning. Prevent potential disasters. Become familiar with the wealth of information on choosing gas and heating contractors, prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning, and other gas related matters, that is available at your local gas company office.

In addition to learning how to choose a gas contractor, consumers might also want to check with the Better Business Bureau about a company before they conduct business. Report any problems to the Better Business Bureau, as well as to the Ministry of Attorney General's consumer operations office.

Contact numbers for the nearest consumer operations office are:

Burnaby: 604-660-3570
Cranbrook: (250) 426-1497
Kamloops: (250) 828-4667
Kelowna: (250) 717-2019
Prince George: (250) 565-6030
Victoria: (250) 387-3045

USING THE WRONG GLASS COULD BE DANGEROUS

The wrong kind of replacement glass in a gas fireplace can shatter or explode, warns B.C.'s chief gas safety inspector Susana Katz.

The Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services' gas safety branch is asking consumers to make sure they use replacement glass and components that are supplied or recommended for use by the manufacturer of their gas fireplace.

Glass used in a gas fireplace front is specially tempered or ceramic glass designed to withstand high temperatures and strong impacts. In addition, replacement glass and components must be installed to manufacturers' specifications to allow the glass to expand and contract as it heats and cools.

"Using the wrong replacement glass might save a few dollars in the short term, but it could cost you in the long run", said Katz. "Glass has been known to shatter or explode outward if the wrong glass is used or it has been installed incorrectly."

Some gas fireplaces use tempered glass and some use ceramic glass: they are not interchangeable. Consumers who need replacement glass are encouraged to contact the outlet where they bought the fireplace. A gas fireplace store can order the replacement parts specified by the manufacturer. A licensed gas fitter can make sure the glass is installed correctly.

The Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services' gas safety branch regulates the safe design, manufacture, installation, operation and repair of propane and natural gas equipment. The branch works with representatives from the gas industry, through the gas safety advisory committee, to increase public awareness of gas safety issues.

CARBON MONOXIDE – THE SILENT KILLER

The safety and standards department of the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services urges all British Columbians to use caution to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in their cars and homes.

Falling prey to carbon monoxide is easy because the toxic gas produced by burning fuels is both colourless and odourless. Vehicle engines, as well as the burning of oil, coal, wood, propane, and natural gas, can produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in a closed or non-ventilated area.

Carbon monoxide kills by interfering with the blood's ability to absorb and transport oxygen. Most victims die while sitting in an idling car or during their sleep in a poorly ventilated house with a gas or woodstove burning. It is imperative to become aware of the indications of carbon monoxide present within the home:

• flu-like symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, vomiting, or nausea;
• dying house plants;
• condensation on the inside of the windows;
• discolouration or soot buildup on heating appliances, the fireplace or at the warm air outlets of the heating system; and
• loose, disconnected, rusted or water-streaked vents on the chimney.

The easiest and quickest solution if you suspect carbon monoxide presence is to open the windows immediately to allow fresh air inside. Turn off all heating appliances. Seek medical advice for physical symptoms, and have a licensed gas contractor inspect your home and gas appliances.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat in today's energy efficient houses. Most modern houses are so tightly sealed that carbon monoxide cannot escape as easily as it can in drafty old houses. Carbon monoxide detectors can help, but bedroom windows should be left slightly open for ventilation, all year long.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning click on the following articles. To return back to this article, simply hit the back button on your browser.

What you should know about Carbon Monoxide (published February 22, 2001) 
This article was published by BC Gas to explain the dangers and to build general awareness of this toxic gas.

There is a SILENT KILLER in your neighbourhood…it's odourless, colourless, tasteless, and invisible (published January 3, 2001)
CO is deadly. You can ignore that fact, or you can take action that just might save you and your customers' lives.

Read on for even more information on this deadly gas…

FURNACE, CHIMNEY CLEANING REDUCES RISK

An improperly cleaned or serviced gas furnace can result in leaking gas or carbon monoxide poisoning. Wood stoves and fireplace chimneys can get creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires or carbon monoxide seeping back into the home.

This warning comes from the gas safety branch and the office of the fire commissioner, both part of the Ministry of Community Aboriginal and Women's Services', who are urging British Columbians to have their heating appliances inspected annually and cleaned as often as necessary. This includes gas furnaces, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and chimneys. Oil-burning furnaces should also be serviced every year.

"We want people to stay warm and safe," said chief gas safety inspector Susana Katz. "With the weather turning colder, now is the time to take this important precaution and get your heating appliances cleaned and serviced."

Carbon monoxide poisoning and fires are the main hazards caused by improper cleaning or servicing of heating equipment. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a particular threat in energy-efficient houses because they are so tightly sealed. Carbon monoxide detectors can help, but bedroom windows should be left slightly open for ventilation all year long.

In 1999 there were 218 heating equipment fires in one- and two-family homes in B.C., according to the most recent statistics available from the office of the fire commissioner. This includes privat,e homes, townhouses and mobile homes. One person died, and over $9 million in property damage occurred.

"With increased home-heating prices this winter people may be turning to alternative heat sources like wood stoves and fireplaces," said fire commissioner Rick Dumala. "An inspection and cleaning of your furnace and chimney can greatly reduce the risk of fire or of carbon monoxide seeping back into the home. A little prevention can make a big difference."

Choosing a reputable contractor to carry out furnace and chimney servicing is vital. A licensed gas fitter is required to carry out work on gas furnaces and appliances. Consumers should not hesitate to ask the service person for proof of certification or check with the Better Business Bureau about a company before having heating appliances serviced.

TO PREVENT FIRES, PROTECT GAS METERS

Excessive snow and ice buildup can damage gas meters, causing gas accumulation and potentially house fires, says B.C.'s chief gas safety inspector Susana Katz.

A temporary cover can help to prevent meter damage. An effective cover can be as simple as a plywood sheet leaning against the house to deflect the falling snow.

Homeowners should clearly mark the location of their gas meter before removing any snow from around their homes. Do not bury the meter and avoid plowing into it with snow removal equipment. When removing snow from rooftops, take care that the meter does not become covered in ice or snow.

If a gas meter is encased in ice, homeowners should call their local gas supplier. Otherwise, the safety measures and precautions suggested should be sufficient in most areas of the province.

If you do smell gas inside your home, follow these steps. First, extinguish all smoking material or any other source of open flame. Do not operate electrical switches, appliances, or thermostats. Shut off the main gas valve, open the windows and doors, and get everyone outside and away from the building. If the smell is very strong or if you hear a blowing or hissing noise, leave immediately.

For safety reasons, odorant is added to both propane and natural gas. If gas escapes, it emits a strong "rotten eggs" smell that is very distinct. Contact your gas supplier for a sample of this odorant. 

…and yet another article on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, read on…

REDUCE HEATING COSTS, NOT SAFETY

As the price of natural gas and propane heating fuels increase, many British Columbians are taking measures to reduce the impact of higher energy costs.

Improving the energy efficiency of your home without making sure you have proper ventilation for natural gas and propane heating appliances can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, B.C.'s chief gas safety inspector Susana Katz said.

"Improved caulking, weather stripping, insulation and windows are all excellent energy savers," said Katz. "But when tightening up your home, a good ventilation system can be a lifesaver (see note below)." 

Carbon monoxide is created when fuel is burned. It is colourless and odourless and if trapped inside a home can cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and even death.

Katz also warned people never to burn solid or liquid fuels in a gas fireplace or connect a wood stove to a gas appliance vent. Gas fireboxes and vents are not designed for the higher temperatures produced by other fuels.

The following safety advice can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in an energy-efficient home:

• The safe operation of any fuel-burning appliance requires an adequate supply of air for combustion and effective venting of the products of combustion to the outdoors.
• If an alternate air supply is not available, fireplace chimneys or gas appliance vents can reverse, causing downdrafts. The products of combustion, like carbon monoxide, can spill back into the home. Opening a window at or below the level of the heating appliance can make sure combustion air is available.
• Never block off combustion air supply ducts and keep vents and chimneys clear.
• Check for condensation on windows. Condensation can be a sign of poor ventilation.
• Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose. Never use a cooking range for space heating or portable propane camping equipment inside a home.
• A registered gas contractor can check your gas appliances, vents, and combustion air openings to ensure safe and reliable operation.

The Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services' gas safety branch regulates the safe design, manufacture, installation, operation, and repair of propane and natural gas equipment. The branch works with representatives from the gas industry, through the gas safety advisory committee, to increase public awareness of gas safety issues.