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Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning... What is it ?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas.
It can be given off by appliances that burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal, wood
or oil, if they're not working properly, if the flue is blocked in any way, or
if the room is not properly ventilated.
Why is it so dangerous ?
Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, which makes it
difficult to detect. However its effects are deadly. On average, 50 people a year
are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty heating appliances.
What are the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning ?
Most
cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are due to inadequate ventilation or poor maintenance
of appliances, blocked or leaky flues and chimneys. Chimneys can become blocked
for various reasons. It could be as a result of birds nesting on the chimney,
or possible degradation of the flue. A blocked flue can lead to carbon monoxide
leaking into your home.
Who is most at risk ?
Some people
mistakenly think that it is only gas fuelled heating systems which can cause carbon
monoxide poisoning - in fact, it can happen with any fossil fuel system if the
system, which included both the appliance and the flue, is faulty or the room
is not properly ventilated. Also, some people associate carbon monoxide poisoning
with rented accommodation - in fact, more people are killed in owner occupied
rather than rented properties.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
A typical scenario is a living room with a solid fuel heater. The windows and
doors have been draught proofed and the permanent ventilation has been blocked
up (by the victim) to prevent draughts. The chimney and flue have not been swept
for years. The victim may not have carried out the regular maintenance of their
appliance, like cleaning the throat plate monthly, let alone had the appliance
serviced professionally. There may be soot deposits at the appliance outlet, or
bits of the flue lining may have broken away and tumbled down to the appliance
outlet. The weather is cold and the fire is not drawing well, so the victim opens
the fire door to get more heat. This compounds the problem. The victim becomes
drowsy, falls asleep, and doesn't wake up again.
The danger signs
Carbon monoxide may be present if there are any of the following danger signs:
Gas flames that normally burn blue burn orange or yellow instead.
Sooty
stains appear on or just above appliances, regardless of the fuel being burnt.
Coal or wood fires burn slowly or go out. The fire is difficult to light.
The room is not properly ventilated. The chimney or flue is blocked - watch out
for smoke in the room.
You develop the following unexplained symptoms:
 tiredness
drowsiness headaches
dizziness chest pains
nausea
Key Safety Messages & Facts
Carbon monoxide can
result from burning all fossil fuels - not just gas fires and boilers.
It
is important to ensure rooms are ventilated - never block vents. If double glazing
or draught-proofing is fitted, make sure there is still enough air circulating
for any heaters in the room.
Portable heaters do not need a flue, but they
still need good ventilation.
Make sure that all chimneys and flues are regularly
swept by a competent sweep and kept clear. This includes chimneys being used as
flues for gas fires, but is particularly important for solid fuel appliances.
Boilers and heating systems and appliances should be installed, maintained
and regularly serviced by a competent engineer (make sure they are CORGI-registered
for gas appliances).
If you have recently moved, check when your boiler or
heating appliances were last serviced.
Gas flames burning orange or yellow
instead of blue may indicate the presence of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide
detectors should comply with British Standard BS 7860 - but remember they are
only warning devices. Never rely on them entirely and do not use them as a substitute
for regular servicing. Never cook on a barbecue indoors - the charcoal gives off
carbon monoxide. If you develop any of the following unexplained symptoms - drowsiness,
headaches, chest pains, giddiness, sickness, diarrhoea, stomach pains - you could
be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Switch off your appliances and see
your doctor at once.
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