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Heatwave poses risks to gas installations, Zagreb utility warns
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Disasters & Emergencies

Heatwave poses risks to gas installations, Zagreb utility warns

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Zagreb's gas utility warns of dangers from gas installations during extreme heat, citing risks of malfunctions, poisoning, and fires.
  • High temperatures can disrupt chimney drafts, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, especially with atmospheric boilers.
  • Residents are urged to regularly maintain gas appliances and chimneys, ensure proper ventilation, and immediately contact professionals if issues arise.

Gradska plinara Zagreb (GPZ), the main gas distributor in the city, has issued a critical warning regarding the safe use of gas installations during the ongoing heatwave. With external temperatures expected to exceed 36ยฐC (96.8ยฐF), the utility highlights the increased risks of malfunctions, poisoning, and fires associated with gas appliances and chimneys under extreme heat conditions.

High external temperatures can disrupt the natural draft in chimney installations. In such conditions, flue gases cannot be discharged smoothly from the space, which can lead to dangerous accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO) โ€“ a colorless, tasteless, and odorless killer.

โ€” Gradska plinara Zagreb (GPZ)Explaining the specific danger of high temperatures on chimney systems and the risk of carbon monoxide.

The primary concern is the impact of high ambient temperatures on chimney drafts. GPZ explains that these conditions can disrupt the natural upward flow of air in ventilation systems. This disruption can prevent flue gases from escaping properly, leading to a dangerous accumulation of colorless, odorless carbon monoxide (CO) within living spaces. This "silent killer" poses a severe health risk.

GPZ strongly advises all users to exercise caution with their gas installations, particularly atmospheric boilers which draw air from the room. They recommend annual servicing of gas appliances by certified technicians and bi-annual inspections of boilers and chimneys by local chimney sweeps. Crucially, ventilation openings in rooms containing gas appliances must remain unobstructed and fully open at all times to ensure adequate air supply.

We remind all users of the danger of improper use of gas installations, especially atmospheric boilers.

โ€” Gradska plinara Zagreb (GPZ)Issuing a general warning about the risks associated with gas appliances during heatwaves.

The utility urges residents to ensure regular and enhanced ventilation of spaces where gas appliances are used. If any unusual behavior is noticed with a boiler, such as self-shutdowns, its use should be immediately discontinued. In cases of suspected gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, individuals should ventilate the area, shut off the gas supply, and evacuate the premises immediately. For emergencies, GPZ provides a 24-hour service line at 0800-400-400, alongside the general emergency number 112.

Your safety is our top priority. Thank you for your cooperation and responsible behavior!

โ€” Gradska plinara Zagreb (GPZ)Concluding their safety advisory message to the public.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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