Archive

Holiday Safety: Tip No. 7

Dec. 9, 1999

Tips to ensure the safe operation of your furnace this winter.

As temperatures cool, it is important to remember that there is more to heating a house than just turning on the pilot light. Improperly installed or poorly maintained natural gas appliances and furnaces may produce carbon monoxide. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause nausea, drowsiness, other flu-like symptoms, or even death.

This month, set some time apart from your holiday preparations to make sure that your home is safe. San Diego Gas & Electric offers the following tips to ensure the safe and efficient operation of furnaces.

Look at relighting instructions before you light your furnace pilot.
Check the color of the flame. It should be predominately blue. White flecks of orange are normal; however, a predominantly yellow flame indicates a condition that could produce carbon monoxide.
Vacuum regularly around the furnace to prevent a build-up of dust and lint.
Never store items in, on or around a furnace that can obstruct air flow.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.