Preventing a "Second Gangneung Pension Accident"... "Winter Gas Boiler Safety Warning"

Gas Safety Corporation "High Fatality Rate in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Accidents from Gas Boilers"

Officials from the National Forensic Service and police investigating the gas boiler vent on the second-floor balcony of Aralake Pension in Gyeongpo, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, where 10 casualties occurred on the night of December 18, 2018. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korea Gas Safety Corporation urged thorough inspections of gas boilers during the winter season to prevent a recurrence of the carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning accident at a pension in Gangneung in 2018.

On the 7th, the corporation disclosed the status of gas CO poisoning accidents and provided safety guidelines for gas boilers.

From 2015 to last year, there were 24 CO poisoning accidents resulting in 54 casualties (including deaths and injuries). A representative case is the Gangneung pension accident that occurred in December 2018. The fatality rate of CO poisoning accidents is higher than that of explosions or fires.

CO is an incomplete combustion gas produced when combustible materials such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) burn. It is highly toxic. CO poisoning can lead to death.

The corporation emphasized that facility inspections are the best preventive measure.

Before operating the boiler, check whether the exhaust pipe is sagging or bent in a 'U' or 'V' shape. During winter, when boilers are used intensively, inspect whether the exhaust pipe is blocked by internal honeycombs or other obstructions. Ensure that the exhaust pipe connections are properly secured. When installing, relocating, or repairing gas appliances such as gas boilers, always have qualified professionals handle the work.

During winter camping, do not use portable gas stoves or gas lamps inside tents or confined spaces. Pension, guesthouse, and restaurant operators must check the safety status of boilers during the winter holiday season. Winter is a season prone to 'safety gaps.'

According to the 'Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Management and Business Act (LPG Act),' which has been in effect since last August, CO alarms must be mandatorily installed when installing gas boilers. Manufacturers or importers of gas products (including foreign manufacturers) must include safety devices such as CO alarms when selling their products.

A corporation official stated, "Regular safety inspections are necessary to prevent incomplete combustion when using gas boilers," and urged, "Please be sure to check the precautions before using gas products and work together to prevent accidents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.