Shielding your family and Animals from Carbon Monoxide Gas
Shielding your family and Animals from Carbon Monoxide Gas
Co is a very poisonous gas with no taste, no colour and no smell. Bad air to a gas boiler can lead to the production of this gas. Co2 is the normal production from a gas appliance but this can be superseded by Carbon Monoxide Gas with reduced ventilation or a blocked flue. Building ordinances dictating ventilation requirements and the widespread availability gas appliance service services has reduced the incidence of Co poisoning although there are still thirty deaths per year.
How can I see I have a Carbon Monoxide problem?
If you see stains, soot or coloration on or near central heating, fires and water heaters this could indicate that you have a possible problem. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that ordinarily burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. If the pilot in your system starts burning yellowish you should have the gas boiler serviced by a trained plumber without delay.
How do I protect my family from Co and potential poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide Gas is output from a central heating appliance when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the combustion chamber. Gas appliance engineers will check the air and combustion efficiency of your gas appliances during the regular maintenance visits eliminating the causes of poor combustion. A CORGI-registered engineer should be employed to service your gas appliances. Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important addition to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by Carbon Monoxide gas. Gas appliances require enough 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. If air is provided through a flue this should be inspected throughout the year to confirm that it has not become blocked by debris or even a nest created by birds. It is important to be aware of the different noises from your smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different noises so you know which detector was triggered.
What will Carbon Monoxide Gas Poisoning result in?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of Co inhalation in your family. symptoms can be similar to other illnesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Any member of the household can be affected by Co irrespective of their age. Your Pets could also be injured or worse.
What should I look for as early marks of poisoning from Carbon Monoxide?
The signs of Co poisoning can often be confused with other flu like sicknesses and include:-
- repetative headaches
- instability
- fatigue
- urge to vomit
A CORGI certified service engineer should be brought in to scrutinise your gas appliances if you discover these signs in your household. Whilst waiting for the engineer to come you should see to it that you have opened up the windows and everyone has left the household.