Carbon Monoxide Gas Some background knowledge and help
Carbon Monoxide Gas Some background knowledge and help
Carbon Monoxide Gas cannot be tasted and has no smell giving no opportunity to detect this dangerous gas. The gas is a result of burning with insufficient oxygen supply such as can happen in a poorly ventilated gas appliance. The stock flue gases from a gas boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Co2, this is dislodged by Carbon Monoxide when the oxygen levels are decreased. Building rules dictating air prerequisites and the widespread accessibility gas appliance service services has reduced the incidence of Co poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year.
Will looking at my gas appliances show me I have a Co problem?
Carbon Monoxide output is often a result of incomplete burning and this can be seen as the deposit of carbon black discolouring surfaces near your gas appliances. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that usually burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. You should call in a trained plumber to maintain your central heating system if you notice that the pilot burner starts to burn with a yellowish light.
How do I protect my family from Co and possible poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide 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. On the assumption that there are no design faults in the air of your central heating appliance, frequent central heating appliance and gas appliance servicing will help to avoid any troubles which could lead to the output of Carbon Monoxide Gas. A CORGI-registered plumber 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. 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 warehousing of surplus items. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be developing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. Birds can often make nests in chimneys and block the air flow to gas appliances without you knowing, a visual inspection from the ground should be included within your ventilation action plan. Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors make different noises. You should ensure that your household are aware of the differences so that they take the correct action when one of your detectors is triggered.
What is the impact of Carbon Monoxide poisoning on people?
If you suspect there is Co in your home you should err on the side of caution. There are no second chances with intoxication from this gas so do not delay if you suspect anything. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning can affect anyone irregardless of age. It is common for Favourite animals to be harmed in the same way as humans.
Are there any warning signs of the presence of Carbon Monoxide?
You may observe common flu like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide inhalation with characteristics like: -
- frequent experiences of head aches
- light headiness
- extreme tiredness
- billiousness
A CORGI certified gas plumber should be brought in to scrutinise your gas appliances if you discover these symptoms in your home. Whilst waiting for the plumber to come you should see to it that you have opened the windows and everyone has left the household.