Carbon Monoxide
Learn how to recognise the dangers of carbon monoxide in your premises
Safety Alerts and Recalls: Carbon Monoxide Edition
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that is colourless, odourless and has no taste. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by fumes from faulty heating appliances. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal — it’s vital you take steps to protect you and your business from this danger.
What are the signs of carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because we often get very little warning of its dangers. Some important signs to watch out for include:
- Sooty stains on or above appliances
- Appliances that burn slowly, badly, or go out regularly
- Condensation or dampness on walls when an appliance is lit
How does carbon monoxide make you feel?
Exposure to this dangerous gas can make you feel quite ill. It’s important that you stop using your appliances and ask your doctor to check for carbon monoxide poisoning if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Chest Pains
- Sudden Giddiness When Standing Up
- Sickness
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach Pains
For further information, call the Carbon Monoxide Information Line on 1800 898 989.
How do I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
There are many steps you can take to safeguard you and your family from exposure. For example, you should:
- Ensure your appliances are correctly installed and regularly serviced.
- Ensure the rooms in your home containing appliances are properly ventilated — never block any vents.
- Make sure all chimneys and flues are regularly swept and kept clear.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors / alarms.
How do carbon monoxide alarms work?
While they’re not a foolproof method of protection, carbon monoxide alarms or detectors may help to alert you to danger before it becomes fatal.
We recommend you take the following steps when choosing a device:
- Choose an alarm that complies with EN 50291 and also carries the Kitemark from BSI (or an equivalent), who test and certify that it does conform to EN 50291.
- Make sure your alarm has an "end-of-life" indicator — this is an option that only some alarms offer. This indicator should not be confused with any "fault" indicator.
- Test the alarm regularly and replace it when it reaches the end of its life.
- Ensure you have sufficient alarms to adequately alert you to danger. That may mean more than one alarm, or more advanced alarms that are interconnected.
- Locate alarms in the rooms with appliances or, if there are too many, you might prefer to locate alarms in living rooms and bedrooms instead. In this case, manufacturers normally recommend installing the alarms at breathing height.
Where can I get a carbon monoxide alarm?
There is a wide variety of devices available for purchase in heating equipment suppliers, hardware stores, DIY outlets and other retail locations. You can also obtain an alarm from many gas suppliers. Follow our link to buy a carbon monoxide alarm from us here at Flogas.
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