Guide to carbon monoxide safety

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide gas (often abbreviated to CO) is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon based fuels, such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), oil, wood and coal. All fossil fuel burning appliances, including open fires, stoves, boilers, cookers and even BBQs have the potential to give off carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide gas is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” because it is colourless, odourless, tasteless and yet extremely poisonous.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

When humans or animals breathe in carbon monoxide the gas prevents their blood from transporting oxygen around their bodies, which can lead to cell and tissue damage and potentially even death.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not always obvious, especially during low-level exposure, and can be mistaken for other ailments and illnesses such as food poisoning or tiredness. Symptoms may be less severe when you are further away from the source of the carbon monoxide. However, the longer you inhale carbon monoxide, the worse your symptoms will be. You may lose your balance, vision and memory, then eventually you may lose consciousness completely and even die.

Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to neurological symptoms, including difficulty thinking or concentrating, or frequent emotional changes - for example becoming easily irritated, depressed or making impulsive decisions.

Other symptoms include:

• Dizziness.
• Tiredness.
• Headaches.
• Pains in the chest or stomach.
• Breathlessness.
• Erratic behaviour.
• Nausea.·     

How do I prevent carbon monoxide?

Because carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, it will only usually occur if there is a fault with the cooking or heating appliance, or if there is insufficient air for combustion of the fuel. For example, it could be a result of poor or inadequate appliance servicing, incorrect installation or lack of air vents for appliances that need them. To avoid problems, it is absolutely essential that your appliance is installed correctly and then checked and serviced at least annually by a suitably qualified heating technician. Click here  to find an OFTEC registered technicians. We don’t recommend that you try to undertake this work yourself.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to carbon monoxide (CO)?

If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning

• Open doors and windows immediately to ventilate the area.
• Switch off all fuel burning appliances.
• Leave the building straight away.
• Do not re-enter until it is safe to do so.
• Do not use the appliance again until it has been checked and confirmed safe by a competent technician.

Seek medical help

If you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, contact your GP or go to your local accident and emergency department.

Be aware, some people are affected faster

Carbon monoxide affects individuals differently infants, elderly individuals, and pets may be affected more quickly.

Pets can be early warning signs

Pets may show symptoms of CO poisoning before humans due to their size. If your pet becomes suddenly unwell or dies unexpectedly—and the cause is not old age or a known health condition - consider the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak.

Those at particular risk include:

• People with heart conditions.

• People with breathing problems.

• Babies and young children.

• Pregnant women.

• Pets.

When to fit CO detectors

A carbon monoxide detector (performing to British standard BS EN 50291) should be fitted in the same room as any new or replacement heating appliance (such as a boiler), which is inside a building (including non-habitable areas) and is not designed solely for cooking purposes depending on region.

Building regulations in Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland require additional detectors in high-risk areas, such as bedrooms and principle habitable rooms through which a flue may pass.

What should I do if I live in rented accommodation?

In rented properties in the UK and Jersey, CO detectors must be fitted in any room used as living accommodation containing an appliance. Landlords in Ireland and Guernsey also have a responsibility to ensure CO detectors are in place.

Landlords should arrange for heating equipment to be regularly serviced. Where tenancy agreements place the responsibility of appliance maintenance on the tenant, we recommend that tenants use an OFTEC registered technician who can provide a copy of the appropriate service report form to demonstrate that they have met the terms of their tenancy agreement.