CO can be particularly dangerous in the winter months, when we tend to close our windows and doors and dial up the central heating to keep warm.
CO is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas that can be produced by anything that burns carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. That could be your gas cooker, boiler, woodburner and gas or open fire. Be CO aware this winter by knowing the signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as steps you can take to protect your household.
How to stay safe from CO.
To reduce the risks, you need to:
Purchase
An audible CO alarm. Ensure it is correctly positioned in your home and is tested regularly.
Book
An annual service for your gas appliances and ensure they are properly installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer*.
*The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work legally on gas appliances. Visit gassaferegister.co.uk to find an engineer near you.
Check
Get your flues checked and chimneys swept annually by a registered professional.
Do not:
Use a gas appliance if you suspect it isn't working properly.
Block or obstruct any fixed ventilation, grilles or air bricks.
Block or cover outside flues and chimneys.
Check for signs of a CO leak.
You can’t see, taste or smell CO, but there are some physical signs you can look out for around your home. The earlier you spot them, the more you can do to minimise the health risks posed by a leak.
Signs of CO
Lazy yellow flame
A gas hob's flame could appear lazy and burn orange or yellow rather than mostly blue.
Soot & yellow-brown staining
If there is soot or yellow-brown staining on or around an appliance.
Excessive condensation
In the room (on windows) where you have a gas appliance.
Pilot light
If it frequently blows out, this can be a sign of something wrong with the appliance.
If you suspect CO, you should call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999* immediately. This is a FREE service, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Advisors will be on hand to instruct you on what steps to take next. They’ll send out an emergency gas engineer from your local gas distribution network who'll ensure steps are taken to make the situation safe.
A CO alarm could save your life this winter
An audible CO alarm is the best way of knowing if carbon monoxide is present in your home.
Purchasing your CO alarm
You should always buy your CO alarm from an approved retailer and ensure it complies with the British Standard BS EN50291-1.
Where to place your CO alarm
In order for it to work correctly it is important that your alarm is in the right place.
You should ideally have a CO alarm on each level of your house and definitely in the same room as any fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler, stove or oven. Always ensure to check and follow manufacturer’s instructions when placing, testing, and servicing the alarm. But here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Place the alarm at head height. This could be on a shelf or bookcase; it doesn’t have to be fixed on a wall. The ideal placement would be:
- At least 30 cm from any wall (for ceiling mounted alarms).
- At least 15 cm from the ceiling, above the height of any door or openable window (for wall mounted alarms).
- Make sure the alarm is between 100 and 300 cm (measured horizontally) from the potential source of CO, such as boilers and ovens.
- Don’t place the detector near a fireplace, or any appliance that produces a flame (like your gas hob).
- Don’t put it in cupboards, behind furniture, or near outside doors or ventilation equipment (such as extractor fans). This will stop it from working properly.
Testing your CO alarm
Remember to pay close attention to the alarm’s battery life and when it will need replacing. Most alarms will last between five and seven years, with some lasting for as long as 10 years. Many CO alarms have an expiry date marked on them. Make a note of this and replace your alarm before it reaches this date.
It is also important to regularly check the alarm, once a month if possible. You could set a reminder on your phone or add to your calendar as an easy prompt.
Stay safe by knowing the symptoms of CO poisoning
Breathing in CO can pose a serious threat to your health and could result in death, so it’s important to know the symptoms of CO poisoning.
It’s easy to put the symptoms of CO poisoning down to illnesses such as food poisoning, the flu or even a hangover. They can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Nausea or feeling sick
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness.
If your symptoms lessen or disappear when you’re out of the house, it might be CO poisoning.
Learn how to spot the symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms don’t take the chance. Ask yourself these four questions. They can be remembered by using the acronym ‘COMA’:
- C for Co-habitees and co-occupants. Is anyone else in the property affected (including pets)? If yes this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.
- O for Outdoors. Do your symptoms improve when out of the property? If yes this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.
- M for Maintenance. Are heating and cooking appliances/equipment properly maintained? If no, this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.
- A for Alarm. Do you have a CO alarm? If no, this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.