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As we enter the winter months, with cold and stormy weather on our doorstep, it’s important to keep yourself and your family not only warm but safe by considering Building and Energy’s top safety tips.

“The new season acts as reminder to check your electrical and gas appliances before using them, be conscious of extra mould growth, and ensure your property is rain, hail and wind prepared,” Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan said.

“We urge consumers to follow these simple steps and checks to keep their home safe during winter time.”

Gas appliances

1. Get your gas heater serviced by a licensed gas fitter

Building and Energy recommends that you get your gas appliances serviced at least every two years by a licensed gas fitter or annually if the equipment is more than 10 years old.

Faulty and poorly maintained or misused gas heaters can cause a build-up of potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas. Before using a gas heater this winter, check the date on the service sticker on the appliance.

If it has been more than two years or the heater is showing signs of discolouration or difficulty relighting, a should be contacted to examine the equipment.

The Building and Energy (dmirs.wa.gov.au) contains more information on gas safety tips, including its .

2. Make sure the room has enough ventilation when using indoor gas heaters

When a licensed gas fitter services your gas heater, they should also check whether the room has adequate ventilation. Otherwise, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.

Carbon monoxide can be produced when gas does not burn properly due to a faulty appliance or lack of fresh air in an enclosed space.

A room with a bayonet socket for a gas space heater should have two unobstructed ventilation openings – one close to the floor and the other close to the ceiling.

“Never use exhaust fans at the same time as an open-flued gas heater as this can draw carbon monoxide into living spaces,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

3. Always use outdoor or portable gas appliances in the open air

Outdoor and portable gas appliances, such as patio heaters, camping equipment and barbeques, should only be used in the open air to avoid potentially lethal exposure to carbon monoxide.

These appliances, which should be labelled ‘outdoor use only’, must never be used inside tents, caravans, campervans, homes or other enclosed areas, even if the flaps, doors or windows are open.