CPSC Issues Winter Safety Warning

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today issued a winter safety warning to consumers on the safe use of heating appliances containing combination control valves. These controls are used in a variety of heating appliances (such as furnaces and water heaters) that may be fueled by either 3 natural or liquid-petroleum (LP) gas. They serve the dual purpose of regulating gas supplied to the appliance and of shutting off the gas supply when the pilot light is extinguished.

During the past two years the Commission has been involved with a number of voluntary recalls involving combination control valves manufactured by several firms. The valves were used in water heaters and furnaces fueled by LP gas and were recalled voluntarily because the valves did not shut off the flow of LP gas when the pilot light was extinguished. Because LP gas is heavier than air, leaking LP fuel tends to settle to the ground or floor near the appliance thereby creating the potential for fire and explosion.

A control valve similar to that used in water heaters and furnaces fueled by LP gas is used in water heaters and furnaces fueled by natural gas. These valves in some cases also may not shut off the flow of natural gas when the pilot is extinguished. Information available at this time, however, does not indicate that the risk of injury presented by natural gas leaking from the control valve is sufficient for the Commission to take action under its statutes. This is because natural gas is lighter than air and leaking natural gas tends to vent up and out the dwellings flue (chimney) thereby reducing the likelihood of a fire and explosion.

Regardless of whether the heating appliance is fueled by LP or natural gas, there are several guidelines the Commission urges consumers to follow when operating their appliances.

- Read the proper operating procedure for the appliance before relighting a pilot light. Do not attempt to relight the pilot light if there is a smell of gas. Call your LP supplier or gas utility company immediately and await their arrival outside the house.

- Never use force or tools (unless the instructions call for them) to make an adjustment on the heating appliance.

- Never alter the valve's reset control so that it is forced to stay in a down position. This disables the safety aspect of the control.

- Be sure the flue pipe/chimney is cleaned regularly and is not blocked by debris which could prevent leaking gas from venting out of the dwelling.

Checking the operation of the safety valve or any other operation of your liquid petroleum or natural gas fueled appliance is not a "do-it-yourself" job. If your appliance does not appear to be working properly or if the pilot light will not remain lit, immediately contact your LP gas supplier, local utility company or a qualified contractor to inspect your appliance. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, then try to obtain assistance. Following these steps could prevent injuries from fire and/or explosions.