Carbon Monoxide Safety

Beware the silent killer

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it’s the poisonous gas that you can’t see, smell or taste.

Older people (along with children and pregnant women) are more susceptible to harm following exposure to carbon monoxide. Anyone living with a circulation or breathing problem is also at increased risk because they are already more likely to have problems carrying oxygen to the heart or brain.

Each year in the UK, over 200 people are admitted to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which leads to around 60 deaths.

Be a carbon monoxide safety hero

You can find out more and test your knowledge at this comprehensive site all about carbon monoxide safety which has been developed by Northern Gas Networks

What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? 

At high levels, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause sudden collapse, loss of consciousness and death.

At lower levels, over longer periods, carbon monoxide can cause flu like symptoms with tiredness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, personality changes, memory problems, loss of vision and dementia.  It can be hard to tell the difference between the effects of being exposed to carbon monoxide at low levels for a long time and other common illnesses.

If you, your relatives or household members experience the above symptoms, and you believe carbon monoxide may be involved, you must seek urgent medical advice.

What causes carbon monoxide poisoning? 

Indoors, accidental carbon monoxide poisoning usually occurs due to faulty heaters, cookers or boilers . Exposure can also happen outdoors due to air pollution when vehicle exhausts and industrial processes emit low levels of carbon monoxide.

Any non electric fuel burning appliance (wood, gas, oil, coal) in the home can emit carbon monoxide if it is not properly used or maintained.

How to keep appliances safe?

Ensure all cooking and heating appliances which use fossil fuels (such as gas, oil and coal) are serviced regularly by a qualified and registered engineer.

Make sure that you have adequate ventilation when using these appliances – chimneys and flues should be swept at least once a year and should not be blocked. You should get your gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer every 12 months. You can check if an engineer is registered by phoning the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 or visiting the Gas Safe Register website.

Install a working Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm

A carbon monoxide alarm detects increases in carbon monoxide levels and alerts you to danger.  Remember, it is not a substitute for proper use and maintenance of fuel burning appliances.

Whether it’s a gas boiler, a fire or a flue running through the room, a working CO alarm should be present in each area where carbon monoxide might be emitted. Modern CO detectors look like smoke alarms (but remember standard smoke alarms do not detect CO) and you can purchase one at most major retail outlets, including DIY stores and supermarkets for around £15-£20.  You might also be able to get one free from your energy supplier or local fire and rescue service (find yours here).

Always refer to CO alarm manufacturer installation guidelines for more specific positioning advice.

Typically, CO detectors have a lifetime of between 5-10 years. You should test your CO detector regularly – at least once per month.

Remember, sensors in CO alarms don’t last forever – check the manufacturer’s quoted lifetime for the CO alarm and replace it no later than recommended to ensure you continue to have adequate protection

Which CO alarm is best?

There are lots of alarms available at reasonable prices (£15-£20) but not all of them are suitable.  They’re available from local DIY stores and supermarkets  –  your energy supplier or local fire safety service may also be able to provide you with one.

You should ensure that the alarm you use/buy:

• • Is legally certified  – always look for EN 50291 certification

• • Has an audible alarm that will sound when it detects carbon monoxide.  If relevant, you should use something which has a suitable adaptation for someone with low–vision or hearing eg strobe lighting or piercing sounds when activated – the manufacturers FireAngel, AICO and Fireblitz make some suitable options.

When installing, you should ensure that your CO alarm is correctly located – check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Also, follow the manufacturer.recommendations about how you can test your alarm to ensure that the unit and the batteries are in good condition.

Remember sensors in CO alarms don’t last forever – check manufacturer’s quoted lifetime for your CO alarm and replace it no later than recommended to ensure you continue to have adequate protection.

What to do if the alarm goes off?

• • Stop using all fuel-burning appliances and, if possible, turn them off.

• • Open all the windows and evacuate the property

• • Call the National Gas Service on: 0800 111 999. Alternatively you can call your gas or fuel supplier on their emergency number.

• • Do not re-enter the property until you have been reliably advised that it is safe to do so.

• • Get medical help immediately for anyone who is feeling unwell.

• • Do not use any suspected appliance again until it has been checked by an expert.

Landlords and legal responsibilities

Legislation is now in place to ensure that Carbon Monoxide Alarms are installed in rental properties. More details about the legislation in England, Scotland and Wales can be found here.