Co could call in your household
Co could call in your household
Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide Gas is very dangerous and toxic. Bad air to a central heating appliance can lead to the output of this gas. The standard flue gases from a gas boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Co2, this is dislodged by Carbon Monoxide when the oxygen levels are reduced. Building rules prescribing air necessities and the widespread availability gas appliance service services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still thirty deaths per year.
Can I look at my central heating appliances to see if Carbon Monoxide Gas could be a problem?
One way of visually checking for potential problems is to check for marks of spotting, sooting or discoloration on or around gas boilers, fires and water heaters. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to inspect pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellowish or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. Treat the pilot like a traffic light, if it turns yellowed this is a warning and you should arrange for the gas boiler to be serviced as quickly as you can.
What should I do to protect myself and my family from Co poisoning ?
Co is output from a central heating appliance when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the combustion chamber. The underlying cause of Co production is lack of air to a gas flame. Any plumber you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required criteria. As a second, very important, line of defence, fit a British Standard approved Carbon Monoxide Gas detector with an audible alarm. You should also keep air vents in doors, walls or windows clear – never cover them up to prevent draughts. On many occasions air reviews have discovered air vents which have been blocked by fast growing plants and you should look for this throughout the growing season. 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. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Co alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide detector alarm goes off make sure it is your Carbon Monoxide detector and not your smoke detector.
What are the risks with Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any marks of Carbon Monoxide Gas inhalation in your family. It is easy to read about Carbon Monoxide Gas symptoms and convince yourself that it is not applicable to your position, protect your health and seek professional advice. Take action to protect yourself and your household quickly. Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning can affect anyone irregardless of age. Your Animals could also be injured or worse.
Does Carbon Monoxide poisoning exhibit any signs?
The signs of Co poisoning can often be confused with other influenza like sicknesses and include:-
- lasting head aches
- light headiness
- fatigue
- upset stomach and sickness
Stop using any gas appliances if you notice such signs and see to it that there is good ventilation to the room. As a precaution ask everyone to leave the room and get the appliances inspected by a properly qualified (CORGI) plumber.