New research has revealed just how dangerous improperly maintained gas appliances are, along with the top cause of injury and death.

Experts at Bensons Gas Engineering compared the NHS Digital Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity reports from the last ten years to reveal the biggest causes of gas-related incidents.

The latest report, published in September 2021, revealed that exposure to smoke, fire and flames was the most common cause of A&E admissions linked to gas appliances, with a total of 10,011 since 2010-11.

Explosion and rupture of gas cylinders was the fourth-highest gas-related cause, with 1,038 admissions over ten years. Many industries involve the use of gas cylinders, such as manufacturing, automotive, medical and hospitality.

In a workplace environment, an appropriate inspection body should periodically examine gas cylinders and valves before putting them into service to check they meet the approved standards.

Anyone handling gas cylinders, such as by filling, manufacturing, or repairing them, should be suitably trained, qualified, and supervised as well as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Here are some safety tips to avoid gas cylinder explosions:

  • Keep the area it’s stored and used ventilated.
  • Return used gas cylinders to the stockist rather than throwing them away.
  • Don’t overtighten the joints.
  • Install a gas leak detector.
  • Before changing cylinders, turn off the valves or gas taps before disconnecting.
  • Only change a cylinder in the open air.

Gas leaks can cause fires and explosions, which you can prevent by arranging for a Gas Safe registered engineer to annually check the safety of gas appliances such as boilers.

The smell of gas is one of the most well-known indications of a leak, but in a recent survey, nearly a fifth (23%) wouldn’t even raise the alarm if they could smell gas.

To ensure workers are alerted if a fire occurs and minimise the risk of smoke inhalation, install smoke alarms in each room, hallways and on each storey of the property. Test the smoke alarms monthly, change the batteries annually and replace the alarm itself every ten years.

Installing fire alarms will maximise the fire safety of the building. Test it weekly and get it inspected by a BAFE (British Approvals of Fire Equipment) accredited company at least every six months.

If a gas or CO leak has occurred, turn the gas off, open all the windows, evacuate the property immediately, and once outside, call the 24-hour National Gas Emergencies on 0800 111 999. Seek immediate medical attention if anyone is feeling unwell and showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here are the six biggest gas-related causes for A&E admissions over the last decade:

  • Exposure to smoke, fire, and flames – 10,011 A&E admissions
  • Contact with hot heating appliances, radiators, and pipes – 9,425 A&E admissions
  • Accidental poisoning by and exposure to other gases and vapours – 8,191 A&E admissions
  • Explosion and rupture of a gas cylinder – 1,038 A&E admissions
  • Contact with hot air and gases – 534 A&E Admissions
  • Explosion and rupture of boiler – 76 A&E admissions

Dale Goodman, Manager at Bensons Gas Engineering, said: “This large number of gas-related accidents and emergencies is extremely worrying, especially as these types of incidents are often avoidable.

“Many of these gas-related causes of A&E admissions can be triggered by a gas leak, which you can prevent with regular professional maintenance and servicing of gas appliances.

“Neglecting the gas safety of a property can have catastrophic consequences as faulty gas appliances can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even explosions. Arranging for this yearly safety check is a quick and straightforward task that could be life-saving.

“It’s crucial that a Gas Safe Registered engineer qualified to the correct level checks the safety of gas appliances, rather than attempting it yourself. Work that relates to natural gas appliances within a building is never a DIY job, and treating it as such can be extremely dangerous.

“As well as implementing safety measures to prevent these types of incidents, and having thorough planned preventative maintenance schedules in place, it’s also essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario, as some accidents are unforeseeable.

“Everybody should be clued up on the potential signs of a gas or carbon monoxide leak so that you can address it quickly and stop it from escalating into a life-threatening situation.”