Heaters
Using portable heaters can be a way of staying warm, however they can also lead to dangerous accidents.
Portable Heating Appliances
If you are using a portable gas heater ensure the room you are using it in is well-ventilated and don’t place it near your bed, sofa or other combustible material. Never drape clothing over the heater
Your heater should be well maintained and kept dust-free. Avoid using aerosols, flammable cleaning liquids and sprays within close proximity.
Fixed Wall Gas Fires
Gas appliances should be serviced by a Gas Safe registered contractor every 12 months.
If you wear loose fitting clothing or you have young children in the house, a fixed fire guard should be used in front of the fire. This guard should never be used to dry or air clothing.
As with all gas appliances, it is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector is fitted. These are widely available from most supermarkets and DIY stores.
Open Fires
If you wear loose fitting clothing or you have young children in the house, a fixed fire guard should be used in front of an open fire. This guard should never be used to dry or air clothing.
Check that any air vents are clear and unobstructed.
Buy and fit a carbon monoxide detector; these are widely available from most supermarkets and DIY stores.
Wood Burners
Wood burning stoves and boilers should be placed onto a fire-resistant base and not a hardwood floor or carpeted surface as this can increase the risk of fire.
The wood used should be dry and well-seasoned as wet or newly felled wood can cause tar or creosote to form in the wood burner and chimney and cause a chimney fire.
Logs and other combustible materials should not be stacked immediately adjacent to the stove or boiler. You should also be extra cautious when opening the stove door, adding to the fire or touching any part of the wood burning stove to prevent injury.
Buy and fit a carbon monoxide detector; these are widely available from most supermarkets and DIY stores.