This article provides information about the dangers of carbon monoxide in the family home. It also gives details about the protective steps that can be taken, and things to avoid.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced whenever gas, oil, wood or charcoal is burned. It is invisible to the eye and you cannot smell it, but in high doses it can kill a person in a matter of minutes. Hundreds of people die each year from faulty appliances in their home, almost all of which could have been prevented if a few simple steps were taken.
Taking Protective Steps
Make sure any work you have carried out on gas appliances is carried out by a CORGI registered engineer.
It is advised that you have your appliances serviced regularly by a registered engineer. Preferably this should be done on a yearly basis.
Make sure that there is a good flow of air in any room that has a gas appliance in. If the room has a chimney, check that the flu is not blocked.
It is good practice to have your chimney cleaned once a year to ensure good flow of air throughout your home.
Make sure there is a working carbon monoxide alarm in every room that has a gas appliance in.
Check the batteries regularly to ensure that your alarm is in good working order.
Thing to Avoid
Never leave your car engine running whilst in your garage.
Never burn charcoal indoors.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
Never sleep in a room that is being heated by an unvented gas heater.
Never ignore the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Alarms should never be used as a substitute for proper appliance maintenance and service, but are an excellent backup and should always be included as part of your protective arsenal. There are a number of alarms on the market and a lot of choice. So, what are the most effective?
Wi-Safe co alarms are a fantastic new addition to the industry, using wireless technology to communicate with the detector and the alarm. Fireangel manufacture a variety of wireless tools to compliment their detectors including a remote warning handset, vibrating alarm, and strobe alarm which are particularly useful for people who are elderly, infirm or hard of hearing.
