Carbon Monoxide A quick Guide
Carbon Monoxide A quick Guide
Carbon Monoxide is a very toxic gas with no taste, no colour and no smell. Bad ventilation to a gas appliance can lead to the production of this gas. Correctly functioning gas appliances create Co2, a harmless gas. Reduced oxygen supplies can lead to Carbon Monoxide Gas. With high standards of boiler servicing and strict air rules the number of people killed by Carbon Monoxide has reduced to 30 people each year although many more are seriously injured.
Will looking at my gas boilers show me I have a Carbon Monoxide Gas problem?
If you see stains, lampblack or coloration on or near gas boilers, fires and water heaters this could indicate that you have a likely problem. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that ordinarily burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. Changes in the colour of the pilot burner suggest that all is not well with the central heating appliance and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.
Can you do anything to reduce the chances of Co poisoning?
Co is output from a gas boiler when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the burning chamber. On the assumption that there are no design faults in the air of your boiler, frequent boiler and gas appliance servicing will help to avoid any problems which could lead to the output of Carbon Monoxide Gas. To guarantee compliance with the gas appliance servicing rules make sure that the plumber you hire to service your appliances has CORGI registration. 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. Also regularly scrutinize for plants which might be developing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. If your home has a chimney to provide appliance ventilation look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a flue which is not being used in the warm weather could totally block the air when required in the winter. It is important to be aware of the different noises from your smoke alarms and Co detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different noises so you know which detector was triggered off.
How dangerous is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
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 signs as prevarication could lead to a death. Seek help without delay. Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning can affect anyone irregardless of age. This also applies to home Pets.
What are the signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide poisoning exhibits signs which can appear like other illnesses, for example: -
- lasting head aches
- loss of balance
- little energy
- sickness
Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered service engineer if you see anyone in your home with similar symptoms. Open windows and improve air flow while you wait and see to it that no one stays in the house until the all clear has been given.