Health and Safety
EMERGENCY? CALL OXPLUM: 0800 328 4289
Carbon Monoxide - be aware
"You can't smell it, see it or taste it, but it kills just the same"
What is carbon monoxide - why is it a problem?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous. When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs.
You can’t see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning. According to the HSE statistics around 20 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to CO. Increasing public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.
- Turn off the supply at the meter,
- Open doors and windows, and
- wait outside for the emergency engineer to arrive
DO NOT
- smoke,
- turn lights on or off,
- do anything that may create a spark i.e. use a mobile
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE SILENT KILLER CARBON MONOXIDE
- Ensure your boilers and heaters are regularly maintained and serviced by a CORGI registered installer.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm/detector with an audible warning approved to BS7860 or have one installed.
Warning signs that carbon monoxide may be being released
An appliance that burns with a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue flame is not burning safely.
If there are stains, soot or discolouring around the gas fire, water heater or boiler get them checked immediately by a registered CORGI engineer.
Increased condensation inside windows.
Medical Symptom
- Recurring headaches
- General tiredness and fatigue
- Nausea, sickness, chest and/or stomach pains
All of which should disappear once you are in fresh air.
If you suffer from these symptoms seek medical advice.
Safety in Rented Accommodation
Ask to see your landlords gas safety record. By law your landlord must show you this to prove that all gas appliances have been passed as safe by a CORGI registered engineer. The appliances must have been checked within the last 12 months. Take a portable co2 detector with you when your away & if your accommodation hasn’t got one on display use your own, you never know ???
If you haven’t seen a gas safety record/certificate, ask your landlord now.
For more information on home safety issues go to: www.britishgassafety.co.uk
If you smell gas call Transco free on : 0800 111 999
Don’t for get, if you call from mobile go out side to do so
About CORGI
CORGI is recognised as UK’s gas safety watchdog. 9 out of 10 people know the CORGI name and that it stands for safety and professionalism.
In order to maintain this all our engineers are professionals who can carry out work safely and competently in your home. You must always ask to see the CORGI ID of anyone who says they are registered as a CORGI engineer.
- Always use registered installers
- Always check their credentials
Install an audible, battery operated CO detector.
