Shielding your home from Carbon Monoxide
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Shielding your home from Carbon Monoxide
Co cannot be tasted and has no odour giving no chance to detect this dangerous gas. Carbon Monoxide Gas can be produced by a gas appliance when there is insufficient oxygen in the air supply to the burning chamber, it is also produced by faulty gas fires and other gas appliances. Carbon Dioxide is the normal production from a gas appliance but this can be replaced by Carbon Monoxide Gas with reduced air or a blocked flue. Building rules dictating air prerequisites and the widespread accessibility gas appliance servicing services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still thirty deaths per year.
What will I witness if I have a Co issue in my home?
If your gas appliances have indications of stain 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 airing can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a central heating appliance resulting in the production of Carbon Dioxide, in these conditions a pilot burner may change from burning with the common blue colour to a yellowed colouration. If the pilot light in your system starts burning yellowish you should have the gas appliance serviced by a trained plumber without delay.
What actions can I take to reduce the chances of Co poisoning?
Bad ventilation resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous Carbon Monoxide Gas. Gas appliance engineers will check the ventilation and combustion efficiency of your gas appliances during the regular maintenance visits eliminating the causes of poor burning. A CORGI-registered engineer should be employed to service your gas appliances. Co detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important add-on to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by Carbon Monoxide Gas gas. You should also keep air vents in doors, walls or windows clear - never cover them up to prevent draughts. Gas appliances and boilers may not be used in the summer months but air vents can become blocked at this time through the growth of plants and vegetation in the garden, this is a potential problem which you should keep in mind. And make sure your flue doesn’t become blocked with birds’ nests or other debris. Smoke and Co detectors are constructed to make different audible noises when triggered off. Take some time to learn the differences so that you are mindful of what type of emergency you face when one of your detectors is set off.
How dangerous is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide is a quiet killer so be do not delay if you see any warning marks. Do not study this or other articles and form your own assessment. Be decisive and look after your home straight away. Any member of the household can be affected by Co irrespective of their age. This also applies to home Pets.
What might I see if there was Carbon Monoxide in my home?
You may observe common influenza like signs in someone who is actually suffering from Co inhalation with characteristics like: -
- ongoing head aches
- dizziness
- little energy
- nausea
Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered service plumber if you see anyone in your home with similar signs. 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.
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