Carbon Monoxide Gas A brief Guide
Carbon Monoxide Gas A brief Guide
Carbon Monoxide is one of the most toxic gases and it is undetectable with no smell or taste. The gas is a consequence of combustion with insufficient oxygen supply such as can happen in a poorly ventilated gas appliance. Correctly operating boilers create Carbon Dioxide, a harmless gas. Decreased oxygen supplies can lead to Carbon Monoxide Gas. Tragically there are 30 Carbon Monoxide poisoning deaths every year and many more injuries although this could be worse without the implementation of air guidelines and adoption of regular gas boiler servicing.
Will looking at my gas boilers show me I have a Co issue?
If your gas appliances have indications of discoloration on their surface or on the walls near them you may be seeing some of the results of poor air and production of excess waste gases. Inspecting gas pilot lights can give early warning of a lack of oxygen in the boiler as the colour of the pilot light may change from blue to yellowed. If the pilot in your system starts burning yellowed you should have the boiler serviced by a trained engineer without delay.
What should I do to protect myself and my family from Carbon Monoxide poisoning ?
As mentioned Carbon Monoxide is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. Gas appliance combustion problems can be avoided by taking up a regular appliance servicing schedule by trained appliance engineers. To guarantee compliance with the gas appliance servicing rules make sure that the plumber you hire to service your appliances has CORGI registration. As a second, very important, line of defence, fit a British Standard approved Carbon Monoxide detector with an audible alarm. Gas appliances require adequate 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 growing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. If ventilation is provided through a chimney this should be inspected throughout the year to confirm that it has not become blocked by debris or even a nest created by birds. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Gas alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide detector alarm goes off make sure it is your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector and not your smoke detector.
What will Co Poisoning result in?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of Carbon Monoxide inhalation in your family. It is easy to read about Carbon Monoxide Gas signs and convince yourself that it is not applicable to your position, protect your health and seek professional advice. Be decisive and look after your family straight away. Any member of the family can be affected by Co irrespective of their age. It is common for Favourite animals to be harmed in the same way as humans.
What might I see if there was Carbon Monoxide in my home?
You may observe common influenza like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide Gas inhalation with features like: -
- ongoing head aches
- loss of balance
- little energy
- nausea
Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered 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.