Confusion among carers about the signs of unsafe gas appliances could be putting vulnerable people at risk, according to research from the Gas Safe Register.

The findings are particularly worrying as new data from the Register reveals that 1 in 5 UK homes contains unsafe gas appliances such as cookers, fires, and boilers.

The research involved 2,001 people who care for or check in on an elderly or disabled loved one who doesn’t live with them. Three-quarters (75%) of these said safety was a key reason for checking in on their vulnerable loved one. Yet 92% don’t know at least one of the crucial signs that a gas appliance is unsafe.

Over half (54%) don’t know that a lazy yellow flame on appliances such as cookers is a warning sign. Over three-quarters (76%) were unaware that increased condensation inside windows is a red flag, and over half (55%) didn’t know to look out for sooty stains on or around appliances such as cookers.  

There is also evidence of confusion around the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Almost half (49%) of respondents didn’t know that breathlessness is a symptom, over a third (38%) were unaware that nausea can be a sign of poisoning and (32%) were unaware that headaches can mean an appliance is emitting carbon monoxide.  

The survey also revealed the extent to which vulnerable people may not be protected by an audible carbon monoxide alarm. A fifth (20%) of those surveyed said they weren’t sure if the person they care for has an audible carbon monoxide alarm and, more worryingly, 17% said they know their loved one doesn’t have one.

This Gas Safety Week (16-22 September 2019), Gas Safe Register is urging people to protect themselves and their loved ones by familiarising themselves with the signs and symptoms of unsafe gas appliances.

The key signs are:

  • Floppy yellow or orange flames on gas appliances, such as cookers, instead of a bright blue one
  • Increased condensation inside windows
  • The pilot light repeatedly going out or the boiler fails to light
  • Black or sooty marks on or around your gas appliances
  • Feeling unwell – the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive at Gas Safe Register, said: “Those who look after others care deeply about their safety and wellbeing and feel a lot of responsibility. We don’t want to add to the list of things to worry about, but we want to raise awareness of the signs of unsafe appliances. Unsafe appliances can be deadly and knowing the warning signs can protect you and your loved ones from harm.”