As nights become longer and colder, many people will spend more time indoors with family and friends.
CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services, offers the following safety tips to help prepare your gas fireplace and furnace for the fall and winter seasons:
u Gas appliances should be inspected before use and checked annually by a qualified professional service person.
u Due to high temperatures, do not store or use combustible materials, like chemicals, paint, rags, clothing, draperies, paper, cleaning products, gasoline or flammable vapours and liquids in the vicinity of your gas appliances.
u Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and lethal gas that can occur any time there is incomplete combustion or poor venting. Any home that contains fuel burning appliances, such as a fireplace or furnace should have a carbon monoxide alarm installed.
u Children should be carefully supervised, and adults should be alerted to the hazards of high surface temperatures and should stay away to avoid burns or the possibility of clothing catching on fire.
u Be alert for unusual odours or flames that are not blue in colour often indicating that the fireplace is not operating properly.
u Gas fireplaces with glass doors should not be operated if the glass is cracked or broken.
For more information, please visit www.csa-international.org.