Shielding your home from Carbon Monoxide

Leaving no smell and having no taste Co is very dangerous and toxic. Normal gas fire or gas boiler operation produces innocuous gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide Gas production. Correctly functioning gas appliances create Carbon Dioxide, a harmless gas. Reduced oxygen supplies can lead to Co. With high standards of central heating appliance servicing and strict air ordinances the number of people killed by Carbon Monoxide has decreased to 30 people each year although many more are gravely hurt.

Can you identify a Co problem if you look at your gas appliances?

If you see stains, lampblack or coloration on or near central heating, fires and water heaters this could indicate that you have a possible problem. Inspecting gas pilot lights can give early warning of a lack of oxygen in the central heating appliance as the colour of the pilot may change from blue to yellowed. If the flame changes from blue to yellowish or orange this could mean that Carbon Monoxide is present and you should have the appliance inspected by a professional.

Can you do anything to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Co is output from a central heating appliance when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the burning chamber. Gas appliance combustion problems can be avoided by embracing a regular appliance servicing schedule by trained appliance engineers. Make sure your boiler is maintained annually by a CORGI-registered plumber. As a second, very important, line of defence, fit a British Standard approved Carbon Monoxide Gas detector with an audible alarm. Gas appliances require enough air and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of ventilation vents in the summer through home decorating and the warehousing of surplus items. Gas appliances and central heating may not be used in the summer months but air vents can become closed up at this time through the growth of plants and vegetation in the garden, this is a likely problem which you should keep in mind. Birds can often make nests in chimneys and block the flow of air to gas appliances without you knowing, a visual inspection from the ground should be included within your air action plan. It is important to be aware of the different noises from your smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different noises so you know which detector was triggered off.

What will Carbon Monoxide Gas Poisoning result in?

Co is poisonous so you should be very careful. It is easy to read about Carbon Monoxide symptoms and convince yourself that it is not applicable to your situation, protect your health and seek professional advice. Be decisive and look after your family straight away. Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning strikes at all age groupings, not just the older or feeble. It is common for Pets to be harmed in the same way as humans.

Are there any warning signs of the presence of Carbon Monoxide Gas?

Many times Carbon Monoxide poisoning results in typical influenza like signs such as: -
- headaches which occur day-after-day
- dizziness
- weariness
- billiousness

Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered plumber if you see anyone in your home with similar signs. Open windows and improve air flow while you wait and see to it that no one stays in the home until the all clear has been established.

Posted in Safety