All gas household appliances must have the approval of the new laboratory that the Sonelgaz group has just set up. The group is continuing its installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. He also offers home inspections for all installations.
Since February 2023, more than 8 million carbon monoxide (CO) detector devices have been installed in homes by Sonelgaz, Khalil Hedna, spokesperson for the group, told El Watan. The objective is to install 22 million detectors by the end of 2024, he said. By this date, it is a question of closing the first phase of the program, dedicated to the 21 wilayas of the Hauts-Plateaux, as a priority.
The installation of these devices is done according to a program established at the rate of two per home, installed free of charge by the company’s technicians, and must even concern homes not connected to the gas network. The detectors, which comply with international standards, provide an audible and visual warning in the event of danger. A way to protect families from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). But a refusal from 20,000 households was still recorded, according to our interlocutor. Which reflects, notes Mr. Hedna, “the lack of culture of prevention”. “A mentality to change,” he emphasizes.
Detectors manufactured by Sonelgaz
The detectors manufactured by Sonelgaz are ready, and have been for a month, Mr. Hedna further specifies. The electrical and gas equipment production unit in Sétif is responsible for manufacturing detectors, at a rate of 25,000/day. Production is launched with an integration rate estimated at 58%, he said. Sonelgaz has also just set up a quality control laboratory dedicated primarily to all these detectors, regardless of their origins. It will also inspect and approve all types of gas appliances, particularly heating appliances.
The operating visa was given to him on July 14. All local manufacturers and importers are now called upon to seek the approval of this structure based in Algiers for all marketing and exploitation. Two other laboratories are also planned in Sétif and Oran. To prevent CO leaks but also any risk of exposure, Sonelgaz also carries out internal control and verification, that is to say inside the home, at the request of the subscriber, by calling the number 3303.
In case of doubt or wanting to ensure the conformity of any installation, the subscriber can request, free of charge, the trip of a Sonelgaz technician for verification and control. If an anomaly is detected inside the home, the gas supply will be cut off, until the reserve is lifted, at the subscriber’s expense.
What inventory can we make today of the internal installations? Many anomalies were recorded, according to Khalil Hedna. Many customers also refuse this service from Sonelgaz. The operation is “timid”, he regrets, while the majority of deaths from asphyxiation caused by gas are due to an error in safety prevention, notes the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC).
78 deaths since January
Errors which generally boil down to poor or lack of ventilation, obsolete heating appliances, poor assembly and implementation of these installations by unqualified personnel. Analysis of DGPC statistics on asphyxia during 2023 reveals the deaths of 78 people since January. In 2023, there were 152 deaths, according to a report made public last week, on the occasion of the launch of the prevention and awareness campaign for the benefit of citizens on the risks linked to the winter season.
In 2023, 1,220 operations were carried out to treat 3,019 people inconvenienced or poisoned by burned gases or carbon monoxide, saved from certain death. In 2024, until last September, 419 rescue operations were carried out, 1,292 people having been inconvenienced or poisoned by burnt gases saved and rescued.
Under the slogan “Heating safely, a winter without accidents”, the Civil Protection campaign will extend throughout the winter period, putting in place a whole range of programs, making it possible to raise the degree of awareness among citizens of the risks linked to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
