Domestic gas heating: safety standards, insurance, checks
As early as 15 October, in some parts of Italy come back on plants and central heating. In Italy there are almost 27 million domestic users interested in the use of gas fuels (natural gas and LPG) for heating, hot water and cooking food. The issue of security is always so topical as the statistics of gas accidents more recent 2008 data, the distribution of gas channeled to civilian use, they did detect 175 accidents, 16 of which mortals have caused 19 deaths. The injured were 374. For LPG cylinders distributed in 142 accidents were recorded, of which 19 are mortals who have caused 24 deaths. The injured were 145.
Insurance. Not everyone knows it yet, but in the unlikely event of accidents related to the use of gas there is insurance which is beneficiary to take place automatically, just for the fact that they used the gas distributed through networks. The insurance policy was established by resolution of the Authority for Electricity and Gas and signed by the ICG - Italian Gas Committee, UNI federated entity. The LPG cylinders or distributed in small tanks not covered under this insurance policy.
The existence of insurance and its mode of activation, sales companies regularly give notice in the bill. Only applies to civil users is collective and national level and now covers about 19 million Italian families. The cost of this insurance per customer is € 0.40 per year and is held directly in the bill. The guarantees relate to: the civil liability towards third parties, fires and accidents that originate in plants and equipment in the downstream of the meter.
Exclusively for information regarding the contract of insurance is available every working day from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00 toll of the CIG 800 92 92 86. The information may also be requested via e-mail at Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo. or fax to 02 52037621.
The IGC - to which the elaboration of technical standards about safety for proper use of combustible gases - remember, also, points of attention that users should refer to their own safety and protection of the collective. The Italian legislation (there are two laws in force in relation to the use of combustible gases, no. 1083/71 and DM 37/08) requires that the implants are made in a workmanlike manner and identifies in the UNI and CEI the most appropriate in terms of safety of plant, equipment, accessories, etc..
The gas-powered appliances and their accessories must compulsorily bear the CE marking affixed to them under the responsibility of the manufacturer. Only in this way you will be certain to purchase equipment safe and that in addition to respecting the environment and health, ensure the safety conditions in their use and the correct performance in terms of performance.
Prohibited the "do it yourself"
For the installation and maintenance of facilities and equipment, the "do it yourself" is absolutely forbidden: one must look solely to qualified installers and maintenance. The DM 37/08 requires the installation, extension, transformation and maintenance of gas equipment downstream of the counters are only carried out by qualified operators, in possession of specific technical and professional requirements, as certified by a "certificate of recognition "issued by the Chambers of Commerce or by the Provincial Commissions for Crafts.
The declaration of conformity
The same law requires, moreover, that the work is completed, the installer must issue a "declaration of conformity" to certify that the system has been installed in a workmanlike manner in accordance with the regulations. Furthermore, the installer will indicate whether the local installation meet the necessary requirements with regard to ventilation, aeration, the evacuation of the combustion products as well as for the suitable location of the appliances of utilization.
Periodic checks
Submit appliances powered by gas to the periodic inspections. For example, the verification of return should be performed every two years, as currently provided by law, relying only for qualified personnel.
THE GAS AND GOOD HABITS
Small actions of daily life
The use of gas in domestic applications requiring compliance with the rules and laws but mostly common sense and responsibility on the part of users. For the IGC, including use of the gas must follow some good habits: simple everyday actions which, duly and regularly performed, they are beneficial for the safety of themselves and others.
Before you leave home
When you leave the house, even for short periods, it is advisable to close the valve of the meter or the inlet of the gas supply pipe in living quarters or that of the cylinder, when you do not use the devices.
In the kitchen
Buy hobs provided with the safety device (the so-called thermocouple).
Do not stray from the kitchen leaving food for cooking on the fire.
Avoid over-filling the pots: the escape of boiling liquids can cause the extinction of the flame and cause serious accidents.
To light a burner hob has recommended the following steps: 1) turn the match, and 2) pull the lit match to the burner, and 3) open the gas tap. Carrying out the above in reverse order it is possible that, after opening the tap, intervene some element of distraction and the subsequent start of the match could have serious consequences.
The use of a gas detector may contribute, with additional functions but not substitute, the safety of the use of fuel gas, by means of a function of detection and optical signal / noise of the presence of gas. All units must be equipped with flame supervision to block the escape of gas if the flame goes the same. For hobs there is still an obligation but the IGC recommends the purchase of plant fitted with the device.
You smell gas: what to do?
The gas itself is generally odorless. However, it is properly odorized as required under the law to allow prompt intervention in case of gas leaks. If you smell gas, you must promptly call from a phone outside the house where you feel the smell, the company responsible for the distribution of fuel gas, avoiding turning on lights or operate machinery electrically powered. Subsequently, if necessary, it must provide immediate verification of your system by calling a qualified technician.
The emergency numbers for distribution of the Company are listed on the bill of sale that the Company sends the gas to customers. If there is a concern you should also notify the Fire Department.
But not only the users should be careful! Since October 1, is distributed campaign checks from 2009 to 2010 the Authority for Electricity and gas facilities of the gas distribution company, the quality and safety of the natural gas supplied to consumers through distribution networks.
This is the sixth year in a row (the previous five campaigns have seen perform 260 controls). Procedures do not change compared to previous years: the controls will be random and without notice and will be made, as required by Resolution Vis 80/09, on the premises of the distribution companies in collaboration with the Special Operation Unit of the Guardia di Finanza and Fuel Experimental Station, for technical surveys of species. The current campaign will consist of 60 checks to be carried out throughout the country, with the aim of verifying compliance of parameters especially important for the safe use of natural gas (commonly understood "methane"): calorific , supply pressure and degree of odorant. The latter parameter is particularly important for the safety of natural gas need to add special substances called "odorant" to give it the classic characteristic odor (the "stink") allowing to readily detect the presence in the environment and then report for any time dispersions, avoiding dangerous situations that could lead to serious events. A more frequent monitoring odorisation gas and a consequent reduction in heat loss is therefore key to increasing safety in gas distribution. The lack of or insufficient odorant results in accordance with law 1083/71 criminal liability for distributors. The controls on the calorific value and the supply pressure are in turn important to determine the energy content of natural gas sold to consumers, by ensuring that the same pay for the correct value of the energy they consume. Both for the correct odorant gas, both for the procedures relating to pressure sensing supply, there are normative documents drawn up by the ICG: UNI 7133, UNI 9463 series (odorant) and UNI TS 11323 (supply pressure).
02/11/2009
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Translated via software
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Source:
Italian version of ReteIngegneri.it