Safety advice on Carbon Monoxide (CO)

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is produced when any fossil fuel such as gas, coal, oil or wood is burnt without enough oxygen. You can’t see it, smell it or taste it so you don’t know when it’s present.

If your gas appliance is faulty, or there is not enough ventilation in the room, carbon monoxide may be produced.

Warning signs – what to look out for

- Orange or yellow gas flames. Gas flames should be blue.
- Sooty stains or discolouration on or around gas appliances.
- Increased levels of condensation in the room where the gas appliance is installed.
- Fumes or smoke in the house.
- Slower than usual burning of solid fuel fires.

You may develop some of the following symptoms:

- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Visual problems
- Dry throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting

Action you can take to prevent it

- Always make sure you have enough fresh air in the room.
- Ensure chimneys or flues are not blocked up and air vents are not covered.
- Make sure that gas appliances are serviced regularly by a CORGI registered engineer.
- Buy an audible Carbon Monoxide detector.

What should I do if carbon monoxide is in my home?

- Make sure the faulty appliance is switched off (do not use it again until it has been inspected/repaired by a CORGI registered installer).
- Switch off your gas supply by the control valve (if you know where it is).
- Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room.
- Phone the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999.
- Visit your GP urgently and advise him your symptoms may be related to CO poisoning and request a blood and/or breath sample is taken.

Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA)

The aim of COCAA is to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide through a high profile campaign involving all stakeholders, including the Government.

COCAA

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