HHSRS Hazard 9 - Uncombusted Fuel Gas

Hazard 9 - Uncombusted Fuel Gas

This hazard covers the threat of asphyxiation resulting from the escape of fuel gas into the atmosphere within a dwelling.

Note: Poisonings associated with incomplete combustion of gas and the spilling back of combustion products into a dwelling are covered by Carbon Monoxide, and explosions from gas leakages are covered by Explosions.

The most common gas used in dwellings is mains gas (formerly known as natural gas), although there is now an increasing use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) particularly in isolated and rural areas, and some use of landfill gas. Mains gas is primarily methane and is less dense than air, while LPG is denser than air. Both mains gas and LPG are odorised to have distinctive smells, to alert users to the danger of escaped gas.

Vulnerable Group: All ages

Defects & Justifications

• Gas supply - the supply of gas from a non-authorised supplier.
• Gas installations - defects to the installation, including pressure regulators, meters and pipework.
• Gas appliances - defects to boilers, fires etc.
• Maintenance defects - lack of evidence of regular testing and servicing of the gas installation and/or appliances.
• Siting of appliances - locations adjacent to windows or doors where there is a risk of flames blowing out.
• Gas detector provision - the lack of correctly sited detectors.
• Defects to detectors.

Index of HHSRS Hazards