Inspections and alarms will help to keep you CO safe, says RoSPA

26 Nov 2015 11:39 AM

Family safety charity RoSPA is reminding people to fit a carbon monoxide alarm and get their appliances checked annually, to protect themselves and their loved ones against the deadly gas.

As part of Northern Ireland’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, the charity is reminding people that if fuel-burning appliances are not installed, maintained and used properly, carbon monoxide (CO) can build up to potentially deadly levels in the home.

RoSPA is urging people to make sure all their fuel-burning appliances are serviced at least once a year by a registered engineer, and that their flues are inspected annually and swept.

Along with fitting an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, this is the best way to ensure the safety of your family.

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid and gas fuels, and is extremely poisonous – but is impossible to see, smell or taste, giving it the name “the silent killer”.

However there are symptoms you can look out for.

Colin Wallace, RoSPA’s home safety training development officer in Northern Ireland, said: “Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can look like other common ailments such as food poisoning or flu. You should look out for headache, nausea, breathlessness and dizziness, and it can also lead to collapse and unconsciousness.

“If you or a family member experiences any of these and believe CO may be involved, go straight to your GP or A&E. Be sure to ask for a blood or breath test to confirm CO, as it can quickly leave the blood.

“But the only way to be sure your family is safe is to ensure proper installation, maintenance and use of your fuel-burning appliances, and by getting an audible CO alarm.”

Householders should also remember that before installing a new solid fuel appliance, or relining or installing flues and chimneys for these appliances, it is a legal requirement to submit an application for building regulation approval. You should contact your local council’s building control department before you start this work.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for all boilers, stoves, gas fires and solid fuel room heaters.

Now in its third year, Northern Ireland’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month was created by members of the NI Carbon Monoxide Safety Group, which includes RoSPA.

For more information see www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/carbon-monoxide-safety orwww.hseni.gov.uk/watchout.