Co Some details and safety guidance
Co Some details and safety guidance
Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide Gas is very dangerous and toxic. Normal gas fire or gas appliance functioning produces innocuous gases but lack of oxygen can result in Co production. Correctly operating gas appliances create Carbon Dioxide, a harmless gas. Decreased oxygen supplies can lead to Carbon Monoxide Gas. Building regulations prescribing air necessities and the widespread availability gas appliance servicing services has reduced the relative incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still thirty deaths per year.
Can you identify a Co problem if you look at your gas appliances?
If your gas appliances have indications of stain on their surface or on the walls near them you may be seeing some of the results of poor ventilation and production of excess waste gases. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that ordinarily burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. If the pilot in your system starts burning yellowed you should have the central heating appliance serviced by a trained engineer without delay.
How do I protect my family from Co and likely poisoning?
As mentioned Co is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. The underlying cause of Carbon Monoxide production is lack of air to a gas flame. A CORGI-registered engineer should be employed to service your gas appliances. As a second, very important, line of defence, fit a British Standard approved Carbon Monoxide Gas detector with an audible alarm. Provision of the advocated ventilation to gas appliances is essential and you should regularly scrutinise any ventilation vents to ensure that the flow of air can be maintained. Moving outside your property take a look at all air ducts and air bricks to see to it that they have not been covered by plant growth. If air is provided through a flue this should be inspected throughout the year to confirm that it has not become blocked by debris or even a nest created by birds. It is important to be aware of the different sounds from your smoke alarms and Co detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different sounds so you know which detector was activated.
What is the impact of Co poisoning on people?
If you suspect there is Carbon Monoxide Gas in your home you should err on the side of caution. It is better to act quickly if you spot any symptoms as prevarication could lead to a death. Seek assistance without delay. Anyone can fall victim to Co poisoning, even the fit and healthy. Favourite animals, large and small, are also possible victims.
Does Co poisoning exhibit any symptoms?
You may observe common influenza like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide inhalation with features like: -
- frequent headaches
- instability
- weariness
- nausea
If you notice signs such as these when you have gas appliances in the house, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outdoors and see to it that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered service plumber.