Safety Matters

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) figures show that in the UK alone, around 30 people are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Far more people still suffer with the flu-like symptoms.

Carbon monoxide - CO - cannot be seen, and it is impossible to smell or taste. It occurs in instances of incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels like gas, coal, wood and coke. Gas stoves, fires, heating boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin heaters and solid fuel powered water heaters are all potential sources of Carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide can be produced:

• If the appliance has been poorly installed
• If the appliance is not working properly
• If the appliance has not been checked for safety or maintained regularly
• The living space has inadequate ventilation
• The chimney or flue is blocked – this will cause CO to enter the living space
• Non-Gas Safe registered engineers are used to install or maintain fixed appliance(s) or non-competent persons to service your mobile gas appliances (heaters, BBQ or patio heater)

The production of carbon monoxide can occur in any dwelling, permanent, caravan or boat.

You can't see carbon monoxide - but there are some visible signs that indicate your appliance may be producing it:

• Yellow or brown staining on or around the appliance
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Increased condensation inside windows
• Yellow flame rather than a blue one (apart from flueless fires)

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of other conditions such as the onset of the flu - and as such CO poisoning can often be mis-diagnosed.

CO poisoning symptoms can include: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, fits, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, chest pain, wheeziness, palpitations, hyperventilation. The elderly, babies, children, pregnant women and people with heart conditions are at greater risk.

If you think that an appliance of yours may be producing CO, switch it off immediately and open all the windows and doors, leaving the room to ventilate. If anybody appears to be displaying any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention. The appliance in question should then be checked over by a Gas Safe registered installer.

CO detectors are available to help give you early warning of a potential problem. These must comply with British Standard BS 7860 or European Standard EN 50291. Always remember that these detectors are merely a warning device - and should never be used as a substitute for regular servicing.

Some appliances, such as flueless portable heaters which were produced to British Standards BS 5258 parts 10, 11 and now to BS EN449, come fitted with a safety device that cuts off the gas supply should the room get too stuffy. Appliances designed for outdoor activities, such as patio heaters and barbecues have no such device and they must never be used indoors.

To avoid potential carbon monoxide problems:

• Choose an appliance that meets a British or European safety Standard
• Avoid buying second hand appliances
• Get a Gas Safe registered installer to install and check new appliances
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Have your fixed gas appliances serviced regularly (once a year) by a Gas Safe registered engineer. All other appliances should be serviced by a competent person. Calor offers a heater health check service for all mobile heaters
• Make sure the living space has adequate ventilation – do not block or obstruct vents
• Keep portable heaters clear of furniture, bedclothes and curtains
• Do not use a portable heater for drying clothes

Further information can be obtained from the following websites:

www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/co.htm
www.gassaferegister.com
www.carbonmonoxidekills.com
www.communities.gov.uk
www.calor.co.uk/hse/leaflet
www.calor.co.uk/service