Gas Natural Cegas, the Spanish Gas Association (SEDIGAS) and the Association of Plumbing Installation Companies (ASEIF), in partnership with the Regional Ministry of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment of the Valencian Regional Government, have launched a Gas Installation Safety Campaign for Valencian households.

The presentation of the campaign took place this morning in the Nou d'Octubre administrative centre belonging to the Regional Government and was attended by Managing Director of Energy, Antonio Cejalvo, the Managing Director of Gas Natural Cegas, Roberto Cámara, the Secretary of Sedigas, Marta Margarit, and the Chairman of ASEIF, Francisco Alonso.

This campaign will promote basic, easy to follow tips on the use of natural gas, in order to make domestic users aware of the importance of the proper use and maintenance of gas installations and appliances. The campaign reminds users that the owner or, in their absence, the user of the installation is responsible for keeping it in good working order.

Over 80% of the population of the Region of Valencia has access to natural gas, of which nearly 40% are already using it as an energy source in their homes.

Inspections

The campaign reminds users that household installations have to pass several inspections at different times, depending on the type of heater or boiler.

There is an obligatory inspection every five years, carried out by the distribution company which certified the regular inspection of receiving installations.

Also, once a year, users are responsible for the obligatory maintenance of boilers and central heating installations with a power rating of more than 70 kW, through an approved company. For installations with a power rating of less than 70kW, the inspection is required every two years.

Finally, in the case of hot water heaters with a power rating of up to 24.4 kW, users are responsible for maintenance every five years through an approved company.

These checks have a dual purpose: to ensure the safety of people and installations, and to preserve energy efficiency. Good maintenance helps to ensure high energy efficiency standards, making better use of energy and lowering costs while prolonging the useful life of equipment.

Campaign actions

The campaign will include radio advertisements, the distribution of over 100,000 informative flyers and 100,000 magnets featuring different safety tips.

The main safety tips are:

  • Check that the flame is blue, stable and silent.
  • The ventilation grilles must never be covered or obstructed by any element and must be kept clean. They must always be open to the outdoors.
  • Modifications to gas facilities or appliances must be carried out by qualified installation companies.
  • Ensure there is a device installed that prevents the simultaneous operation of the extractor hood and a non-enclosed gas heater, if both are installed in the same area.
  • Shut off the general gas safety valve in the case of prolonged absences.
  • If there is a smell of gas:
  • Do not switch on any electrical appliances or light switches.
  • Open doors and windows so that the room or premises are well ventilated.
  • Turn off the appliance controls and the general safety valve.
  • Do not use a telephone in the area where a smell of gas is perceived.
  • Call the Emergency Support Line from another area where there is no smell of gas.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Do not open the safety valve until a professional has repaired the installation.

Valencia, 10 December 2014.

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