Carbon monoxide Knowing more

Transcription

1 Carbon monoxide Knowing more

2 This leaflet explains carbon monoxide and how you can stay safe. What is carbon monoxide and why is it a problem? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon based fuels have been safely used for thousands of years. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, around 40 people a year die and 300 people are injured from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. The body absorbs CO easier than oxygen. When CO enters your blood stream it stops oxygen from getting to cells, tissues, and organs. You can t see it, taste it or smell it but CO can be harmful quickly and without warning.

3 What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out for include: headaches breathlessness nausea What should I do if I experience the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? If you or your family experience any of the symptoms and you believe CO may be the cause, you should seek urgent medical advice from either your GP or an accident and emergency department. You should ask for a blood or breath test to confirm the presence of CO. Be aware, CO quickly leaves the blood and tests may be inaccurate if taken more than four hours after exposure has ceased. dizziness collapse loss of consciousness tiredness drowsiness vomiting pains in the chest For more information visit NHS direct or telephone 111 stomach pains erratic behaviour visual problems

4 What does Silva Homes do to make me safe? Silva Homes has a number of properties that have boiler systems with open flues. This number is being continually reduced through: Replacement boilers as part of the major works programme repairs replacements. The majority of the open flue systems will have been removed except: where customers have refused a replacement boiler (in these circumstances we will always ensure the existing boiler is safe). Silva Homes has completed a major works boiler replacement programme. Our regular gas servicing programme already means all of the open flue boilers have a current gas safety certificate (known as CP12) so the risk from them is minimal. To reduce the risk even further we install carbon monoxide detectors in the relevant properties. The detectors we use comply with British Standard regulations. They are installed by our qualified Gas Engineers and will be serviced annually. CO detectors A carbon monoxide detector detects the presence of CO. They sound an alarm before the build up of dangerous levels of CO in the room, so you can safely ventilate the area and leave if necessary. When the detector is fitted our qualified engineers will tell you more about the alarm and what to do. CO detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice versa. Smoke detectors detect the smoke generated by flaming or smouldering fires, whereas CO detectors warn people about dangerous CO build up caused, for example, by a malfunctioning fuel-burning device. We will fit a CO detector in properties during the annual inspection and service.

5 What should I do if a CO detector sounds an alarm? If the alarm goes off, you must do the following: switch off the appliance and do not use it until it has been checked by a qualified engineer shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is) if you smell gas call National Grid on the Gas Emergency freephone number ventilate the room by opening windows close the door behind you leave the building and telephone telephone our 24 hour repairs reporting line on What can I and my family members do to remain safe? You can be particularly at risk from CO poisoning when you are asleep, because you may not be aware of early CO symptoms. It is against the law to sleep in rooms with open flue boilers and open flue boilers cannot be fitted in a bedroom as it is illegal. It is a legal requirement that you to allow us to complete safety checks of the central heating system and gas installations at least once a year to ensure your safety. If gas appliances you own, such as cookers and fires, produce yellow or orange flames rather than blue, you need to get the cooker checked by a qualified engineer. Silva Homes is not responsible for maintaining appliances that it does not own.

6 Where can I get more information from? Health and Safety Executive Advice Line National Grid 24 hour Gas Emergency Line Silva Homes 24 hour helpline Get in touch enquiries@silvahomes.co.uk If you need this leaflet in another language or format please contact the freephone number above.