Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that has no taste, colour or smell. It can make you feel seriously ill and can kill quickly without warning.
Carbon monoxide can be produced when poorly maintained, incorrectly fitted or badly repaired appliances do not burn gas completely. Look out for the following signs that could indicate that a gas appliance is not working correctly, and CO may be present in the house:
• Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob, rather than a crisp blue flame.
• Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances.
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
• Increased condensation inside windows.
If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms and feel better when you leave the house, it could be CO poisoning. If you’re concerned you or someone in your household may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure you do the following:
• Get fresh air immediately.
• Open all doors and windows, switch off gas appliances and leave the house.
• Contact your GP, who can check and advise if you need treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you’re concerned there is immediate danger, call the gas emergency helpline on 0800 111 999 (mainland GB), 0800 002 001 (Northern Ireland) or look up the number for your UK region at http://bit.ly/gasemergency.
• Ensure your gas appliances are checked annually by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm marked EN 50291 which carries the British Standards Kitemark.
This year’s Gas Safety Week is running from 13 – 19 September. The week-long annual campaign
raises public awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances and is coordinated by Gas Safe Register.
Now that you know the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, why not pass it on and share this important information with your family, friends and neighbours, to help them all stay Gas Safe?
In the right hands gas is safe, but poorly fitted and badly maintained gas appliances or equipment can put you at risk of gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas appliances.
Gas Safe Register can help you find a registered engineer in your local area and tell you if they’re qualified for the type of work you need them to do. Visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk for further information.