Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is produced when organic, carbon-based fuels – such as gas, oil and coal – burn but not to completion. A boiler, for example, in which there is insufficient oxygen for all of the gas in the combustion chamber to be burnt produces carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide gas has no colour, taste, or smell and although its toxic effects are yet to be fully understood, it is known to compromise the behaviour of haemoglobin which is responsible for the transportation of oxygen around the human body. As such, carbon monoxide is difficult to detect but can kill very quickly. Indeed up to 20 people are estimated to die each year in the United Kingdom as a result of inadequate carbon monoxide safety precautions.

What Causes It?

The production of carbon monoxide is often caused by inadequate ventilation or poor maintenance of appliances so the first steps in carbon monoxide safety should be to ensure that chimneys, flues and vents are free from obstruction or degradation. Regular servicing of appliances, by a Gas Safe registered engineer or similar and checking for signs of soot or staining on or around boilers and heaters can further contribute to carbon monoxide safety.

A carbon monoxide safety alarm – which should comply with British and European Standards – is advisable as a further safety precaution but this should be in addition to not instead of regular inspection and servicing.

Symptoms

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include unexplained headache, dizziness and sickness, amongst others, so if you experience any of these switch of your appliance(s) and seek medical help immediately.

Prevention

Prevention is best sort in the form of a regular boiler service and gas appliance testing, find a local Gas Safe registered engineer and ensure servicing is carried out every 12 months. For complete peace of mind you can install Co2 detectors which are available relatively cheaply from your local DIY store, these will provide an early warning of the presence of Co2.