Protecting your home from Carbon Monoxide Gas

Carbon Monoxide is one of the most toxic gases and it is undetectable with no smell or taste. Normal gas fire or gas boiler functioning produces innocuous gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide production. Correctly operating boilers create Carbon Dioxide, a harmless gas. Decreased oxygen supplies can lead to Carbon Monoxide Gas. Many people suffer from Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning each year although the implementation of strict central heating appliance ventilation rules and access to professional maintenance and servicing has cut the number of deaths to thirty.

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

Carbon Monoxide Gas production is often a result of incomplete burning and this can be seen as the deposit of carbon black discoloring surfaces near your gas appliances. Poor air can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a boiler resulting in the production of Carbon Dioxide, in these circumstances a pilot light may change from burning with the common blue coloring to a yellowed colouration. You should call in a trained plumber to maintain your gas boilers if you notice that the pilot burner starts to burn with a yellow light.

Tell me how to reduce the chances of Co related illness.

The underlying cause of Carbon Monoxide production is lack of air to a gas flame. Checking the components of the exhaust gases should be a standard part of a gas appliance maintenance visit from a trained plumber and this will give early warning of any ventilation issues. To guarantee compliance with the gas appliance servicing rules make sure that the gas engineer you hire to service your appliances has CORGI registration. Carbon Monoxide detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important add-on to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by Carbon Monoxide gas. Provision of the recommended ventilation to gas appliances is essential and you should regularly inspect any air vents to see to it that the flow of air can be maintained. Garden plants can also be a danger to you as development throughout the summer can block air vents to a central heating appliance which may not be in operation until the cold weather returns. If ventilation is provided through a chimney this should be inspected throughout the year to confirm that it has not become blocked by debris or even a nest created by birds. Smoke and Co detectors are manufactured to make different audible noises when triggered. Take some time to learn the differences so that you are aware of what type of emergency you face when one of your detectors is set off.

What will Co Poisoning result in?

If you suspect there is Co in your home you should err on the side of caution. symptoms can be similar to other sicknesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Carbon Monoxide poisoning strikes at all age groups, not just the old or enfeebled. Favourite animals, large and small, are also potential victims.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Co absorption can result in the following symptoms: -
- persistent headaches
- light headiness
- little energy
- upset stomach and sickness

A CORGI certified service engineer should be brought in to inspect your gas appliances if you discover these signs in your household. Whilst waiting for the plumber to arrive you should check that you have opened up the windows and everyone has left the house.

Posted in Safety