Carbon Monoxide Alarms -
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How is CO produced in the home? How is CO produced at work? What are the symptoms and dangers of CO poisoning? What should you do if you suspect a leak? How is CO poisoning treated? How to prevent CO poisoning in the home How to prevent CO poisoning at work Landlords legal requirements
How is Carbon Monoxide produced in the home?
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Common sources in the home include poorly installed/poorly maintained/faulty/damaged central heating systems, gas appliances and fires. Blocked flues and chimneys mean the gas can't escape and is inhaled by the unsuspecting individuals. Burning charcoal also produces CO. Running cars produce CO; do not run your car in the garage with the doors closed.
Ensure that you use a CORGI registered fitter for all you gas appliance installations
Signs that there might be a CO leak in the home are yellow or brown staining on and around fossil fuelled appliances, rising condensation around windows and yellow-tinged pilot lights that frequently blow out
In today's world of improved insulation and double glazing, it has become increasingly important to have good ventilation and to maintain all appliances regularly. Carbon monoxide can travel through a chimney you share with a neighbour, so invest in a detector to give you a warning immediately if the build up of CO reaches dangerous levels.
Burning fuel in an enclosed or unventilated space (with no air vents, windows or doors left open or ajar) is likely to cause CO poisoning e.g. a car engine running inside closed garage can produce a lethal level of CO in just 10 minutes
Fumes from cleaning fluids and paint removers that contain methylene chloride (dichloromethane) can also cause CO poisoning. When breathed in, methylene chloride is converted into carbon monoxide.
What about caravans?
The danger that appliances in caravans posed is often overlooked. People use their caravans a few times a year and usually assume that they will be fully working despite being out of action for the majority of the year.
DO NOT ASSUME YOUR CARAVAN APPLIANCES WILL WORK CORRECTLY
A caravan is a very small space with a constant supply to a source of natural gas, make sure that appliance are in proper working order before you go on holiday, install a CO alarm as a backup.
CO in the newDevon Couple Rescued from CO Swansea Hospital Tests Patients for CO Poisoning Hollyoaks raises awareness for Scunthorpe Lady of CO symptoms. Horse breaders found dead - high level CO in bodies CO - It's Like a bomb inside your brain.
The Independent
on Sunday. Pendle encourages Health Homes