1.5   Gas Range and Oven Safety

Gas ovens can release CO, natural gas, or propane into a kitchen. Test the burners for safe combustion with these steps and do the recommended improvements.

1.      Test for gas leaks in the gas piping in and around the range and oven and seal leaks.

2.      Check oven for stored items. Turn the oven burner and then range burners to high one-by-one. Inspect the flames and test them for CO. For the oven burner test at its outlet. For range burners, hold the test probe at least 8 inches above the flame.

3.      If the CO reading is over 225 ppm, consider cleaning and tuning the burner.

4.      Burner orifices can clog. Clean dirty orifices with a multi-tool designed for cleaning various sizes of ori­fices.

5.      Adjust the burner’s air shutters to stabilize and harden the flame and reduce yellow-tipping, which should also reduce the CO concentration.

6.      If the CO reading remains over 225 ppm as measured, consider further measures. These include: scheduling a service call by a gas specialist; installing a kitchen fan if none currently exists; or installing an additional CO alarm near the kitchen but at least 20 feet away from the range.

Caution: To protect yourself and the occupants, measure CO in the ambient air in the kitchen during these tests. If the ambient CO reading is 35 ppm or more, discontinue the testing.

Client Education about Ranges

Educate clients about the following safety practices in using their gas range.

✓     Never use a range burner or gas oven as a space heater.

✓     Open a window, and turn on the kitchen exhaust fan when using the range or oven.

✓     Never install aluminum foil around a range burner or oven burner because the foil could interfere with the flame.

✓     Keep range burners and ovens clean to prevent dirt from interfering with combustion.

✓     Burners should display hard blue flames. Call a service company if you notice yellow flames, white flames, waver­ing flames, or noisy flames.