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Carbon Monoxide Awareness

What is carbon monoxide- why is it a problem?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, that is produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including fuel gas. When CO gets into the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs.

Every year aproximately 20 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health. This risk could be dramatically reduced by increasing consumer understanding of the risks and taking sensible precautions.

Fuel gas is safe to use. It is only when gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.

You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning.

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 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.

Does HSE recommend the use of carbon monoxide detectors?

HSE strongly recommends the use of audible carbon monoxide (CO) detectors 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 detectors 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 detector 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 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.

If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and you believe CO may be involved, you must seek urgent medical advice. Your doctor will need to test you for a blood or breath sample. 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 monoxde (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas there are signs that indicate incomplete combustion is occuring, resulting in the production of CO. These 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