Carbon Monoxide

 

Gas Emergencies

If you smell gas, or are worried about gas safety, call 0800 111 999 at any time, day or night.

Just pick up the phone, dial the number and you will be put through to a trained operator who will take all the details.

If a gas main dug up or breached, contractors should call the same emergency helpline number on 0800 111 999.

 

There are two main gas safety dangers indoors: build up of carbon monoxide through dangerous or ill-maintained appliances, such as fires, cookers, chimneys and flues and boilers; and leaking gas from damaged equipment.

Gas has a potent smell added so people can spot leaks indoors. But carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, poisonous and very difficult to detect. It is known as ‘the silent killer’. Carbon monoxide build-up can also occur where heating oil, petrol or wood is used.

There are many more carbon monoxide incidents in winter as appliances are used more for heating. Blocked chimneys and flues pose more risk when they are used for the first time in the autumn.

The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, drowsiness and even coma.

In the 16 months to April 2007, carbon monoxide poisoning claimed 50 lives and 218 injuries. CORGI, the organisation charged by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) to register competent gas installers and investigate incidents, believes the numbers are underestimated, due to lack of awareness, identification and central reporting.

Older people and children are among those most at risk of of carbon monoxide poisoning. They make up more than half those injured or killed. People in rented accommodation, such as students, are also at higher risk. Illegal gas workers, not CORGI registered, are twice as likely to be involved in an incident.

You can minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by:

  • Using a carbon monoxide detector as early defence and warning
  • Having chimneys swept every year
  • Having annual safety checks on appliances
  • Ensuring your landlord provides you with an up-to-date safety certificate for your gas applicances if you rent
  • Only using CORGI-registered gas workers
  • Knowing how to switch off your gas supply

Gas Safe Register will replace CORGI gas registration in Great Britain on 1 April 2009.

More information can be found at the COCAA website: www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com

logo_cocaa.jpgCOCAA stands for the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance, and it is a group made up of organisations that all have an interest in ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and how to keep themselves safe.

 

 

If you smell gas:

  • Turn off gas at the valve unless the meter is in the basement or cellar – if you smell gas there, evacuate the building
  • Extinguish all naked flames
  • Don’t smoke or strike matches
  • Don’t touch electrical switches – turning switches on or off can ignite escaping gas
  • Open windows and doors to get rid of gas by ventilating the rooms

If you have any questions about gas safety, please contact Peter Coyle, ENA Head of Safety, Health, & Environment (peter.coyle @ energynetworks.org).