Boiler Safety

Electronic controls, timers and thermostats are fitted on our boilers, so this means you may not notice that something is wrong.

Follow the safety tips below to keep your boiler and central heating system safe and efficient.

Annual safety check

  • Get your boiler serviced once a year – this keeps your boiler is safe and efficient and reduces the chance of a breakdown
  • If your boiler is not insured, or if your cover plan does not include an annual safety check, you need to contact a registered engineer
  • If you have a gas boiler, you must use a Corgi registered technician
  • If you have an oil-filled boiler contact Oftec to find a local, qualified engineer
  • Never attempt to service the boiler yourself

Carbon Monoxide

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas with no taste, smell or colour, that can be given off by faulty gas appliances. This can be fatal so it is essential that you know how to spot the symptoms of a faulty appliance and the first signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

What are the early symptoms Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out for include:

  • headaches or dizziness
  • breathlessness
  • nausea
  • loss of consciousness
  • tiredness
  • pains in the chest or stomach
  • erratic behaviour
  • visual problems

For more information visit the NHS or telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should seek urgent medical advice from either your GP or an A&E department.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

  • They look similar to smoke alarms and are very easy to fit by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • You can buy one for under £20 at your local DIY store, supermarket or from your energy supplier.
  • Before buying, always make sure it is marked to EN 50291. It should also have the British Standards’ Kitemark or another European approval organisation’s mark on it.
  • Follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions on siting, testing and replacing the alarm.
  • While an alarm will alert you to carbon monoxide, it is no substitute for having an annual gas safety check and regular servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Useful Links

Boiler Safety
Health and Safety Executive
Gas Safe Register