New research by Bensons Gas Engineering has compared the NHS Digital Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity reports from the last ten years to reveal the biggest causes of gas-related incidents.
Its report showed exposure to smoke, fire and flames was the most common cause of A&E admissions linked to gas appliances, with a total of 10,011 since 2010-11.
Contact with hot heating appliances, radiators and pipes caused the second-highest A&E trips in ten years, of 9,425. It’s also the only external cause that has increased in admissions, with 48 more occurring in 2020/21 than in 2010/11.
Dale Goodman, Manager at Bensons Gas Engineering, said: “This large number of gas-related accidents and emergencies is extremely worrying, especially as these types of incidents are often avoidable.
“Many of these gas-related causes of A&E admissions can be triggered by a gas leak, which you can prevent with regular professional maintenance and servicing of gas appliances.
“Neglecting the gas safety of a property can have catastrophic consequences as faulty gas appliances can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even explosions.”