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Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which is produced when fossil fuels burn inefficiently.

The most common sources are faulty boilers, gas fires and cookers.

It is known at the 'Silent Killer', due to its lack of colour, taste and smell, carbon monoxide is invisible to the human senses, which is why CO alarms are so important.

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

 

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Domestic Gas Health & Safety
Carbon Monoxide alarm close up
 
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Red

Carbon monoxide starves the body of oxygen. Making individuals feel unwell, and therefore is potentially mistaken as cold or flu. High levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal.

  • Dizziness or Nausea 
  • Headaches 
  • Difficulty Breathing 
  • Collapsing of lack of consciousness 

Find out more from the NHS website here.

 
Useful Contacts
Grey

Gas Safety Board - 0800 111 999

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, this is the number you should call before any others. This phone number is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready for emergencies. 

Health and Safety Executive - 0800 300 363 

National regulator for workplace health and safety. Work to ensure people feel safe where they live, where they work and, in their environment

Product Safety Advice - 08454 04 05 06 

Staying safe from Carbon Monoxide at home

DO

  • Do use your extraction fan when cooking. If you don't have, one open window. 
  • Do save the Gas Emergency Service Number on your phone: 0800 111 999.
  • Do register your appliance for the latest product safety updates.
  • Look out for crisp blue flame rather than a floppy yellow flame on gas appliances. 
 

DON'T

  • Don't use a large cooking pan or pot to cook over multiple rings on your gas hob of stove. 
  • Don't block flues or ventilation bricks and passages, these help to maintain good are quality. 
  • Don't ever put a generator or any other diesel or petrol burning appliance inside a building, or positioned where fumes can blow inside. The build-up of carbon monoxide from these can kill in minutes.
  • Don't ignore it if a neighbour or friend tells you they feel unwell at home but better outside, make sure they know about carbon monoxide so they can act.

Understanding the new Carbon Monoxide Regulations

In 2022, the laws are changing for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms across the UK. Carbon Monoxide is a 'silent killer' and cannot be detected by our human senses. The most effective may to ensure your safe is to have a sounding alarm, to alert you of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 

This year, many more domestic properties will be legally required to have such alarms. Below is a link to the new rules across Scotland, Wales and England. 

Rules apply to all rented homes from 1 October 2022, Potential £5,000 penalty for landlords (see Eddie Hughes MP letter). 

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022
smokealarm-scaled.jpg

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