Carbon
monoxide awareness - HSE Advice
• What is carbon monoxide- why is it a problem?
• What preventative measures can I take
against carbon monoxide exposure?
• Does HSE recommend the use of carbon
monoxide alarms?
• What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning?
• How do I know if I am at risk from carbon
monoxide?
• What should I do if I think my appliance
is spilling carbon monoxide?
• Further information and advice.
What is carbon monoxide-
why is it a problem?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless,
tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based
fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are
safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that
excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.When CO enters the body,
it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and
organs.
You can’t see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly
without warning. According to the HSE statistics around 20 people
die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have
not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated.
Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed
in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage
can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to CO. Increasing
public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible
precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.
What
preventative measures can I take against carbon monoxide exposure?
• Ensure that any work carried out in relation to gas appliances
in domestic or commercial premises is to be undertaken by a CORGI-registered
installer, competent in that area of work.
• HSE strongly advises that gas appliances and/or flues are
installed and serviced regularly for safety by a CORGI-registered
installer. If you live in tenanted accommodation, your landlord
has a legal duty to carry out an annual gas safety check and maintain
gas appliances. They must provide you with a copy of the completed
gas safety check certificate.
• Always make sure there is enough fresh air in the room containing
your gas appliance. If you have a chimney or a flue, ensure it is
not blocked up and also ensure that vents are not covered.
• If you plan to install a gas fire in a bedroom, use a CORGI-registered
installer; do not use unflued appliances like paraffin heaters
and cabinet heaters.
• Get your chimney swept from top to bottom at least once
a year by a qualified sweep.
• If you have appliances that use other fossil fuels, make
sure they are serviced and maintained by a competent person. For
information on competent persons’ schemes, visit the Communities
and Local Government website.
Does
HSE recommend the use of carbon
monoxide alarms?
HSE strongly recommends the use of audible carbon
monoxide (CO) alarms 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 CORGI-registered installer. Before
purchasing a CO
alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291
and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark.
CO
alarms should be installed, checked and serviced in line with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can be particularly at risk from CO poisoning when you are asleep,
because you may not be aware of early CO symptoms until it is too
late. Having an audible
CO alarm could wake you and save your life.
What
are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many
common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning,
viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out
for include:
• tiredness
• drowsiness
• headaches
• giddiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• pains in the chest
• breathlessness
• stomach pains
• erratic behavior
• visual problems.
For more information visit NHS
direct or telephone 0845 4647.
If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and you
believe CO may be involved, you must seek urgent medical advice
from either your GP or an accident and emergency department. You
should ask for a blood or breath test to confirm the presence of
CO. Be aware, CO quickly leaves the blood and tests may be inaccurate
if taken more than four hours after exposure has ceased.
How
do I know if I am at risk from carbon monoxide?
Although carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless
gas, signs that indicate incomplete combustion is occurring, resulting
in the production of CO, include:
• Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (apart from fuel
effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame)
• Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Increased condensation inside windows
What should I do if I think my appliance
is spilling carbon monoxide?
• Switch off the appliance and do not reuse until remedial
action has been taken
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you
know where it is). If gas continues to escape call National Grid
on the Gas Emergency Freephone Number 0800 111 999
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room - do not
sleep in it
• Visit your GP urgently and tell him/her that you believe
your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide poisoning and request
either a blood and/or breath sample
• Contact a CORGI-registered installer to make repairs
Further advice and information
• HSE Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300 363 (Freephone service)
• Campaign for Bedsit Rights 02075052135
• Carbon Monoxide Support Group (South West) 01278786488
• CO-Awareness 0771 589 9296 E-mail: LynnCoAwareness@aol.com
• CO-Gas Safety 01372 466112 E-mail: office@co-gassafety.co.uk
• National Grid Gas Emergency Line (24 hours) 0800 111 999
(Freephone Service)
