The Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), the Victorian Building Authorities (VBA) and the Department of Health are urging Victorian residents to protect themselves from potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning by regularly servicing their open-flued gas space heaters.
The heaters should be serviced every two years according to ESV.
Unserviced and faulty units can result in carbon monoxide leakage created by negative pressure, which occurs when operating bathroom exhaust fans or kitchen rangehoods in houses with poor ventilation.
According to the Victorian Department of Health, carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea are often mistaken for the flu.
The warning is part of the ESV Be Sure campaign, which is raising awareness of the fatal dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
ESV chairperson Marnie Williams said Victorians needed to ensure their families are protected this winter, as thousands of open flued gas heaters still being used across the state.
“We want people to be warm in their homes but those with open flued gas heaters need to ensure their units are serviced by Type A, licensed plumbers at least every two years,” Ms Williams said.
VBA state building surveyor Andrew Cialini said the organisation wanted to remind Victorians that gas heaters could be deadly if not installed and serviced correctly.
“Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is colourless and odourless, so it is important for the community to understand the risk, and plumbers installing or servicing gas heaters to take the opportunity to educate consumers when the opportunity presents.”
