Avoiding the silent killer, CO poisoning

Having fuel-burning appliances serviced regularly is a crucial way of reducing the risk of accidental poisoning by carbon monoxide (CO), which is known as the silent killer because you cannot hear, see, taste or smell it.

Gas Safe Register has this week replaced CORGI in Northern Ireland as the scheme under which anyone carrying out domestic and commercial gas work must be registered. A similar change was made elsewhere in the UK last year.

CO can build up if a fuel-burning appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained, or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked. So it is important to employ only registered gas engineers to fit or service gas fires or boilers. Before each job starts, ask to see the installer’s identity card, checking that their capabilities - which are listed on the back of the card - include the job you want doing.

RoSPA recommends that gas boilers and fires are checked every year by a registered gas engineer. Homeowners are also urged to remember that CO is not just given off by gas appliances - it can also result from the burning of other fuels, including wood, coal and oil, so have all fuel-burning appliances serviced regularly.

Ita McErlean, RoSPA’s home safety manager in Northern Ireland, said: “The regular servicing of all your fuel-burning appliances really is a matter of life and death. In the UK every year, 15-20 people die from CO poisoning from gas appliances, with many more suffering health problems as a result of CO exposure.

“For gas appliances, use an engineer registered through Gas Safe Register for annual services. Consult your fuel supplier or professional heating engineer for the servicing of other appliances, and have your chimney or flue regularly swept.”

If you live in rented property, ask your landlord to show you the property’s gas safety certificate. Remember to keep rooms well ventilated, never block air vents and fit an audible CO alarm. Having an alarm, however, should be in addition to the other actions and should not be relied upon as the only defence against CO poisoning.

Signs of CO poisoning include:

n Prolonged flu-like symptoms, particularly children and the elderly, and maybe even your pets

n Gas appliances burning with orange, instead of blue, flames

n Sooty stains on or near appliances

n Excessive condensation in the room

n Coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out

See www.gassaferegister.co.uk for more information about Gas Safe Register and www.rospa.com for advice about preventing CO poisoning.