Carbon Monoxide Alarms & CO Gas Detectors
How to Protect Your Family From the CO Poison and Gas Fumes
Sep 10, 2009
There are a handful of deaths each year from accidental Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. The actual number varies from year to year, but it is generally less than 50 people, out of a population of more than 60 million in the U.K. (figures published annually by Corgi). Tenants and the very poor are at most risk.
Natural gas is used widely across the country to heat homes and for cooking. The excellent safety record is due to a number of factors:
- public awareness campaigns about CO dangers over several decades;
- regular improvements to minimum safety standards required by law for gas installations;
- the compulsory training required by anyone who works with gas;
- prosecutions of those who undertake illegal gas work.
Because death is so rare, the few tragic cases usually get a lot of publicity, further highlighting the dangers.
Carbon Monoxide Detector or Alarm
Carbon Monoxide is undetectable by human senses, it is invisible and odourless. It is the same density as the air, so it does not rise or sink in a room; instead, it will move around with the air flow through the room and the building.
Carbon Monoxide detectors have been available for many years. Some change colour; others have an audible alarm. The technology behind these detectors has changed and they have to meet stringent standards.
How to Use a CO Detector
CO detectors should be placed in the same room as a gas appliance, near to an appliance at about mid-height of the room. Modern alarms can be ignored they will work like a smoke detector letting out an audible signal if there is danger or if the batteries are running out. The colour changing detectors are not recommended by gas safety bodies such as Corgi, they depend on being regularly looked at and replaced.
If Carbon Monoxide is detected you should do the following:
- turn off the gas appliances and gas at the mains if you are not sure of the source of the fumes;
- open windows and door for maximum ventilation, the gas will dissipate quickly;
- visit the doctor as soon as possible to be checked and treated for CO poisoning;
- contact a qualified gas engineer to recitify the problem.
Protect Against the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poison at Home
In the U.K. in public buildings including hotels and holiday homes, members of the public can expect that all gas appliances are safely maintained and regularly checked. This is the law and a certificate should be available for inspection.
Tenants can expect their landlord to pay for regular gas safety checks and rectify any defects which are identified. A landlord could make the small investment in a carbon monoxide alarm, but is not required to do so by law.
Maintenance and Gas Safety Inspections
Home owners should have appliances regularly serviced including boilers, cookers and gas fires. Manufacturers usually recommend annually although less often may be adequate for some appliances, take advice from an experienced gas heating engineer who is suitably qualified and on the Gas Safe Register. Gas appliances do not last for ever, they will need replacing eventually with something modern, more efficient and safer.
Discuss with the heating engineer whether a Home Owner's Gas Safety Check would be advisable, there is some overlap with the servicing of appliances but it is not the same thing.
Carbon Monoxide Gas
Accidental poisoning and death from Carbon Monoxide is avoidable. The U.K. has an excellent safety record and home owners have little to fear if their gas appliances are of a reputable make, fitted and regularly checked by a qualified gas engineer. Anyone can take the extra precaution of investing in a detector which will cost around £25 depending on the model.
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