The Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2015 is running this year from the Monday 16th November to Sunday 22nd November. This is the 10th year that the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Charity has organised the event.
The Carbon Monoxide Awareness Charity uses Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week to continue its fight to raise and keep awareness of both of the immediately dangerous as well as the long term effects of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
The common symptoms of CO poisoning are: headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, difficult breathing and shortness of breath. These symptoms are very similar to having the flu or food poisoning however CO poisoning does not cause a fever. The symptoms typically become less serve when you are away from the source of the CO poisoning.
CO poisoning can and does kill, and where high levels are present death can occur within minutes. The RoSPA claims that there are 50 accidental deaths in the UK from CO poisoning per year with a least 1,100 recorded hospital admissions. Being exposed to smaller amounts of CO poisoning can lead to long term neurology, emotional and cognitive problems.
Fossil fuel (such as gas, coal, oil, LPG) burning appliances all have the potential to emit CO when appliances/systems are faulty or badly serviced. CO is known as the silent killer; you cannot smell it, see it, hear it or taste it. Unless a household has CO detectors in the house, if you have a leak of CO there is a chance you will not know until it is too late. If you notice your boiler pilot light flames turning to orange instead of blue, or sooty stains near your appliance, coal or wood fires going out or any family members suffering from any the symptoms above you must get your appliance checked by a qualified engineer right away.
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning you should:
-If you have a chimney you should have it swept twice a year.
-Fit carbon monoxide detectors in your home and make sure that they are maintained. As of October 2015 landlords will be required by law to provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties.
T&S Heating supply and fit CO alarms, or if required, can fit your own CO alarm and ensure that they are in the most suitable locations in your home. T&S Heating engineers are fully qualified to service both domestic and commercial natural gas, LPG, oil, solid fuel boilers, cookers and fires so contact us today and get your appliances serviced.