Carbon Monoxide - Get in the Know

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas, which has no taste, colour, or smell. It can make you seriously ill and can kill quickly without warning.

What are the signs of a carbon monoxide leak?

Carbon monoxide is released when gas appliances do not have enough oxygen to burn correctly. Look outfor the following signs that could indicate that a gas appliance is not working correctly:

•     floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob, rather than a crisp blue flame

•     dark, sooty staining on or around your gas appliances

•     increased condensation inside windows

•     the boiler pilot light keeps going out.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

 Headaches | Nausea | Dizziness | Breathlessness | Collapse | Unconsciousness

If you're suffering from any of these symptoms and feel better when you leave the house, it could be COpoisoning. If you're concerned you or someone in your household may be suffering from CO poisoning, makesure you do the following:

• get fresh air immediately

• open all doors and windows, switch off gas appliances and leave the house

• contact your GP, who can check and advise if you need treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning

• if you're concerned there is immediate danger, call the gas emergency helpline on 0800 111 999(mainland GB), 0800 002 001 (Northern Ireland) or look up the number for your UK region at bit.ly/gasemergency.

Get in the know and stay gas safe

• Have your gas appliances checked annually by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants — ensure your landlord arranges this.

• Fit a suitable carbon monoxide alarm marked to BS EN 50291.

• Make sure you don’t block vents — these are there to ensure your gas appliances work safely.

• Visit GasSafetyWeek.co.uk for further information.