Archive for the ‘Carbon Monoxide’ Category
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
You may observe common flu like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide inhalation with features like: -
- ongoing headaches
- loss of balance
- fatigue
- urge to vomit
If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.
What will Carbon Monoxide Poisoning result in?
Carbon monoxide is poisonous so you should be very careful.Do not read this or other articles and form your own judgment. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Anyone can fall victim to CO poisoning, even the fit and healthy. This also applies to household pets.
Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous and toxic. Typical gas fire or boiler operation produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide creation. The standard flue gases from a boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Carbon Dioxide, this is displaced by Carbon Monoxide when the oxygen levels are reduced. Many people suffer from Carbon Monoxide poisoning each year although the implementation of strict boiler ventilation regulations and access to professional maintenance and servicing has cut the number of deaths to 30.
How can I see I have a carbon monoxide problem?
If your gas appliances have indications of discoloration on their surface or on the walls near them you may be seeing some of the results of poor ventilation and production of excess waste gases. Poor ventilation can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a boiler resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, in these circumstances a pilot light may change from burning with the usual blue colour to a yellow colouration. Changes in the colour of the pilot light indicate that all is not well with the boiler and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide related illness.
As mentioned carbon monoxide is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. Assuming that a ventilation audit of your proposed installation was completed before your boiler was fitted the best defence to this is the regular and expert servicing of any gas appliances that you have including your boiler. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. Carbon monoxide detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important addition to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by CO gas. Gas appliances require adequate ventilation and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of ventilation vents in the summer through home decorating and the storage of surplus items.. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be growing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. Birds can often build nests in chimneys and block the airflow to gas appliances without you knowing, a visual inspection from the ground should be included within your ventilation action plan. It is important to be aware of the different sounds from your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. In an emergency you need to be are aware of the different sounds so you know which detector was triggered.
When I buy a detector what should I look for?
Preferred CO detectors should contain an audible alarm and be have British Standards certification. Key points for these alarms are a 5 year plus battery and the loud alarm alerting family members to the presence of carbon monoxide to the need to get to fresh air. Battery powered models with electronic detection are better than the paper based models which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels have increased. Chemical CO detectors loose their effectiveness after 6 months and have to be changed, this increases the lifetime cost and puts you at risk if you forget to change the detector when it has expired. Audible alarms are a significant advantage if CO levels rise at night as the noise will wake you and your family. In addition to do it yourself stores carrying these detectors you may be able to purchase an approved model from your utility company.
Can the general public purchase carbon monoxide detectors?
CO detectors are important household aids in detecting carbon monoxide and giving early warning of potential problems. Several types of detector are now becoming available in DIY shops and the supermarket chains. Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. CO detectors are not yet as reliable as the smoke detectors in your home but the technology is becoming more reliable and they are an important early warning mechanism. You should always ensure you have a proper maintenance schedule for your appliances, having a carbon monoxide detector does not enable you to save on regular appliance servicing.
The benefits of installing a Carbon Monoxide detector
Early advice of rising levels of CO can give people enough time to leave a building before the symptoms of CO poisoning occur. The installation of CO detectors gives this warning. Properly installed detectors monitor carbon monoxide levels over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms of poisoning. Unlike smoke detectors, they do not need to be placed near ceiling level. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed where the alarm can be heard from your bedroom, you need to be woken quickly should the alarm be triggered.
Test your CO Detectors
A detector should be tested several times each the year to make certain that it is working as designed. Detectors should come with instructions detailing the steps to take to check the effective functioning of the detector. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the service instructions if found to be defective. Many detectors have a test button, this does not test the detector but its purpose is to trigger the alarm so that you can confirm that the sound and the battery are working. You should note when the detector needs to be replaced, some have an operating life of only 48 months. Some detectors last up to 5 years and operate off the mains or battery. You will need to select a model that meets your needs. Some detectors incorporate smoke detection and also carbon monoxide gas detection. They will have their own installation instructions which you should follow closely.
What will I see if I have a carbon monoxide issue in my home?
Gas combustion in an oxygen poor atmosphere can produce visible deposits which can discolour gas appliances and the walls surrounding them. A yellow pilot light is an indication of a problem in the gas combustion chamber which may be caused by a lack of oxygen through poor ventilation. Treat the pilot light like a traffic light, if it turns yellow this is a warning and you should arrange for the boiler to be serviced as quickly as you can.
Can the general public purchase carbon monoxide monitor?
Accumulated exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to death and CO detectors can give early warning of carbon monoxide production in the home. In recent years there are several types of monitors becoming available for purchase on the high street. Carbon monoxide monitors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. CO detectors are not yet as reliable as the smoke detectors in your home but the technology is becoming more reliable and they are an important early warning mechanism. You should ensure you have regular servicing of your appliances and treat your carbon monoxide detector as a secondary, backup measure. It is not your first line of defense.
What features will a good monitor have?
Preferred CO monitors should contain an audible alarm and be have British Standards certification. Key points for these alarms are a 5 year plus battery and the loud alarm alerting family members to the presence of carbon monoxide to the need to get to fresh air. If you have a choice pay more to get the battery powered electronic detectors rather than chemical based models using chemical reactions and colour changes to show an alarm as these may not be noticed in time. Chemical CO monitors loose their effectiveness after 6 months and have to be changed, this increases the lifetime cost and puts you at risk if you forget to change the detector when it has expired. The ability to wake you from your sleep at night is an important advantage that battery detectors have over the more passive chemical detectors. Both types of monitors are now commonly available in DIY stores.
Installing a carbon monoxide monitor
The installation of CO detectors give a warning to people in a building of unhealthy or dangerous levels of CO before the symptoms of CO poisoning occur. The levels at which carbon monoxide detectors are triggered are measured against the level of gas that would start to harm a healthy adult. As such you need to act quickly when children could have been exposed to the emissions as they can be harmed by lower levels of the gas. Carbon monoxide detectors have installation requirements separate from those of smoke detectors and do not need to be installed at the top of a wall or on the ceiling. For maximum effectiveness during sleeping hours, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed close to sleeping areas.
Check your carbon monoxide detectors frequently
As with all safety equipment a detector should be tested throughout the year to make sure that it is working effectively. Detectors should come with instructions detailing the steps to take to check the effective functioning of the detector. A detector should be checked at least once per month to confirm it is working properly, if it fails replace it with a new detector without delay. The ‘test’ feature on many detectors checks the functioning of the alarm and not the status of the detector. After 48 months (2 years) some detectors may need to be replaced and you should check how long your detector will operate. Some models of detector have lifespans up to 5 years some are mains powered, others are battery powered. You should shop around to select the model that meets your needs. Some detectors incorporate smoke detection and also carbon monoxide gas detection. They will have their own installation instructions which you should follow closely.
Carbon Monoxide is one of the most poisonous gases and it is undetectable with no smell or taste. Bad ventilation to a boiler can lead to the production of this gas. Properly balanced ventilation will result in Carbon Dioxide output, Carbon Monoxide will result if the level of oxygen is restricted with reduced airflow or a blocked flue. With high standards of boiler servicing and strict ventilation regulations the number of people killed by Carbon Monoxide has reduced to 30 people each year although many more are seriously injured.
What are the risks with CO poisoning?
Carbon monoxide kills so do not take any risks if you suspect you may be suffering from inhalation of the gas. Do not read this or other articles and form your own judgment. Be decisive and look after your household straight away. Any member of the family can be affected by carbon monoxide regardless of their age. Pets can also be impacted.
Are there any warning signs of the presence of carbon monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide absorption can result in the following symptoms: -
* regular incidences of headaches
* loss of balance
* fatigue
* sickness
A CORGI certified gas engineer should be brought in to inspect your gas boilers and appliances if you notice these symptoms in your family. Whilst waiting for the engineer to arrive you should ensure that you have opened the windows and everyone has left the house.
How do I protect my family from Carbon Monoxide and potential poisoning?
As mentioned carbon monoxide is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. On the assumption that there are no design faults in the ventilation of your boiler, frequent boiler and gas appliance servicing will help to avoid any problems which could lead to the production of carbon monoxide. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. Carbon monoxide detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important addition to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by CO gas. Air ventilation bricks and panels should be kept clear and checked throughout the year to make sure that the planned air flow is maintained to your gas appliances. On several occasions ventilation reviews have discovered air vents which have been blocked by fast growing plants and you should look for this throughout the growing season. And make sure your chimney doesn’t become blocked with birds’ nests or other debris. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms. If the CO detector alarm goes off make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
Installing a carbon monoxide tester
The installation of CO testers give a warning to people in a building of unhealthy or dangerous levels of CO before the symptoms of CO poisoning occur. The levels at which carbon monoxide testers are triggered are measured against the level of gas that would start to harm a healthy adult. As such you need to act quickly when children could have been exposed to the emissions as they can be harmed by lower levels of the gas. Smoke detectors are installed near the ceiling as smoke rises, this is not true of carbon monoxide testers and hence these testers can be installed lower on the wall. Make sure that you will be woken should your carbon monoxide tester go off whilst you are asleep. Install the alarm near your sleeping areas.
Carbon Monoxide testers should be regularly tested
Make a note to test your detector on a regular basis to ensure it is working. Detectors should come with instructions detailing the steps to take to check the effective functioning of the detector. Detectors should be tested monthly and replaced if problems are found. Many detectors have a test button, this does not test the detector but its purpose is to trigger the alarm so that you can confirm that the sound and the battery are working. Many detectors have a limited lifetime, this can be 48 months or less. There are detectors on sale which can operate for 60 months In addition to battery models there are some that are mains powered and have battery backup to cover power failures. The choice is yours. There are combined detectors sold which combine smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within the same case. These may have specific installation instructions as advised by the manufacturer and you should pay particular attention as to how these should be installed.
Are you able to purchase carbon monoxide detectors?
Domestic carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by the use of household carbon monoxide testers. Several different and relatively inexpensive detectors are available in stores. The gradual accumulation of carbon monoxide gas over time will lead to the detector being set off. Smoke detectors have become a standard feature in homes and the technology is reliable, CO detectors are not yet as reliable but the technology is making rapid strides. Your best protection against exposure to carbon monoxide is the regular servicing of your gas burning appliances. A CO detector will only ever be a backup measure.
What features will a good detector have?
Ensure that the detector you get is certified to British Standards and has a loud alarm. Look for a very loud alarm and 5 year battery life as minimum requirements in a CO detector. Cheaper CO detectors have a coloured spot that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels rise and these should not be used in preference to a battery alarm. Colour change detectors do not have an audible alarm and cannot alert you the moment there is a problem. Also they only last for 6 months and the lower price can be a false economy. Chemical detectors lack of loud alarms prevents them from waking your family at night time if CO levels rise and this could be a major safety issue. Many types of shops carry these detectors and smoke alarms also.
What will I see if I have a carbon monoxide issue in my home?
Carbon Dioxide production is often a result of incomplete combustion and this can be seen as the deposit of soot discolouring surfaces near your gas appliances. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that normally burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. Changes in the colour of the pilot light indicate that all is not well with the boiler and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) cannot be tasted and has no smell giving no opportunity to detect this dangerous gas. It can be produced by a boiler when there is insufficient oxygen in the air supply to the combustion chamber, it is also produced by faulty gas fires and other gas appliances. Properly balanced ventilation will result in Carbon Dioxide output, Carbon Monoxide will result if the level of oxygen is restricted with reduced airflow or a blocked flue. Building regulations prescribing ventilation requirements and the widespread availability of gas boiler and appliance servicing services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year.
What are the risks with CO poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is poisonous so you should be very careful. It is easy to read about carbon monoxide symptoms and convince yourself that it is not applicable to your situation, protect your health and seek professional advice. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Age and good health are no defence against poisoning from carbon monoxide. It is common for pets to be harmed in the same way as humans.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can often be confused with other flu like illnesses and include:-
* headaches which occur daily
* light headiness
* weariness
* billiousness
If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide related illness.
Bad ventilation resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous carbon monoxide. Gas appliance engineers will check the ventilation and combustion efficiency of your gas appliances during the regular maintenance visits eliminating the causes of poor combustion. To guarantee compliance with the gas appliance servicing regulations make sure that the gas engineer you hire to service your appliances has CORGI registration. Carbon monoxide detectors can give a warning of abnormal carbon monoxide levels, models with a loud alarm are the most effective at warning the inhabitants of the home. Provision of the recommended ventilation to gas appliances is essential and you should regularly inspect any ventilation vents to ensure that the flow of air can be maintained. Moving outside your property take a look at all ventilation ducts and air bricks to ensure that they have not been covered by plant growth. Birds can often build nests in chimneys and block the airflow to gas appliances without you knowing, a visual inspection from the ground should be included within your ventilation action plan. Smoke and CO detectors are manufactured to make different audible sounds when triggered. Take some time to learn the differences so that you are aware of what type of emergency you face when one of your detectors is set off.
Installing a Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home
The installation of CO alarms give a warning to people in a building of unhealthy or dangerous levels of CO before the symptoms of CO poisoning occur. Carbon monoxide alarms will sound the alarm before the concentrations of gas have reached the levels where an adult would be effected. Unlike smoke detectors, they do not need to be placed near ceiling level. You need a CO detector to wake you whilst sleeping if carbon monoxide is detected so detectors should be sited where the alarm can be heard from the bedrooms.
What features will a good alarm have?
Carbon monoxide detectors should have a very loud alarm and be certified to British Standards. Look for a very loud alarm and 5 year battery life as minimum requirements in a CO detector. If you have a choice pay more to get the battery powered electronic detectors rather than chemical based models using chemical reactions and colour changes to show an alarm as these may not be noticed in time. These are not recommended as they have a life of around six months and you must remember to replace them regularly. The ability to wake you from your sleep at night is an important advantage that battery detectors have over the more passive chemical detectors. Carbon Monoxide detectors are now readily available in the high street being stocked by many types of stores.
Can I buy a carbon monoxide detector ?
CO detectors are important household aids in detecting carbon monoxide and giving early warning of potential problems. In recent years there are several types of detectors becoming available for purchase on the high street. Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. The technology in carbon monoxide detectors is not yet as reliable as that used in smoke detectors but it is becoming more so over time. You should always ensure you have a proper maintenance schedule for your appliances, having a carbon monoxide detector does not enable you to save on regular appliance servicing.
CO Detectors must be tested regularly
Your safety is dependent upon your detector so regularly check it is working correctly. CO detectors should be installed, checked and serviced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions just like your gas boiler should be checked. Detectors should be tested monthly and replaced if problems are found. Many detectors have a test button, this does not test the detector but its purpose is to trigger the alarm so that you can confirm that the sound and the battery are working. Be aware that the average life span of many carbon monoxide detectors is about 2 years Some detectors last up to 5 years and operate off the mains or battery. You will need to select a model that meets your needs. Combination smoke detector and CO detectors are available and should also be installed in accordance with the manufacturer instructions.
Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous gas with no taste, no colour and no smell. It can be produced by a boiler when there is insufficient oxygen in the air supply to the combustion chamber, it is also produced by faulty gas fires and other gas appliances. The lack of oxygen means that Carbon Monoxide is produced rather than the less dangerous Carbon Dioxide. Building regulations prescribing ventilation requirements and the widespread availability gas appliance servicing services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year.
What will Carbon Monoxide Poisoning result in?
If you suspect there is carbon monoxide in your home you should err on the side of caution. Do not read this or other articles and form your own judgement. Be decisive and look after your household straight away. Anyone can fall victim to CO poisoning, even the fit and healthy. It is common for pets to be harmed in the same way as humans.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide absorption can result in the following symptoms: -
* ongoing headaches
* queasiness
* extreme tiredness
* sickness
If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.
How can I see I have a carbon monoxide problem?
One way of visually checking for potential problems is to check for signs of staining, sooting or discoloration on or around gas boilers, fires and water heaters. Poor ventilation can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a boiler resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, in these circumstances a pilot light may change from burning with the usual blue colour to a yellow colouration. Treat the pilot light like a traffic light, if it turns yellow this is a warning and you should arrange for the boiler to be serviced as quickly as you can.
What should I do to protect myself and my family from carbon monoxide poisoning ?
Carbon monoxide is output from a boiler when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the combustion chamber. On the assumption that there are no design faults in the ventilation of your boiler, frequent boiler and gas appliance servicing will help to avoid any problems which could lead to the production of carbon monoxide. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. You can now buy electronic, battery powered, carbon monoxide detectors which sound an alarm on detection of high levels of the gas. Gas appliances require adequate ventilation and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of ventilation vents in the summer through home decorating and the storage of surplus items.. On several occasions ventilation reviews have discovered air vents which have been blocked by fast growing plants and you should look for this throughout the growing season. And make sure your chimney doesn’t become blocked with birds’ nests or other debris. Ensure that you are aware of the different sounds from your smoke alarms and your CO alarms. If the carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds be certain that it was your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
Preferred CO detectors should contain an audible alarm and be have British Standards certification. These typically have batteries which will last for up to five years and have a loud alarm which goes off when carbon monoxide is detected giving you time to evacuate the room. Battery powered models with electronic detection are better than the paper based models which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels have increased. These are not recommended as they have a life of around six months and you must remember to replace them regularly. Chemical detectors lack of loud alarms prevents them from waking your family at night time if CO levels rise and this could be a major safety issue. Many types of shops carry these detectors and smoke alarms also.
Are you able to purchase carbon monoxide detectors?
Carbon monoxide detectors can be effective in preventing incidences of carbon monoxide poisoning. You know have a choice of detector types and most of these are available in the shops or online. It is the accumulation of carbon monoxide in an area that sets of your detector. Smoke detectors have become a standard feature in homes and the technology is reliable, CO detectors are not yet as reliable but the technology is making rapid strides. You should ensure you have regular servicing of your appliances and treat your carbon monoxide detector as a secondary, backup measure. It is not your first line of defense.
The advantages of installing a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home
Early warning of heightened CO levels provided by installing a carbon monoxide detector can ensure that fatalities do not occur. Carbon monoxide alarms will sound the alarm before the concentrations of gas have reached the levels where an adult would be effected. Carbon monoxide detectors have installation requirements separate from those of smoke detectors and do not need to be installed at the top of a wall or on the ceiling. Make sure that you will be woken should your carbon monoxide detector go off whilst you are asleep. Install the alarm near your sleeping areas.
The operation of detectors must be checked frequently
Make a note to test your detector on a regular basis to ensure it is working. Refer to the manufacturer instructions to learn how to check that the detector is operating correctly. A detector should be checked at least once per month to confirm it is working properly, if it fails replace it with a new detector without delay. You should note that the ‘test’ button on a co detector will test the alarm rather than confirm that the detector is detecting carbon monoxide. You should note when the detector needs to be replaced, some have an operating life of only 48 months. There are detectors on sale which can operate for 60 months In addition to battery models there are some that are mains powered and have battery backup to cover power failures. The choice is yours. There are combined detectors sold which combine smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within the same case. These may have specific installation instructions as advised by the manufacturer and you should pay particular attention as to how these should be installed.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) cannot be tasted and has no smell giving no opportunity to detect this dangerous gas. Typical gas fire or boiler operation produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide creation. The standard flue gases from a boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Carbon Dioxide, this is displaced by Carbon Monoxide when the oxygen levels are reduced. Building regulations prescribing ventilation requirements and the widespread availability gas appliance servicing services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year.
Can you identify a carbon monoxide problem if you look at your gas appliances?
One way of visually checking for potential problems is to check for signs of staining, sooting or discoloration on or around gas boilers, fires and water heaters. Inspecting gas pilot lights can give early warning of a lack of oxygen in the boiler as the colour of the pilot light may change from blue to yellow. You should call in a trained engineer to maintain your heating system if you notice that the pilot light starts to burn with a yellow light.
What actions can I take to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
The underlying cause of carbon monoxide production is lack of ventilation to a gas flame. Gas appliance engineers will check the ventilation and combustion efficiency of your gas appliances during the regular maintenance visits eliminating the causes of poor combustion. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. Fitting a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm is also a valuable investment to provide early warning of potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Provision of the recommended ventilation to gas appliances is essential and you should regularly inspect any ventilation vents to ensure that the flow of air can be maintained. Garden plants can also be a danger to you as growth throughout the summer can block air vents to a boiler which may not be in operation until the cold weather returns. Chimney ventilation can become obstructed in the summer by a birds nest and you may not notice id a fire is not used in the summer so a visual inspection should be incorporated in your home maintenance plans. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms. If the CO detector alarm goes off make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
How dangerous is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of carbon monoxide inhalation in your family.There are no second chances with poisoning from this gas so do not delay if you suspect anything. Take action today and ensure you are able to take action tomorrow. Age and good health are no defence against poisoning from carbon monoxide. Your pets could also be injured or worse.
What might I see if there was carbon monoxide in my home?
You may observe common flu like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide inhalation with features like: -
- persistent headaches
- balance problems
- weariness
- upset stomach and sickness
A CORGI certified gas engineer should be brought in to inspect your gas appliances if you notice these symptoms in your family. Whilst waiting for the engineer to arrive you should ensure that you have opened the windows and everyone has left the house.
How can I see I have a carbon monoxide problem?
If you see stains, soot or coloration on or near gas boilers, fires and water heaters this could indicate that you have a potential problem. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that normally burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. You should call in a trained engineer to maintain your heating system if you notice that the pilot light starts to burn with a yellow light.
Carbon Monoxide is one of the most poisonous gases and it is undetectable with no smell or taste. The gas is a by product of combustion with insufficient oxygen supply such as can happen in a badly ventilated boiler. The lack of oxygen means that Carbon Monoxide is produced rather than the less dangerous Carbon Dioxide. Following the adoption of regular boiler servicing and regulations governing ventilation levels deaths from Carbon Monoxide have been held at 30 per annum although there are many more injuries from poisoning.
How do I protect my family from Carbon Monoxide and potential poisoning?
The underlying cause of carbon monoxide production is lack of ventilation to a gas flame. Checking the components of the exhaust gases should be a standard part of a gas boiler and appliance maintenance visit from a trained engineer and this will give early warning of any ventilation issues. To ensure that you get expert appliance service you should check that the engineer is CORGI-registered. You can now buy electronic, battery powered, carbon monoxide detectors which sound an alarm on detection of high levels of the gas. Air vents maintain the required air flow to you gas appliances and it is important that these are kept free of any obstructions as this could result in a reduced flow of air. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be growing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. Chimney ventilation can become obstructed in the summer by a birds nest and you may not notice id a fire is not used in the summer so a visual inspection should be incorporated in your home maintenance plans. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors make different sounds. You should ensure that your family are aware of the differences so that they take the correct action when one of your detectors is triggered.
What will Carbon Monoxide Poisoning result in?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of carbon monoxide inhalation in your family. There are no second chances with poisoning from this gas so do not delay if you suspect anything. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Anyone can fall victim to CO poisoning, even the fit and healthy. It is common for pets to be harmed in the same way as humans.
Are there any warning signs of the presence of carbon monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide poisoning exhibits symptoms which can appear like other illnesses, for example: -
- frequent headaches
- queasiness
- fatigue
- urge to vomit
If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.
What are the features of a good detector?
Ensure that the detector you get is certified to British Standards and has a loud alarm. Look for a very loud alarm and 5 year battery life as minimum requirements in a CO detector. Battery powered models with electronic detection are better than the paper based models which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels have increased. Chemical detectors have 6 month lifetimes and are not cost effective in the long run as they have to be replaced often. Audible alarms are a significant advantage if CO levels rise at night as the noise will wake you and your family. In addition to do it yourself stores carrying these detectors you may be able to purchase an approved model from your utility company.
Do the stores stock carbon monoxide detectors?
CO detectors are important household aids in detecting carbon monoxide and giving early warning of potential problems. You know have a choice of detector types and most of these are available in the shops or online. CO detectors track the accumulation of carbon monoxide over time and are triggered at a predetermined level. CO detectors are not yet as reliable as the smoke detectors in your home but the technology is becoming more reliable and they are an important early warning mechanism. While Carbon monoxide detectors are a valuable addition to your home protection measures they are not a substitute for proper appliance maintenance and servicing.
The benefits of installing a Carbon Monoxide detector
The installation of CO detectors give a warning to people in a building of unhealthy or dangerous levels of CO before the symptoms of CO poisoning occur. Carbon monoxide alarms will sound the alarm before the concentrations of gas have reached the levels where an adult would be effected. Carbon monoxide detectors have installation requirements separate from those of smoke detectors and do not need to be installed at the top of a wall or on the ceiling. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed where the alarm can be heard from your bedroom, you need to be woken quickly should the alarm be triggered.
CO Detectors must be tested regularly
Your safety is dependent upon your detector so regularly check it is working correctly. CO detectors should be installed, checked and serviced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the service instructions if found to be defective. You should note that the ‘test’ button on a co detector will test the alarm rather than confirm that the detector is detecting carbon monoxide. You should note when the detector needs to be replaced, some have an operating life of only 48 months. There are detectors on sale which can operate for 60 months In addition to battery models there are some that are mains powered and have battery backup to cover power failures. The choice is yours. Some detectors incorporate smoke detection and also carbon monoxide gas detection. They will have their own installation instructions which you should follow closely.
Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous gas with no taste, no colour and no smell. Bad ventilation to a boiler can lead to the production of this gas. The lack of oxygen means that Carbon Monoxide is produced rather than the less dangerous Carbon Dioxide. With high standards of boiler servicing and strict ventilation regulations the number of people killed by Carbon Monoxide has reduced to 30 people each year although many more are seriously injured.
What are the dangers associated with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of carbon monoxide inhalation in your family.There are no second chances with poisoning from this gas so do not delay if you suspect anything. Be decisive and look after your household straight away. Any member of the family can be affected by carbon monoxide regardless of their age. It is common for pets to be harmed in the same way as humans.
How can I see I have a carbon monoxide problem?
If your gas boiler or gas appliances have indications of discoloration on their surface or on the walls near them you may be seeing some of the results of poor ventilation and production of excess waste gases. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that normally burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. Changes in the colour of the pilot light indicate that all is not well with the boiler and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.
What actions can I take to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Bad ventilation resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous carbon monoxide. Gas appliance combustion problems can be avoided by adopting a regular appliance servicing schedule by trained appliance engineers. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. You can now buy electronic, battery powered, carbon monoxide detectors which sound an alarm on detection of high levels of the gas. Provision of the recommended ventilation to gas appliances is essential and you should regularly inspect any ventilation vents to ensure that the flow of air can be maintained. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be growing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. If your home has a chimney to provide appliance ventilation look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a chimney which is not being used in the warm weather could completely block the ventilation when required in the winter. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors make different sounds. You should ensure that your family are aware of the differences so that they take the correct action when one of your detectors is triggered.
Does carbon monoxide poisoning exhibit any symptoms?
Carbon Monoxide poisoning exhibits symptoms which can appear like other illnesses, for example: -
- frequent headaches
- instability
- fatigue
- billiousness
If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.
When I buy a detector what should I look for?
Preferred CO detectors should contain an audible alarm and be have British Standards certification. Look for a very loud alarm and 5 year battery life as minimum requirements in a CO detector. Battery powered models with electronic detection are better than the paper based models which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels have increased. Chemical detectors have 6 month lifetimes and are not cost effective in the long run as they have to be replaced often. Most importantly the lack of an audible alarm means that this type of detector will not wake you is there is an excess of carbon monoxide produced when you are asleep at night. Both types of alarms are now commonly available in DIY stores.
Are you able to purchase carbon monoxide detectors?
Carbon monoxide detectors can be effective in preventing incidences of carbon monoxide poisoning. In recent years there are several types of detectors becoming available for purchase on the high street. Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. CO detectors are not yet as reliable as the smoke detectors in your home but the technology is becoming more reliable and they are an important early warning mechanism. Your best protection against exposure to carbon monoxide is the regular servicing of your gas burning appliances. A CO detector will only ever be a backup measure.
Installing a carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide kills through the ongoing absorption of the gas and the gradual reduction of the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. Fitting carbon monoxide detectors can give your family early warning of rising CO levels so that they can escape to fresh air. Carbon monoxide detectors will raise the alarm early, at levels of the gas lower than before a typical, healthy adult would display symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Whilst smoke detectors need to be installed high on the wall or near the ceiling a carbon monoxide detector can be installed lower down. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed where the alarm can be heard from your bedroom, you need to be woken quickly should the alarm be triggered.
Carbon Monoxide is one of the most poisonous gases and it is undetectable with no smell or taste. Restricted ventilation to a boiler can lead to the production of this gas. Carbon Dioxide is the normal output from a boiler but this can be replaced by Carbon Monoxide with reduced ventilation or a blocked flue.
Tragically there are 30 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths every year and many more injuries although this could be worse without the implementation of ventilation guidelines and adoption of regular boiler servicing.
What will I see if I have a carbon monoxide issue in my home?
Carbon Dioxide production is often a result of incomplete combustion and this can be seen as the deposit of soot discolouring surfaces near your gas appliances. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to inspect pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellow or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. Changes in the colour of the pilot light indicate that all is not well with the boiler and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.
What should I do to protect myself and my family from carbon monoxide poisoning ?
Bad ventilation resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous carbon monoxide. Gas boiler combustion problems can be avoided by adopting a regular appliance servicing schedule by trained appliance engineers.
Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. Carbon monoxide detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important addition to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by CO gas.
You should also keep air vents in doors, walls or windows clear – never cover them up to prevent draughts. On several occasions ventilation reviews have discovered air vents which have been blocked by fast growing plants and you should look for this throughout the growing season. If your home has a chimney to provide appliance ventilation look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a chimney which is not being used in the warm weather could completely block the ventilation when required in the winter.
Are there any warning signs of the presence of carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer so be do not delay if you see any warning signs. It is better to act quickly if you spot any symptoms as prevarication could lead to a death.
Take action today and ensure you are able to take action tomorrow. Any member of the family can be affected by carbon monoxide regardless of their age. It is common for pets be be harmed in the same way as humans. Many times Carbon Monoxide poisoning results in typical influenza like symptoms such as: -
persistent headaches
balance problems
fatigue
sickness
Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer if you see anyone in your home with similar symptoms. Open windows and improve air flow while you wait and ensure that no one stays in the house until the all clear has been given.
Can I buy a carbon monoxide detector ?
Good quality carbon monoxide detectors have a loud alarm and are certified to British Standards. These typically have batteries which will last for up to five years and have a loud alarm which goes off when carbon monoxide is detected giving you time to evacuate the room. Battery powered models with electronic detection are better than the paper based models which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels have increased. Colour change detectors do not have an audible alarm and cannot alert you the moment there is a problem. Also they only last for 6 months and the lower price can be a false economy. The ability to wake you from your sleep at night is an important advantage that battery detectors have over the more passive chemical detectors.=20
Carbon Monoxide detectors are now readily available in the high street being stocked by many types of stores.
Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous and toxic. Conventional gas fire or boiler operation produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide generation. Properly balanced ventilation will result in Carbon Dioxide output, Carbon Monoxide will result if the level of oxygen is restricted with reduced airflow or a blocked flue.
Tragically there are 30 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths every year and many more injuries although this could be worse without the implementation of ventilation guidelines and adoption of regular boiler servicing.
Can you identify a carbon monoxide problem if you look at your gas appliances?
Carbon Dioxide production is often a result of incomplete combustion and this can be seen as the deposit of soot discolouring surfaces near your gas appliances. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to inspect pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellow or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. Treat the pilot light like a traffic light, if it turns yellow this is a warning and you should arrange for the boiler to be serviced as quickly as you can.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide related illness.
Bad ventilation resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous carbon monoxide. On the assumption that there are no design faults in the ventilation of your boiler, frequent boiler and gas appliance servicing will help to avoid any problems which could lead to the production of carbon monoxide.
To ensure that you get expert appliance service you should check that the engineer is CORGI-registered. Fitting a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm is also a valuable investment to provide early warning of potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
Provision of the recommended ventilation to gas appliances is essential and you should regularly inspect any ventilation vents to ensure that the flow of air can be maintained. Gas appliances and boilers may not be used in the summer months but air vents can become obstructed at this time through the growth of plants and vegetation in the garden, this is a potential problem which you should keep in mind. Chimney ventilation can become obstructed in the summer by a birds nest and you may not notice id a fire is not used in the summer so a visual inspection should be incorporated in your home maintenance plans.
What should I look for as early signs of poisoning from carbon monoxide?
If you suspect there is carbon monoxide in your home you should err on the side of caution. Do not read this or other articles and form your own judgement.
Seek help without delay. Age and good health are no defense against poisoning from carbon monoxide. Pets, large and small, are also potential victims. Carbon Monoxide poisoning exhibits symptoms which can appear like other illnesses, for example: -
persistent headaches
dizziness
loss of energy
nausea
If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.
Are you able to purchase carbon monoxide detectors?
Carbon monoxide detectors should have a very loud alarm and be certified to British Standards. Such alarms have long lasting batteries (5 years) and the alarm is triggered when abnormal levels of carbon monoxide are detected enabling people to escape the area. Battery powered models with electronic detection are better than the paper based models which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels have increased. With a colour change detector you may forget to replace the detector when it has expired after 6 months creating a risk. Also the lack of an alarm means that you may not be made aware of a problem in the critical early hours. The ability to wake you from your sleep at night is an important advantage that battery detectors have over the more passive chemical detectors.
Carbon Monoxide detectors are now readily available in the high street being stocked by many types of stores.