Don’t be alarmed - How to prevent and manage carbon monoxide gas leaks

Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that in high concentration can be lethal. Carbon monoxide alarms are now commonly available and can give you peace of mind that you and your family are safe from carbon monoxide in your home. These co alarms let off a high pitched sound when excessive carbon monoxide levels are detected, meaning that the right action can be taken to prevent the situation getting any worse. Common places where high levels of carbon monoxide can be found are by open flames, water heaters, blocked chimneys and when a running car is left in a garage.

The following preventative actions can be taken to reduce the risk of a carbon monoxide outbreak affecting your home:

1. Never use unflued devices such as paraffin heaters in bedrooms
2. Always ensure that your flues are clear and that all vents are uncovered
3. Make sure that all gas appliances and flues are installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you are a tenant in a rented property, you should be provided with a completed gas safety check certificate by your landlord.
4. Ensure that any maintenance or repair work carried out to gas appliances is undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer
5. Any other appliances that use fossil fuels of any kind should also be regularly serviced by a competent person.

Although as aforementioned, carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, there are some signs to look out for that could indicate high levels are present.

1. Pilot lights that frequently blow out
2. Soot around or on appliances
3. Flames that burn yellow or orange instead of the usual blue colour. This exclude fuel effect fires or flueless appliances, which tend to display yellow or orange flames as standard
4. An increased level of condensation inside windows

If you are concerned that there may be abnormal carbon monoxide levels in your home it is important not to panic, and follow the steps below:

1. Switch off the suspect appliance immediately and do not re-use it until a certified engineer has given you the go-ahead to do so
2. Turn off your gas supply at the meter and call The National Grid Gas Emergency Free phone  Number on 0800 111 999
3. Open all doors and windows in the affected room to increase ventilation and DO NOT sleep in that room
4. If you have symptoms that you believe could be down to CO2 poisoning then contact your doctor straight away and arrange for breath and/or blood tests to be done
5. Contact a Gas Safe Registered engineer to make any necessary repairs

Remember the best way to keep safe is to purchase an easy to install carbon monoxide alarm for your home.