On average, carbon monoxide poisoning kills 40 people per year and injures around 300. (CO-Gas Safety)

Carbon Monoxide 

What is it?
 
Carbon Monoxide or CO for short is a poisonous gas that can not be seen or smelt.
 
How is it produced?
 
Carbon Monoxide is produced when a carbon based fuel such as gas, oil, wood or coal is only partial burnt, this normally occurs due to faulty heating or cooking appliance, or being in a poorly ventilated room.
 
How can I minimise the risk in the home?
 
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector in the home. (see below for more information)
  • Ensure all appliances that use carbon based fuels i.e. a cooker and heater, are serviced regularly by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, who is competent with that particular appliance.
  • Make sure any new appliances are installed inline with the users guide and by somebody who is on the Gas Safe Register.
  • Avoid using any unflued portable heating appliances like paraffin heaters and cabinet heaters in bedrooms or other rooms where people are likely to sleep.
  • Ensure your chimney is swept and cleaned at least once a year.
 To find a Gas Safety Registered engineer in you area click here.
 
Carbon monoxide detectors
 
Carbon monoxide indicator
 
A carbon monoxide indicator provides you with a visual indication of the presence of carbon monoxide. How does it work? A chemical on the device reacts with the carbon monoxide in the area changing the colour of the indication tab normally from beige to black. Whilst these indicators are cheap they have short life spans and need to be constantly monitored as they do not give an audible warning.  
 
Carbon monoxide detector
 
A carbon monoxide detector normally works in the same way as a smoke alarm, being a self contained device, normally battery powered, it detects carbon monoxide in the area then warns people of its presence, normally via an internal siren. Whilst these are more expensive then indicator pads they have a longer life span and offer an audible warning to occupants of the home.
 
Do I need an alarm?
 
Yes, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) does recommend the use of  a carbon monoxide detector in the home, however they stated that this should be used as 'a  useful back-up precaution but they must not be regarded as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas appliances by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.'
 
Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure
 
Short term effects are much the same a food poisoning and flu, however unlike flu, exposure to carbon monoxide will not cause a high temperature some common symptoms are;
 
  • Headaches
  • Nausea (feeling sick)
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling confused
  • Vomiting (being sick)
  • Abdominal pains (chest pains)
  • Erratic behaviour.
Exposure to a small amount of carbon monoxide over a long period of time can also cause;
 
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Poor co-ordination.

For more information on the effects of carbon monoxide click here or visit NHS Direct.

What should I do if I think carbon monoxide is present in the home?
 
  • Switch of the appliance you think is causing the leak,
  • Turn off the gas supply into the home via the isolation value,
  • Open all doors and windows to assist the ventilation of the room,
  • If the leak still continues call the National Grid on the Gas Emergency Freephone Number 0800 111 999.
Do not
  • Sleep in the house,
  • Turn on or off any electrical appliances whilst there is a strong presence of carbon monoxide in the home.
Further advice and information
 
  • HSE Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300 363
  • National Grid Gas Emergency Line 0800 111 999
  • NHS Direct 0845 4647
  • Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500

 CLICK HERE - FREE CARBON MONOXIDE AWARENESS POSTER

 

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