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HSE East Midlands head of operations reminds people of dangers of carbon monoxide carbon monoxide awareness day - 15 october 2007
As the nights get colder and people across the East Midlands think about turning on their heating and using their gas fires, Alan Craddock, HSE Head of Operations in the East Midlands is reminding homeowners and landlords across the region of the dangers of CO and the simple steps that can be taken to protect themselves and others from harm.
Alan said:
"Every year about 20-30 people are killed as a result of CO poisoning from domestic gas appliances so it's vital to raise awareness of the danger of incorrectly installed and inadequately maintained appliances. We'd urge people across the East Midlands to develop an understanding of CO as this is an important tool in cutting the number of people killed or made seriously ill each year. You cannot see, smell or taste CO fumes leaving anyone exposed feeling unwell. In the worst situations, CO can kill without warning in just hours so it's vital to ensure you use a competent CORGI-registered installer."
In addition to getting appliances checked, it is also important to ensure they are used correctly. When used, appliances must have access to a good supply of fresh air: CO is produced when there isn't enough air for complete burning of the fuel.
Alan added:
"Make sure that if you are a homeowner you get your appliances serviced regularly and if you live in rented accommodation make sure your landlord has an up to date certificate, especially if you've had any building work done recently, which may affect the ventilation."
Never use a gas appliance if you think it's not working properly. Signs to look out for on boilers, fires and cookers include:
* yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which display this colour flame);
* soot or stains around the appliance; and
* a pilot light that frequently blows out.
Approved CO detectors are strongly recommended, although these must never be used as a substitute for regular checks and servicing by a CORGI-registered installer.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can include tiredness, drowsiness, headaches and breathlessness. However, these are not distinguishable from symptoms for a wide range of ill health problems. If you believe CO may be causing you problems seek urgent advice.
Notes to Editors
1 CO Awareness Day has been organised by CO-Gas Safety, Consumer Safety International and CO-Awareness. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the dangers of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent being affected. For further information email: office@co-gassafety.co.uk
2 Further information on gas safety and the risks to health is available from a number of sources. HSE's Gas Safety Advice line is available on 0800 300 363. For health issues and symptoms: NHS Direct (England and Wales) 08454647 or (Scotland) 0800 224488, or http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk To find a Corgi-registered gas installer visit Corgi's website at: http://www.corgi-gas-safety.com or call 0870 401 2300. For suspected gas leaks, contact the National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999.
3 Gas companies offer certain vulnerable groups a free annual gas safety check of gas appliances. More details are available from Energy Watch 0845 906 0708, or at: http://www.energywatch.org.uk/
4 Every year about 20-30 people die from CO poisoning associated with domestic gas appliances, due mainly to these appliances not having been properly installed or maintained. HSE and Local Authorities enforce the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998 in domestic and commercial premises. These regulations place responsibilities on a wide range of people, including those installing, servicing, maintaining or repairing gas appliances and other gas fittings; as well as suppliers and users of gas systems/appliances. Statutory obligations are placed on landlords to maintain gas appliances that they own.
5 An analysis of gas incidents over the eight years to 31 March 2004 shows that 64 per cent of fatalities were attributed to the action or lack of action of an occupier or a relative.
6 The law requires that anyone who works on gas appliances must be competent, and if they are doing the work as a business, i.e. employer or self-employed, they must be CORGI registered. An installer's CORGI ID card has details of the types of appliances that an installer is trained to work on.
7 Audible CO detectors with a British or European approval mark, such as a kite mark, are strongly recommended, although not a substitute for regular checks and servicing by a CORGI-registered installer.
8 Further information on domestic gas safety issues can be found on the HSE web site at http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/index.htm
Sent: 15/10/2007
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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