Carbon Monoxide Testing

Why is Carbon Monoxide testing important?

Energy Safe Victoria recommends you test your gas heaters every 2 years. Our gas heater services include carbon monoxide testing as well as a full safety check. On average, one Victorian a year dies from carbon monoxide poisoning and many more suffer chronic, debilitating effects. In 2010 Vanessa and Scott Robinson lost their two sons, aged six and eight, to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty gas wall heater in their rented home. Read more about the Robinson's story.

How to check for a Carbon Monoxide leak:

Because carbon monoxide is both odourless and colourless, it can be difficult to detect. Here are some signs that there may be a carbon monoxide gas leak, but it is recommended to get a professional (such as Greg) to check your home regularly.

• Pilot lights frequently go out or gas burners turn a weird colour
• Hard surfaces attracting abnormal levels of dew, or windows gathering water (increased humidity can be a sign of a gas leak)
• Soot accumulation around fireplaces and other fuel-burning devices
• Flu-like symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, coughing fits, and other symptoms affecting people around the house

Landlord and agent responsibilities

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 states that landlords and their agents must ensure that all rented premises are maintained in “good repair”. Included in this statement are all gas and electrical appliances that are provided by the landlord. They must be kept safe to use and properly maintained. For further information see ESV's Landlords and Tenants: Your Responsibilities guide.

Gas appliances, such as heaters and stoves, should be properly maintained or they may pose a health risk through carbon monoxide poisoning.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, a landlord must ensure rented premises are maintained in good repair. Good repair includes all appliances provided by the landlord. These appliances must be safe to use and properly maintained.

Landlords should ensure that:

• Tenants are provided with a copy of the manufacturers' instructions
• Only a licensed gasfitter performs gasfitting work
• All appliances are safe for use before letting or re-letting a property
• All appliances, pipework and flue systems are installed and maintained correctly
• Pipes are correctly sealed if appliances are removed
• All safety checks and details of work done on gas installations are recorded and certificates of compliance obtained when required

Failure to ensure that appliances are in good repair can cause property damage, serious injury, or death.

Energy Safe Victoria demands gas heaters be serviced at least every two years.

For more information, visit the Landlord and property manager responsibilities page on the Energy Safe Victoria website.