UK incident highlights importance of flue gas analysis

A recent case in the UK – which almost ended in tragedy for an elderly woman – once again demonstrates the importance of residential flue gas analysis.

The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted a Wrotham-based plumber on June 3, after investigations confirmed he had breached gas safety regulations while carrying out work. According to the HSE, the plumber in question was installing two extractor units in the roof space of a flat in Borough Green at the time of the incident.

Mistaking a gas flue for the extract pipe for an unused boiler serving the upstairs flat, he cut into the pipe and used it to vent the extractors he was installing. Following this procedure he simply taped over the bottom open portion of the flue to prevent insects from entering it – an unsatisfactory and highly dangerous practice.

As a result, the 92 year-old resident of the downstairs flat suffered from dizziness, headaches and falls over a period of weeks before authorities switched off the gas – and discovered the taped-over flue in the loft. Due to this tampered flue, combustion products were unable to escape and had built up in the woman’s flat.

Fortunately, the woman did not suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning, but HSE Inspector Rob Hassell took the opportunity to stress the importance of following gas safety regulations.

“Thankfully this elderly lady suffered no ill-effects longer term. However, people can and do die from carbon monoxide poisoning,” he warned.

“Companies and individuals should not assume that a flue is not live. They need to investigate the nature and current use of flues serving gas appliances and make sure the work carried out does not adversely affect the safe working of a gas appliance by altering air supply or flue.”

This case thus highlights how gas poisoning can become a real threat when shoddy work practices are deployed, whether in residential or commercial settings. Fortunately, with the range of flue gas analysis tools available – such as the testo 310 flue gas set – it is easier than ever to detect these dangers before they become a serious threat.