When using gas appliances, the major hazard that should be monitored is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, including natural gas and propane. Gas appliances, if not functioning properly, can produce CO as a byproduct of burning fuel.
This gas is particularly dangerous because it can accumulate in enclosed spaces without detection, leading to serious health risks or even fatal poisoning. Monitoring for carbon monoxide is critical to ensure that appliances are operating efficiently and safely, and that proper ventilation is in place.
While natural gas leaks and propane gas accumulation are also serious hazards that need to be addressed, the immediate threat to health posed by carbon monoxide makes it the primary concern when using gas appliances. Electrical surges, while they can indeed damage appliances and present risks, do not typically derive from gas appliance operation and are not considered a major hazard in this context.