Carbon Monoxide

CARBON MONOXIDE AWARENESS

Carbon Monoxide occurs when appliances that burn fossil fuels, like gas, oil, wood and coal, are not working properly, if the flue is blocked or there is poor ventilation.

Know the danger signs.

In gas appliances look out for stains or deposits of soot and Yellow/orange flames. In solid fuel appliances look out for the smell of fumes, a fire that is slow to burn and goes out easily, a fire that is difficult to light or a blocked chimney flue.

Be aware of the symptoms

The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu or cold. These may include drowsiness, light head, dizziness, chest pains, nausea, stomach pains, tiredness and diarrhoea. Carbon Monoxide is dangerous because often people do not recognise drowsiness as a symptom and can drift asleep and continue to inhale the carbon monoxide. Take note if everyone in the home is experiencing at least some of the symptoms, and pay particular attention if pets exhibit symptoms since animals cannot get the flu. If you ever suspect Carbon Monoxide in your home; open your windows and doors, turn off all combustion appliances and leave the house. If anyone shows symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, contact the emergency services and seek medical help immediately.

Here are a few simple steps which you can take to help prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning occurring in your home.

Make sure chimneys and flues are swept regularly and kept clear.
Ensure there is good ventilation
Have gas appliances checked by a ‘Gas Safe Register’ engineer once a year
Ensure that the flame on gas appliances is burning blue not yellow/orange
Never cook on a barbeque indoors
Install carbon monoxide alarms in the home which comply with the British Standard BS EN 50291:2001 and display the Kitemark symbol or a European CE mark. It is important to follow manufacturer’s guidelines when installing your carbon monoxide detector. It is also advisable to position another detector near to the sleeping area to ensure that you can be woken if the alarm is activated.
Act straight away if you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Switch off your appliances and see a doctor.

For further information or advice contact Environmental Health, Cookstown District Council, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DT. Tel: 028867 62205 or email envhealth@cookstown.gov.uk

You can also view a range of resources on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) by following this link:

http://watchout.hseni.gov.uk/resources.htm