Latest articles on Carbon Monoxide 
CARBON MONOXIDE AWARENESS PROGRAMME - DEADLINE EXTENSION(13/01/2012)
The deadline for organisations to register their interest in becoming local partners for a national carbon monoxide awareness programme has been extended until the end of the month. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Gas Safe Charity are launching the Be Gas Safe programme to raise awareness of the “silent killer” and the steps that can be taken to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Rolling out across England this year, the programme will see 10,000 families receiving ... [more]
Launch of "Be Gas Safe" Program(12/12/2011)
10,000 families will receive a free CO detector and many more safety information. This is the result of the major new programme to raise awareness of the “silent killer” - carbon monoxide - launched by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Gas Safe Charity. The “Be Gas Safe” programme (www.carbonmonoxidesafety.org.uk) aims to make people aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and the steps that can be taken to prevent CO poisoning, such as the need for regular servicing... [more]
Aico raises Carbon Monoxide Alarms are vital in protecting most vulnerable(29/11/2011)
Gas Safety Trust published a trend report highlighting Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning incidents linked to piped natural gas usage in Great Britain between 1996 and 2010. Aico re-emphasis the need for quality mains powered CO alarms as the safest way to protect the most vulnerable. Whilst the latest Gas Safety Trust report showed a reduction in both fatalities and non-fatal injuries from CO poisoning during that time, the report identifies people aged 70 and over as being five times more at ... [more]
The regular servicing of gas appliances must remain a priority for landlords and homeowners(18/11/2010)
According to the Gas Safety Trust, two of the four deaths caused by Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning incidents involving domestic gas boilers and heaters, could have been avoided if warning notices left by gas operatives had not been ignored. This and other key findings are highlighted in the Trust’s Carbon Monoxide Incident Report for 2009/10, which provides the definitive annual statistics for all those involved with CO awareness. The report, which analyses the formal investigations of domes... [more]
Health and Safety Executive brings rogue gas fitters to justice(18/11/2009)
HSE successfully prosecuted 28 people for breaching gas legislation in 2008/09, covering 66 separate offences. 173 enforcement notices were also served during this period. (see notes to editors). A number of these cases involved engineers found carrying out gas work without being registered or working outside their competency - doing jobs which they are not formally qualified for. The Health and Safety Executive is using Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (16-20 November) to renew its commitment... [more]
Top tips when shopping for a new boiler(29/05/2009)
Annual servicing of your boiler is recommended but if your boiler is old, it may be time to install a more efficient model which will save you money and help the planet by minimising your carbon emissions. Now is the time to think about your boiler to ensure you stay warm and safe while minimising those dreaded energy bills, advises Trianco. Top tips when shopping for a new boiler: • There is no ‘best’ boiler. Every home is different so the boiler you choose will depend on room, window ... [more]
Students urged to be more aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide(05/01/2009)
Students are one of the most vulnerable groups within society when it comes to being at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. Living in rented accommodation; possibly for the first time living away from their parents, it can be hard to know what safety precautions to take. Known as the ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous substance that you cannot see, smell or taste. It can be produced by badly installed or poorly maintained gas appliances. Carbon monoxide is potentially fat... [more]
Do not cut back on essential servicing of your gas appliances(17/10/2008)
Carbon monoxide is potentially fatal, and even low levels of the poison can leave you with lasting damage to your health. It kills around 30 people and injures hundreds more each year. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the ‘flu’, and can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, stomach and chest pains. If you feel ill whilst using an appliance, but feel better once you are in fresh air, you could be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and should seek medica... [more]
Protection from carbon monoxide poisoning(02/11/2007)
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas produced whenever a fossil fuel is not burned efficiently. It can be emitted from inadequately maintained or badly fitted domestic heating appliances such as wall heaters, fires or boilers and can be fatal in high concentrations. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common issue. The best way to protect yourself is to install an approved Carbon Monoxide detector or combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm which must be tested regularly. T... [more]
Preventing CO poisoning(25/10/2007)
In the UK, about 50 people die each year in their homes from accidental CO poisoning and around the world tens of thousands seek medical attention for its affects. Awareness of this odourless, colourless, tasteless gas only peaks when horrible tragedies occur and reach the news – even during what should be the happiest of family times, when on holiday. Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that is found in carbon-based fuel appliances. Anyone who uses natural gas, heating oil, petrol, or ... [more]
Dangers of Carbon Monoxide can be avoided(01/12/2006)
Recent events have brought the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO) yet again to the forefront of the news. The saddest thing about Carbon Monoxide poisoning is that it can be avoided, many CO deaths are the result of man-made error: a lack of maintenance of appliances, or incompetent installation and servicing of appliances. The Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) has the following advice to those wishing to avoid the dangers of this deadly gas. • Only ever use people to install/se... [more]
Helping gas operatives identify when carbon monoxide is present in a property(14/11/2006)
Specialist gas industry consultancy Downstream Gas Limited and CORGI are working together to improve safety for UK gas consumers, by helping gas operatives identify when carbon monoxide (CO) is present in a property, through the publication of a new guide. ‘Using Portable Electronic Combustion Gas Analysers for Investigating Reports of Fumes’ is invaluable in informing operatives how to use portable electronic combustion gas analysers to identify situations where carbon monoxide is escaping,... [more]
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