Tasleem Gierdien11 July 2025 | 10:31
How to use gas heaters safely: a lack of ventilation can lead to oxygen deprivation...
Without proper ventilation, gas heaters can reduce oxygen levels in a room, leading to oxygen deprivation...
Picture: Pixabay.com
CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit speaks to Nirval Brijlal, Head of Compliance and Finance at the LP Gas Safety Association (LPGSA).
Listen below:
Winter often means turning to heaters for warmth, and LP gas heaters are a popular choice.
But without proper ventilation, these heaters can reduce oxygen levels in a room, leading to oxygen deprivation, Brijlal explains.
Common symptoms of oxygen deprivation include:
- headaches,
- dizziness,
- feeling sleepy quickly,
- and nausea.
"Ventilation is required in the room for the appliance to burn correctly and operate the way it should. If sufficient ventilation is not provided, the existing oxygen in the air will get used up by the flames which means there's limited oxygen left in the room for the people who are there."
- Nirval Brijlal, Head of Compliance and Finance - LP Gas Safety Association
"It's quite important to ensure that you're purchasing appliances permitted by LPGSA as these heaters and things get tested..."
- Nirval Brijlal, Head of Compliance and Finance - LP Gas Safety Association
Stay safe...
Brijlal advises:
- Read the appliance's instruction manual to know how much ventilation is required for that appliance, which can help with safety.
- Open a window or door slightly to allow some fresh air into the room while the heater is on.
- Have heaters serviced, especially if they haven't been in use throughout the warmer seasons.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversations.