COCAA Stakeholder Activity Report. October 2007

Transcription

1 COCAA Stakeholder Activity Report October 2007

2 Contents Introduction 3 Overview of Stakeholder Achievements 4 British Gas 6 CO-Gas Safety 8 CoGDEM 10 Consumer Council for Northern Ireland 12 CORGI 14 Department of Health 16 District Council Environmental Health Departments Northern Ireland 18 EDF Energy 21 E.ON 23 Energy Retail Association 24 GISG 25 Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland 26 HETAS 27 IPHE 29 Kirklees Carbon Monoxide Awareness Group 30 National Grid plc 33 Npower 35 ScottishPower 36 Scottish and Southern Energy 38 Solid Fuel Association 40 Scotia Gas Networks 42 Going Forward 43

3 Introduction In September 2006, the All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group published its report on an inquiry into carbon monoxide awareness. One of the key recommendations of the Report was as follows: The APPGSG calls for a single co-ordinating body taking in representatives from industry, government and charities, and working across all fuel types, to co-ordinate campaigning on CO. In direct response to this recommendation, the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA) was established. Since then, the Alliance has undergone an intense period of recruitment and consolidation, enabling it to now claim strong representation from all the major energy retailers, industries across different fuel types, victim support charities and carbon monoxide alarm manufacturers. With this support, COCAA can now more effectively pursue its objective of becoming the leading authority on carbon monoxide poisoning, awareness and campaigning. A COCAA steering group, comprised of British Gas, CORGI, the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring, the Energy Retail Association, the Solid Fuel Association and the Gas Industry Safety Group, has been formed to determine strategy and to identify opportunities for Alliance activity. Since COCAA s inception, the steering group has met 4 times, and there has been a further meeting open to all members. A logo to create awareness has been designed and will be used by each of the individual organisations that belong to the Alliance on things such as gas bills, leaflets and websites. The purpose of the new logo is to help members of the public to become aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and with individual organisations using the logo it will highlight the co-ordinated approach being taken by the industry. COCAA aims to instigate its own high-level media campaign in 2008, in addition to continuing its role of co-ordinating the initiatives generated by members of the Alliance. As this report highlights, levels of individual member activity have been considerable, demonstrating a high degree of commitment to promoting carbon monoxide awareness. However, much more work remains to be done to continue to reduce the number of tragic carbon monoxide incidents each year. With education seen as playing a key role in this process, the achievements of individual Alliance members to date have already provided the initiative with great impetus. They have also created an active platform from which COCAA can generate further awareness of the causes, symptoms and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning in the future. Dan Caesar COCAA Chair 3

4 Overview of Stakeholder Achievements The following pages are intended to highlight and summarise the exceptionally pro-active levels of activity undertaken by individual COCAA members over the last year. In terms of its own activity, COCAA has firmly established itself this year as the co-coordinating body for campaigning on carbon monoxide, recruiting strong representation from industry, government and charities. A new ident for the Alliance has been commissioned and launched to the industry in an eye-catching toolkit format at InstallerLive in September, where the Alliance also hosted a forum to discuss carbon monoxide issues with the industry. All interested parties are encouraged to use the new logo in future campaigns and initiatives, and it will also feature strongly within a strategic COCAA media campaign in The diverse range of stakeholder activity, much of it undertaken by members in addition to their main focus of business, has been designed to promote awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide amongst the general public, vulnerable sections of the community, MPs, GPs, medical and Accident and Emergency staff and within members respective trades and professions. Victim support and carbon monoxide awareness groups have worked unceasingly to raise levels of awareness, both within the communities they operate and at a national level, through roadshows, workshops, seminars, high profile events and a number of other initiatives. Energy providers too are pro-actively reinforcing these messages as an integral part of their own campaigns, using bills for inserts and warnings as just one of the many ways they have been highlighting the issue with their considerable customer base. Schools have been targeted by several Alliance members through initiatives such as school education packs on gas safety and carbon monoxide, as well as a schools poster competition launched in September. Further activity has seen students living in rented accommodation, one of the most vulnerable groups, similarly targeted with their own innovative campaigns and offers of reduced price carbon monoxide alarms. The campaigns have made a significant and extremely valuable contribution so far, through the targeted dissemination of a variety of informative and educational literature to literally millions of people across the UK, the provision of nearly 10,000 free audible carbon monoxide alarms to vulnerable groups and to others at a significantly reduced price, and in highlighting the key safety messages across a broad spectrum of media.

5 Individual Stakeholder Activity

6 British Gas Safety is a priority for British Gas and it is continually developing innovative ways to promote the safe and responsible use of its products. Its CO investigation team is the most experienced in the UK and since 1996 has undertaken more than 3,000 investigations for the majority of gas suppliers. Safety advisers and service engineers from British Gas provide face-to-face safety advice to help ensure that its products are used in compliance with the highest safety standards. It is also keen to strengthen its relationship with CORGI to ensure a consistent approach to gas safety is maintained. British Gas central heating systems are certified to the British Standards Institute Kitemark scheme and it offers safety checks for landlords to help improve the quality of gas equipment in rented accommodation. British Gas also offers gas fire control adaptors free of charge for customers with a disability. British Gas has submitted written and oral evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group investigation into gas safety standards. The review will ensure that lessons learnt through incident investigation result in changes within the industry. Activity Ongoing Charity support British Gas works with victims support groups and has a close and long-standing relationship with CO-Gas safety, CO Awareness Group and the Dominic Rodgers Trust. It has also worked with Paul Overton in highlighting the issue following the tragic death of his daughter from CO poisoning and has donated thousands of CO detectors to victim support groups. British Gas CO awareness raising activity CO detector student discounts Earlier in 2007, British Gas launched a campaign aimed specifically at students offering cut-price audible carbon monoxide detectors after a British Gas survey uncovered a lack of attention to safety in their rented homes. Its survey identified that one in four students admitted they wouldn t bother reporting a smell of gas in their house, with one in seven saying they would also turn a blind eye even if they knew their boiler had a gas leak. Almost a fifth of the students interviewed by British Gas admitted they had never heard of a CO detector.

7 With many landlords failing to act on legislation requiring them to have Gas Safety Certificates, British Gas has distributed special coupons to universities offering the high-tech safety devices for less than 20 a 15% discount and much less than the cost of an average night out. It has also repeated the call for audible CO detectors to be made mandatory in all rented accommodation in the UK. Future carbon monoxide related activity National leafleting campaign British Gas is planning to send CO safety information to every single British Gas customer more than 14m households in total. This will offer advice on how to stay safe in the home, including rented accommodation and precautions to take when on holiday. It will also feature information on the forthcoming changes in the ventilation classification relating to open flued appliances, making customers aware before these changes come into effect in June This information, a major undertaking, is scheduled to begin in the final quarter of The above activity is in addition to the considerable ongoing role played by the operational side of its business every year, which includes: 8,600 fully-qualified CORGI-registered engineers speaking to millions of customers every year on gas safety, with CO safety a key part of this Around 4 million annual safety visits completed by engineers each year Engineer training every year on key elements of gas safety with around 25 million invested annually in training 230,000 CO detectors sold in the last year, including a major uplift after a British Gas engineer appeared on GMTV following the CO tragedy in Corfu Senior staff sit on several key safety organisations in the industry, such as The CORGI Trust and principal representative body, Energy Emergencies (E3), the Gas Industry Safety Group (GISG) and the Gas Action Task Group (GATG). Earlier in 2007, British Gas launched a campaign aimed specifically at students offering cut-price audible carbon monoxide detectors after a British Gas survey uncovered a lack of attention to safety in their rented homes BBC Safety information campaign British Gas has worked with the Community Service Volunteering (CSV) action desk at BBC Radio Manchester to help promote awareness of Carbon Monoxide. CSV is the biggest volunteering charity in the UK and works in partnership with the BBC to promote social action broadcasting and issues of community benefit. British Gas is keen to work with regional CSVs, via the BBC to promote awareness of CO and therefore needs to work closely with COCAA to ensure that reported incidents of CO poisoning are leveraged to generate greater awareness where appropriate. 7

8 CO-Gas Safety CO-Gas Safety is an independent, registered charity with cross party support at the House of Commons and European Parliament. It is also a company limited by guarantee. The charity was launched at the House of Commons in January 1995, is supported by a small grant (now 34,000) from the Department of Health and has no full time paid employees. Most of the work is undertaken by volunteers. The Charity is committed to reducing accidents from carbon monoxide and other gas dangers worldwide and supporting gas related accident victims. CO-Gas Safety assists victims and provides some initial help via its website, by and by telephone. The Charity provides lists of lawyers and has some gas experts and medics. It also collects and records data of deaths and injuries from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and publishes it on its website writing to all Coroners every year to check all the deaths. CO-Gas Safety lobbies the industry and government to raise awareness of the dangers of CO and other gas dangers, to prevent other people from being poisoned or killed by CO and other gas dangers, and to provide more assistance to those already affected. Activity Over the last 18 months, CO-Gas Safety has worked with the industry, MPs, the government and the public in its bid to raise awareness of the dangers of CO and other gas dangers, to help victims and their families and to reduce deaths and injuries. Amongst other activities, it has in this time published its data, improved and changed its website and submitted evidence to the HSE Gas Safety Review. The Charity attended the All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group to give evidence and submitted further written evidence. In December 2006, CO-Gas Safety organised a major and extremely well attended event at the House of Lords which received extensive coverage and was included in a specially commissioned film, and also had meetings with Lord Hunt and Lord McKenzie.

9 Stephanie Trotter, who has been running the charity as a full time volunteer since it was launched in 1995, was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honour s list for her services to gas safety. The Charity has also researched and pushed for the launch of a schools poster competition to raise awareness of the dangers of CO and has achieved the support of Barry Sheerman MP and Lord Adonis. 16 people have already been reported as having died of accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the UK between September 2006 and March 2007 The Charity has written many letters to MPs and Ministers, additionally supporting Colin Breed MP s EDM (which achieved the signatures of 121 MPs). The EDM was as follows: That this House records its sadness that 16 people have already been reported as having died of accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the UK between September 2006 and March 2007; commends the recommendations which were made by the Health and Safety Commission in 2000, including a modest levy on gas suppliers to provide funds for raising awareness of the dangers of CO; recognises the need for regular servicing of appliances by qualified operatives, adequate ventilation, regular chimney sweeping and the use of CO alarms in preventing CO poisoning; further recognises that the gas emergency service should have and use equipment to test appliances for CO; and urges the Government to bring forward proposals to make these recommendations mandatory given the lack of industry movement since 1997, and to make funds available for a body to assist the victims, their families and to fund further research. Future carbon monoxide related activity CO-Gas Safety has launched a schools poster competition to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and other gas dangers, and how to prevent deaths and injuries. A booklet to inform students of the dangers of CO is now downloadable from the website (see The pictures were drawn free of charge by children s illustrator John O Leary, who has suffered from CO poisoning. Sponsorship is being sought. The charity and Stephanie Trotter personally are underwriting this competition at 5,000 each at the moment. The poster competition was launched via Teachernet and also by an from the Department of Children, Schools and Families at the start of the autumn term, with winners ideally to be announced during CO Awareness week. The Charity has also researched and pushed for the launch of a schools poster competition to raise awareness of the dangers of CO 9

10 CoGDEM CoGDEM is the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring, a trade association that has been active for 33 years to represent its members, who are experts in the field of gas detection, such as manufacturers of equipment, sensors, test gases, test laboratories and the HSE. Since the mid-1990s, CoGDEM has had an active sub-group which focuses on carbon monoxide detection, and the bulk of the members of this sub-group are manufacturers of domestic CO alarms or Flue Gas Analysers. Consequently, CoGDEM has core expertise on all aspects of the technology, standards and applications of carbon monoxide detection. As a trade association, it views educating the marketplace as a key responsibility, ensuring that the individual members campaigns and joint initiatives that it takes, all contain the right key messages. It also acts to ensure appropriate standards are maintained within the industry, and has an active participation in British and European Standards committees. CoGDEM also takes responsibility for supporting other CO stakeholders with technical advice where it is required, so that victims groups, regulators, fuel suppliers etc can have a single contact point for data on CO alarms, gas sensors, Flue Gas Analysers and associated standards. Activity Since the formation of CoGDEM s CO sub-group in the mid 1990s, it has undertaken ongoing activities related to the raising of general awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning. These include the annual printing and distribution of CO information leaflets, the provision of a 24-hour freephone helpline, provision of CO alarm information to the media when incidents occur, and roadshows at landlords and housing association events. In the summer of 2006, it was decided that CoGDEM would set up a specific CO publicity and PR group, funded by the manufacturers of CO alarms and Flue Gas Analysers, and employ a part-time marketing and PR expert to conduct a more focused and targeted campaign. The Group s ongoing CO awareness activities needed more careful targeting, and a sharper focus. It also needed to increase its stakeholder activities, such as the HSE domestic gas safety review, so that the knowledge and expertise that exists within the CoGDEM membership could be exploited by other organisations. As well as publicising CO hazards, it also wanted to raise awareness that CoGDEM could give detailed advice on those hazards and how to avoid them.

11 Activities over the last 18 months include: Liaison between manufacturers of domestic CO alarms and industry stakeholders including Government, HSE, fuel suppliers, CORGI, BSI and lobby groups/victim support organisations. A similar exercise has been conducted on behalf of manufacturers of Flue Gas Analysers. Taking active membership of COCAA (on steering group), GISG, ACS Industrial Liaison Group, BSI committees, and supporters of CO-Gas Safety and CO-Awareness. Providing specific data to the All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group. Running a specific PR project related to the use of domestic CO alarms, employing an industry expert to maximise the publicity. Creating a new consumer-facing mini website within Continuing to provide a 24-hour freephone CO helpline for consumers and stakeholders. Creating a list of Frequently Asked Questions by consumers, with answers that can be shared with all stakeholders. Presenting CO awareness lectures and presentations to landlord groups, local authorities and housing associations. Printing and distribution of CO leaflets to charities, plumbers, housing associations, Fire & Rescue Services, university accommodation offices and landlords (20,000 leaflets this year). Helping the BSI committees to maintain the performance standards for CO alarms (EN50291) and Flue Gas Analysers (EN50397), and guide for use of FGAs (BS7967 Parts 1-4). Currently funding the creation of draft procedures for Part 5 of BS7967. Working with Trading Standards to ensure that illegal CO alarms and detectors are removed from the marketplace. Encouraging all member companies to use the COCAA be carbon monoxide aware logo and key messages. Joining a small task force consisting of DSCF, HSE, DoH and CORGI to ensure school children are not put at risk of CO poisoning in the classroom. Purchasing an MPs contact database, to allow the charities and lobby groups to write to each MP encouraging CO awareness activities in their constituencies. As a result of its activity, the Group s helpline is busier and its leaflets are frequently being requested in bulk by councils, charities supporting the elderly, university accommodation officers and Fire & Rescue Services. The awareness of choice of CO alarms is significantly better and the population of alarms within UK dwellings is now higher. These focused activities had been running for some three months before the Corfu fatalities, allowing CoGDEM to be recognised as being able to offer advice to the media regarding the use of CO alarms, generating many interviews. Its profile has been raised to a point where it is now invited to participate and advise in many fuel industry initiatives. FAQs from users, statistics, standards data etc). For CO Awareness Week in November 2006, CoGDEM organised the two media events (London and Runcorn) featuring mass balloon releases and wrote the accompanying speeches. Live radio interviews were held with various BBC and independent local radio stations. Articles have been published in many trade magazines. As well as the activities listed above, individual member companies of CoGDEM conduct their own CO awareness activities regionally and nationally. Such activities include local newspaper articles, magazine editorials, supporting Child Safety Week and donating free alarms to campaigners and charities. Activities are often linked to DIY retailers advertising campaigns, where in-store publicity raises awareness of CO hazards and how to avoid them. National and local newspapers are also keen to offer their readers discounts on CO alarms, so members are actively encouraging publicity in this area. The awareness of choice of CO alarms is significantly better and the population of alarms within UK dwellings is now higher Future carbon monoxide related activity These activities will continue, and the focused PR campaign has retained the services of the industry expert for a second year. CoGDEM aims to be a strong supporter of the COCAA Alliance and its activities, as well as conducting some specific activities that will be aimed at the trade and at consumers. These include the production of portable pop-up exhibition stands with the COCAA be carbon monoxide aware logo prominently displayed for use at events around the UK, such as landlord s forums, housing association meetings and safety events. CoGDEM co-ordinated the CO forum at CORGI s Installer Live (Sep 07) aimed at tradesmen and CO stakeholders, as well as conducting regional events to dovetail into CO Awareness Week (Oct 07). CoGDEM will also be producing an electronic newsletter for distribution to housing professionals, as well as working with CORGI to maximise knowledge of CO issues within its registered installers. Extensive collateral has been produced, including revised leaflets printed in bulk, the new mini-website, printed balloons and documents created for other stakeholders (such as how to choose a CO alarm, 11

12 Consumer Council for Northern Ireland The Consumer Council was set up by Government in 1985 and is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI). Its job is to speak up for consumers and give them a voice. It also ensures that the policy makers in Northern Ireland hear that voice and take it into account when they are making decisions that affect us all. The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland gives consumers a voice by running information and education campaigns, influencing the public and private sectors, undertaking research and producing publications. It also helps individual consumers with complaints about planes, trains, buses, ferries, electricity, natural gas, coal and water. The Council has a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and 13 members appointed by ministers. There are 41 members of staff. The Council meets regularly during the year. There are statutory Groups (or committees) for energy, food, water and passenger transport which also meet regularly. The Council's General Purposes Committee meets when required and the Council also has a Consumer Education Committee. The Council values working in partnership with other organisations to put consumers at the heart of Northern Ireland society. It works with local organisations like Help the Aged, NICVA and Friends of the Earth to bring about maximum benefit for local people. It also has close links with other consumer organisations like the National Consumer Council (NCC) and the Scottish and Welsh Consumer Councils and the National Consumer Agency in the Republic of Ireland. An important aspect of the Consumer Council is its duty to investigate unresolved complaints about electricity, natural gas, coal, public transport and water. It has a dedicated section committed to investigating complaints and offering information and help to consumers on a range of issues. The Consumer Council regularly advises consumers on a number of issues, including concerns about safety of appliances. It refers consumers to the relevant organisations where they will receive expert and practical help to ensure their appliances are safe. It also informs and educates consumers about what measures they can take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

13 Activity In addition to its complaints handling function, the Council also proactively provides advice and information to consumers using various methods. The Council developed an Energywise pack, containing 12 leaflets on a range of energy issues. The information contained in the pack included safety advice when using coal, oil and natural gas. Also, a leaflet targeting students living in rented accommodation detailed the symptoms of carbon monoxide and specified safeguards which could be implemented to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The Consumer Council also sent CORGI s guide to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers who contacted it with concerns. It also encloses CORGI s leaflet in its Gas Installation Pack, which it sends to consumers who have a complaint with their natural gas installer. Future Carbon Monoxide related activity From April 2007, the Consumer Council has been actively involved in the Gas Forum Working Group in Northern Ireland. The aim of the group is to develop a co-ordinated approach among relevant organisations to raise consumer awareness about carbon monoxide. The aim of the group is to develop a co-ordinated approach among relevant organisations to raise consumer awareness about carbon monoxide Over the past 18 months, the Consumer Council has distributed these leaflets at well publicised and attended exhibitions in Belfast, including the Young At Heart Exhibition, which focuses on older consumers, and the Ideal Home Exhibition. It also distributed approximately 750 packs to organisations including advice agencies, community groups, Councillors and constituency offices. One of the measures the Consumer Council implemented as a result of this forum was to extend the information it provides to community groups when delivering presentations to them about the role of the Consumer Council. Over the next 18 months it will include information to these groups to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning. An important aspect of the Consumer Council is its duty to investigate unresolved complaints about electricity, natural gas, coal, public transport and water. It has a dedicated section committed to investigating complaints and offering information and help to consumers on a range of issues 13

14 CORGI With over 30 years experience, CORGI is the UK s gas safety watchdog and is considered the leading authority for all information regarding gas safety. Since 1991 CORGI has been the only body charged by the Government s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to maintain a register of competent gas installers in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The law says that anyone employed to carry out gasrelated work must be registered with CORGI. If they are not CORGI registered, then they are working illegally and therefore, unsafely. CORGI investigates reports from the public and CORGI members. These investigations are undertaken in order for CORGI to pass as many details as possible onto the HSE so it can prepare a case for prosecution. In addition to running the gas registration scheme, CORGI also has a responsibility to promote the awareness of gas safety and carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK. CORGI runs campaigns regularly to help in this promotion and has also introduced several initiatives to further promote best practice. As well as co-ordinating COCAA, CORGI also coordinates a Gas Industry Forum with all the major merchants and manufacturers, with the key objective being to make it more difficult for illegal gas workers to operate through stopping the sale of gas appliances and fittings to non-corgi registered members. This is only one aspect of CORGI s integrated campaign to reduce the amount of illegal gas work in the UK. All profits generated from CORGI Services Ltd s commercial activities are donated to CORGI s sole shareholder, The CORGI Trust, which has been set up in order to initiate and support activities that further gas safety and carbon monoxide awareness. By maintaining an up-to-date register of qualified gas installers CORGI sets out to promote its core values of professional service and high standards in safety. Consequently, the CORGI badge is now a guarantee of quality, making it the standard to look for when employing a tradesperson. Individual campaign detail For many years now CORGI has held at least two major national campaigns per year to help in raising awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning. These campaigns usually focus on vulnerable target audiences such as students and the elderly and contain information for these groups on how to keep themselves safe. In 2007 alone, CORGI has embarked on two major campaigns designed to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning amongst the public and various other stakeholders and industry groups. The first campaign was launched to coincide with the Easter weekend bank holiday and focused on DIY. CORGI s experience as gas safety watchdog has shown that a lot of people think it is okay to work on gas appliances in their own home and that they do not understand the complex technical skill that is required to repair, service or install a gas appliance. Therefore, this campaign was designed to target those people who may have been undertaking a DIY project in their home over the Easter weekend.

15 CORGI conducted a series of pre-recorded and live interviews with over 25 regional radio stations across the UK. The CORGI spokesperson was able to explain why it is so important to use a CORGI registered installer and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. This activity reached hundreds of thousands of listeners across all the stations and also generated a lot of printed coverage in a number of newspapers. A podcast was also recorded using Channel 4 s DIY expert Tony Lush, who gave advice on what is safe for people to do in their homes and what is not. This podcast was available for download on CORGI s website and a number of radio stations websites as well. The second piece of activity CORGI undertook relating to carbon monoxide awareness was the release of a report at the end of June. The report, entitled CORGI Carbon Monoxide Map report attempted to show the true scale of the carbon monoxide issue, highlighting key hotspots across the UK and across all fuels. This was the first time the organisation had attempted to quantify the number of carbon monoxide incidents in the UK caused by all fuels not just gas and the report was positively received by the wider industry. The report helped in not only identifying the key geographical areas that are most affected by carbon monoxide incidents, it also attempted to explore the public attitudes towards awareness and safety, to highlight conditions that add to the potential of an incident occurring and make recommendations for the industry to help reduce the number of needless deaths each year. The report was given a public launch in London on the 26th of June, where key industry stakeholders, including MPs, were invited to hear the findings and recommendations being made by CORGI. CORGI also held interviews with radio stations all across the UK, particularly in the areas that CORGI had highlighted as hotspots. The report also attracted a great deal of print media coverage, online coverage and several news stations invited CORGI spokespeople to be interviewed for their programmes. The report is available to download from CORGI s website, Planned future CO-related activity The CORGI Carbon Monoxide Map report has been instrumental in helping CORGI to focus its awareness raising activity to those people and locations that are the least aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. These people have been shown to not only have the least awareness, but they are also more likely to use an illegal gas worker, not get their appliances safety checked annually, and to think that carbon monoxide poisoning is not an issue they have to be aware of. Armed with this information CORGI has planned an autumn campaign that will target regional areas with a consumer roadshow in shopping malls in cities that fall in the hotspot areas identified by the report. The six week campaign began at CORGI s InstallerLive exhibition in Coventry in September with CORGI s liveried jeep that is designed to help CORGI communicate with consumers the importance of using a CORGI registered installer and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. The CORGI team will be on hand to speak with members of the public and give safety advice and also to provide them with a range of CORGI safety literature and carbon monoxide alarms. CORGI is working in conjunction with local media such as newspapers to raise awareness of the roadshow and to give away further carbon monoxide alarms to readers. Many local radio stations in the regions will be working closely with CORGI to promote the roadshow on air and will be running their own competitions surrounding carbon monoxide awareness. As the gas safety watchdog, CORGI also helps raise awareness on carbon monoxide poisoning through its website, a free phone helpline to customer services for the public, various leaflets and factsheets that can be downloaded from the website or requested in hardcopy form. This year CORGI has also launched a new consumer magazine called Place that is sent to all consumers who have had a gas appliance installed or replaced by a CORGI registered installer. In 2007, over 1.2 million gas consumers will have received a copy of Place, which contains important safety messages such as using CORGI registered installers and carbon monoxide awareness. CORGI has also developed a dedicated programme aimed at cracking down on people who are working on gas without being CORGI registered, and has also employed a full time team that is focused solely on the problem. With all campaigns, CORGI ensures to inform the public of the pitfalls of using tradespeople who are not CORGI registered to work on gas in their homes. This initiative is supported by the set-up of a new hotline where CORGI members or the public can call in, anonymously if they wish, to report on someone working on gas illegally. This focus on illegal gas work will hopefully make a considerable difference to gas safety as CORGI s research has shown that an illegal gas worker is 32 times more likely to cause a carbon monoxide poisoning incident. 15

16 Department of Health The Department of Health is committed to help prevent deaths caused by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and to raise awareness of the dangers of CO poisoning. Specific actions to achieve this include publications to increase awareness amongst medical staff and the public. Activity CMO Update - In his January 2006 Update, which is sent to all doctors registered with the General Medical Council in England, including hospital and A&E doctors, and copied to the devolved administrations for information, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) provides advice to doctors on CO poisoning. CMO Updates are available on the Department of Health s website: AndCirculars/CMOUpdate/CMOUpdateArticle/fs/en?CON TENT_ID= &chk=y6qnQn Leaflet on Indoor Air Pollution Carbon Monoxide Risks to health and how to avoid them (2006) The Department of Health has produced a public information leaflet, distributed early in 2006 to all GP surgeries in England, which provides information on the symptoms of CO poisoning, ways in which to prevent poisoning and the contact details of organisations and other government departments involved with the prevention of CO poisoning. The Department of Health has produced a booklet, which amongst many subjects, contains useful advice on the maintenance of heating appliances and protection from CO poisoning This leaflet has been endorsed by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), The Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme, The Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI), The national voluntary organization - CO-Gas Safety, The Solid Fuel Association, and the National Health Service, and includes the CORGI emergency helpline. The Leaflet is available free, from the Department of Health s publication stores and is available on the Department of Health s website: ons/publicationspolicyandguidance/publicationspolicya ndguidancearticle/fs/en?content_id= &chk=sa oysp Keep Warm Keep Well, a winter guide 2007/2008 The Department of Health has produced a booklet, which amongst many subjects, contains useful advice on the maintenance of heating appliances and protection from CO poisoning. This has been widely distributed and is also available from the Department of Health s publication stores and on the Department of Health s website: socialcaretopics/dh_

17 As part of the Health and Safety Executive s Review of Domestic Gas Safety, a cross-government group, which includes Department of Health officials, has been set up to consolidate the valuable work that is being done, and to help further raise awareness, particularly through encouraging greater coordinated industry actions. More recently, to help drive this work forward, a cross-government Ministerial group has been set up, which includes Ministerial representation from the Department of Health. Future carbon monoxide related activity In collaboration with key stakeholders, the Department of Health is currently looking at options for new awareness-raising initiatives as well as reviewing activities in which it is already engaged, both for the medical profession and the public. As part of the Health and Safety Executive s Review of Domestic Gas Safety, a cross-government group, which includes Department of Health officials, has been set up The Department of Health also provides funding to a leading national voluntary organisation through the Section 64 General Scheme of Grants, which helps in their work in raising awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide and in supporting victims and providing information on how to prevent poisoning. Victims are supported by Social Care in the same way that other victims of poisoning/diseases are. Also, support for carbon monoxide victims is given by the NHS and NHS Direct, who provide information on their website about carbon monoxide poisoning. Victims are supported by Social Care in the same way that other victims of poisoning/ diseases are. Also, support for carbon monoxide victims is given by the NHS and NHS Direct 17

18 District Council Environmental Health Departments Northern Ireland The Gas Wise initiative is supported by the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland. The Gas Wise initiative is targeted toward district council enforced workplaces throughout Northern Ireland who use gas. Gas Wise provides a robust, focused, coordinated and measurable mechanism that facilitates an effective regulatory approach by the 26 district councils of Northern Ireland. Commenting on the initiative CORGI said: "CORGI is delighted that this initiative has been launched in Northern Ireland. Gas is an extremely safe fuel, but can have devastating consequences when appliances are not working correctly. Quite often employers or landlords overlook the maintenance of appliances in commercial premises. However, the efforts and commitment by all of the 26 District Councils should ensure that this is addressed." Activity To reduce the risk of gas related injury or deaths, district council Environmental Health departments across Northern Ireland are running the Gas Wise initiative over a three year period Asking duty holders such as employers and landlords to be Wise about the safety of their gas system is key to the message of the Gas Wise intiative. W - work on gas systems should only be undertaken by appropriately registered CORGI installers I - instruct staff on how to operate equipment correctly and safely S - service appliances in accordance with manufacturer s instructions E - ensure adequate ventilation in premises at all times Gas Wise covers all aspects of workplace gas safety, including CO related risk factors, by ensuring that duty holders deliver on the requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (NI) Central to the purpose of the Gas Wise Initiative are issues such as proper maintenance of equipment and associated ventilation and extraction, which are critical to prevention of CO poisoning. Gas Wise provides a robust, focused, co-ordinated and measurable mechanism that facilitates an effective regulatory approach by the 26 district councils of Northern Ireland Direct interventions by council officers help to provide both the necessary support and where necessary challenge to businesses to ensure associated risks to employees and the wider public are properly controlled. 18

19 The purpose of the initiative is to raise awareness of gas safety issues with local businesses and ultimately to improve safety standards within workplaces across Northern Ireland. Its aims are: 1. To provide a focus for district council activity over a 3 year period - i.e To work in partnership to deliver key gas safety messages to as wide an audience as possible. 3. To improve communication and joint working arrangements with gas safety partners. 4. To provide a flexible enforcement and promotional resource (toolkit) for use by district councils. 5. To provide practical training for officers in partnership with HSENI and CORGI to increase competence in gas safety matters. 6. To conduct evaluation of the initiative with the intention of improving the toolkit and informing future training and initiatives. A variety of approaches have been taken by the district councils of Northern Ireland including: Targeted inspections of premises and issuing of formal letters requiring appropriate evidence from duty holders of suitable maintenance of gas systems used; Joint inspections with CORGI inspectors who assist officers and duty holders with technical requirements; Use of informal interventions such as the provision of verbal and written advice and formal interventions including service of enforcement notices under the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978; Use of the media including television, radio, newspapers and trade magazines to publicise and raise the profile of the initiative; Delivery of seminars to employers and employees including ethnic minority groups to help raise awareness of legal requirements and best practice; Information placed on council websites regarding the initiative and the creation of a specific website to support Gas Wise initiative activities within a particular council district; Endorsements from bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce, ethnic minority support groups and elected members have been received in relation to local activities. The Gas Wise initiative will run from 2005 to An extension to this time period will be considered. Gas Wise is designed to deliver key gas safety messages to as wide an audience as possible. By disseminating information in the wider media the profile of key safety messages were significantly increased to the wider public. Employers, landlords and employees were specifically targeted. Communicating the key messages to ethnic minority groups was facilitated by specific seminars and the use of translated guidance material Employers, landlords and employees were specifically targeted. Communicating the key messages to ethnic minority groups was facilitated by specific seminars and the use of translated guidance material. Individual councils have the flexibility to participate at any point that meets their local service planning aims and objectives during the three-year time frame. This flexibility allows individual councils to tailor the range of interventions available to local needs and priorities. 19

20 An interim evaluation of the initiative covering the period September 2005 to December 2006 was conducted in May 2007 and revealed the following: 18 councils were participating in the initiative 534 gas safety related inspections had taken place 2457 workplaces had been asked for proof of gas certification 54 enforcement notices had been served and 1 successful prosecution had been taken 9 council websites now featured gas safety information 11 councils had run promotional campaigns 3 seminars had been held Planned future Carbon Monoxide related activity Councils will continue to participate in the initiative using correspondence and targeted inspection programmes to ensure clear gas safety messages are conveyed to workplaces that use gas. Where necessary enforcement action will be taken to improve safety standards. To support inspectors a further Gas Wise event is planned for late 2007, when it is hoped to inform officers about the Gas Forum that has been recently established in Northern Ireland to raise public awareness of the risk of CO poisoning. Councils will continue to participate in the initiative using correspondence and targeted inspection programmes to ensure clear gas safety messages are conveyed to workplaces that use gas 20

21 EDF Energy EDF Energy is one of the UK s largest energy companies. It provides power to a quarter of the UK s population via its electricity distribution networks in London, the South East and the East of England. It supplies gas and electricity to over 5 million customers and generates about 5GW of energy from its coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company is also a key player in national infrastructure projects, including the electrical upgrading of the London Underground, management of private electricity networks serving four London airports and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the country s first new railway in 100 years. It employs nearly 13,000 people at locations across the UK. EDF Energy is a core part of EDF Group, one of the world s largest power companies. Activity Following the huge success of the Winter Risk campaign of , EDF Energy launched its Winter Risk campaign under the banner of Safe, Warm and Well. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia during the cold winter months. Championed by broadcaster Gloria Hunniford, the campaign reached over 11.5m people with potentially life saving information through a range of media channels. The campaign targeted two distinct audiences; those who are most at risk during the winter months - primarily the elderly, and also the general public to help them become more aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia to look out for those who could be at risk. As well as providing important life saving advice, the campaign promoted a discounted carbon monoxide alarm and nearly 20,000 alarms have been ordered to date. In addition to a wide range of activity including Direct Mail, Radio, Press, and TV coverage, EDF Energy held regional events across London, the South East and South West to raise awareness of winter dangers. EDF Energy hit squads interacted with thousands of people at London s Liverpool Street and Victoria, Brighton, Bristol and Plymouth railway stations. Its Safe, Warm and Well experts were on hand to offer advice, and its employees operated stands and handed out leaflets. In 2006 EDF Energy launched an online winter toolkit that can be used by carers, support workers and volunteers to access valuable information about energy efficiency, safety and sources of further support. As part of the campaign, its customer facing staff were given special training on the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia. EDF Energy provided them with relevant resources so that they could support the company s older and more vulnerable customers and signpost other sources of help when required. EDF Energy was also delighted to support the first ever Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in December 2006.

22 The objectives of the activity were multilayered: To help the most vulnerable members of the public to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia during the winter months; to educate the general public to become more aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia and to encourage them to look out for neighbours and family members who could be at risk during the winter months; to educate its own staff to identify vulnerable customers and to highlight the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia. The campaigns ran throughout the winters of and Both were launched in October with a range of activity phased throughout the winter months, with a dedicated carbon monoxide bill insert linked to the offer distributed throughout January to March The Winter Risk campaign was aimed at members of the public, with a special emphasis on 137,000 of the company s most vulnerable customers identified through its Priority Services Register, and with meter reading staff distributing leave-behind cards with useful information. Social welfare stakeholders, including Citizens Advice Bureau and Social Services, were also targeted with information about the company s Toolkit service. At the train station events, EDF Energy targeted all commuters that passed through, advising them to look out for others who could be at risk. The company s campaign reached around 11.6m people with potentially life saving messages: 137,000 vulnerable customers were targeted through a direct mail campaign including alternative formats i.e. large print, Braille and audio cassette 2.28m customers were targeted through Safe, Warm & Well bill inserts from October to December ,000 vulnerable people were targeted by WRVS meals-on-wheels and NHS coffee shop volunteers 100,000 older customers were targeted through EDF Energy s At Home magazine Safe, Warm & Well Awareness Day 26 January 2007-EDF Energy and WRVS branded Hit Squads targeted thousands of commuters at railway stations in London, the South East and the South West There were 88 media hits including TV, national and regional radio coverage and online 3.25m customers were targeted through the Carbon Monoxide Awareness bill inserts from January to March ,000 Safe, Warm & Well postcards were distributed via meter readers Approximately 6,000 EDF Energy employees were made aware of the Safe, Warm & Well campaign through the company s dedicated intranet pages, posters, s and internal communications 6 MPs were engaged with the winter campaign - David Lepper MP; Celia Barlow MP; Des Turner MP; Doug Naysmith MP; Kerry McCarthy MP and Linda Gilroy MP. Nearly 20,000 carbon monoxide detectors were purchased and distributed to the public as a direct result of winter campaign activity. EDF Energy hit squads interacted with thousands of people at London s Liverpool Street and Victoria, Brighton, Bristol and Plymouth railway stations. Its Safe, Warm and Well experts were on hand to offer advice, and its employees manned stalls and handed out leaflets EDF Energy also created a bespoke direct mail campaign in alternative formats which included Braille, large print and audio versions. This reached 137,000 of its most vulnerable customers. In addition, the creation of At Home magazine offered specialist advice to over 100,000 of its customers who are over the age of 55. As a result, nearly 20,000 discounted detectors were sold and there was anecdotal evidence to suggest that at least one life had been saved through advice given as part of this initiative. EDF Energy also received a number of letters of thanks and appreciation from its customers and continues to receive orders for the detectors. Future carbon monoxide related activity Building on the success of its previous campaigns, EDF Energy is currently working on the development of its Winter Risk campaign. The aim is to reach an even wider audience and make them aware of the issues associated with carbon monoxide over the winter months. The company will continue to include information about carbon monoxide poisoning and will be extending its carbon monoxide alarm offer to run throughout the period. 22

23 E.ON E.ON is the UK s largest integrated power and gas company generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas and is part of the E.ON group, the world s largest investor-owned power and gas company. Our retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around 8.1 million electricity and gas customer accounts, both domestic and SME. In addition, we have around 13,000 industrial and commercial customers. Activity Within the last 18 months E.ON has raised the profile of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning through PR activity. It has given away around 2000 CO alarms to the general public by generating articles in local newspapers across the country. It has also given away around 5000 CO alarms to its Age Concern customers. E.ON is offering all of its domestic customers the opportunity to purchase a British Standards Audio CO alarm for 15 including postage and packaging via a direct mail campaign. All customers will have received the offer by the end of This offer also includes valuable information on the awareness of CO poisoning. Alarms have also been given away to E.ON employees. The aim across all of its giveaways is to raise the awareness of CO poisoning to customers. The direct marketing campaign is intended to highlight CO awareness to E.ON s entire domestic customer base, giving them the opportunity to purchase a British Standards Quality Audio CO alarm at a reasonable price. The give away activities started in 2005 and are still ongoing, with the direct marketing campaign set to continue until December 2007 when E.ON is confident that all of its domestic customers will have received the mail. E.ON believes that CO awareness should be promoted to everyone with a fuel burning appliance and therefore has not segregated its customers. The company carries details on its website - powergen.co.uk - of CO dangers and awareness, and details in all of its welcome packs to new customers. Future Carbon Monoxide related activity By the end of 2007, E.ON plans to: Have the CO awareness logo on all of its consumer gas bills Include CO awareness and alarm offer (of 15 including P&P) to all of its domestic customer base Update its web site to include more information on CO and offer to purchase alarms Include CO awareness and alarm offers to all existing and new Home Installation Services customers customers with boiler insurance and new/repaired heating systems Begin to give CO alarms away free to its most vulnerable customers Continue to sell CO alarms at 15 including postage and packaging - this makes E.ON s offer one of the best deals around for British Standards Audio CO alarms. 23

24 Energy Retail Association The Energy Retail Association, established in October 2003, is the only dedicated trade association for domestic energy suppliers in Great Britain. All the main energy suppliers operating in the domestic market in Britain are members of the Association: British Gas, Scottish & Southern Energy, RWE npower, E.ON Powergen, EDF Energy and ScottishPower. Since its inception, the ERA has ultimately focused on finding ways to continually improve customers experiences with their energy suppliers. In 2003 the ERA was the co-ordinating body for a work stream established at the request of the Health and Safety Commissioner. The purpose was to carry out a risk analysis to identify the main causes of CO incidents and the effectiveness of CO awareness activity in order to reduce the number of fatalities. The findings were presented to the HSE in The ERA is currently actively participating in the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance group to coordinate the six main domestic energy companies and support a wider CO awareness campaign. Research conducted by the energy retail sector has demonstrated that a holistic, below the line campaign (referrals, word of mouth, growth of activity etc) would be the best way to increase awareness of the dangers of CO to both vulnerable groups and the general public. Activity In June the ERA designed and produced an information leaflet which was circulated to all stakeholders, including Government, NGOs, media, politicians and consumer groups. It is used by ERA staff as a leave behind at all relevant stakeholder meetings. The purpose was to carry out a risk analysis to identify the main causes of CO incidents and the effectiveness of CO awareness activity in order to reduce the number of fatalities The ideal for the ERA is to see a focused and even flow of information which it feels would have the effect of reaching a wider audience with a more penetrative, consistent and memorable message. Its ambition is for zero carbon monoxide related fatalities on a sustainable basis. The energy retail sector has already achieved the target, set by Government, to reduce avoidable gas related carbon monoxide fatalities by a minimum of 20% by The ERA is now looking to maintain and improve this downward trend in tackling this serious issue. In addition, as part of its commitment to maintain a cross-industry approach, the ERA published a statement in December last year on behalf of the major domestic energy suppliers that gave a commitment to communicate the dangers of carbon monoxide to every individual gas customer in the following 12 months. To tie in with the statement and support CO-Awareness campaign to engage the medical profession, the ERA funded an article in the Royal College of General Practitioners New Generalist magazine. 24

25 GISG The Gas Industry Safety Group (GISG) was formed in 2000 by principal organisations within the UK gas industry to: Promote gas safety Encourage co-operation amongst industry players to develop, introduce and improve practices for the safe transmission, storage and use of gas throughout the UK Ensure the safety of consumers and the public Membership of GISG is open to a wide spectrum of organisations involved within the gas industry and currently includes gas transporters, shippers and suppliers, product manufacturers, service providers, SMEs as well as large associations such as SBGI, Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers, the Gas Forum, CoGDEM and CORGI. GISG was formed in response to gas industry concerns arising from the fragmentation of the industry as part of the liberalisation process and holds the ring between the various industry segments on gas safety issues. GISG was instrumental in forming with the then DTI the Gas Industry Emergency Committee which has developed over time into the Energy Emergencies Executive Committee (E3C) at the DBERR. GISG is an active member of E3C and provides the Secretariat to the E3C Gas Advisory Task Group. In 2006 GISG took over the Chairmanship of the Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme for Gas Fitting Operatives (ACS) from the HSE and also provides the ACS Secretariat. Activity Since its formation in 2000 GISG has been active in encouraging the gas industry to address issues concerning Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Research was commissioned in 2001 using international comparators to benchmark the UK on a variety of gas safety issues including CO poisoning. The recommendations from the research underpinned a CO Strategy document drawn up by GISG following the HSE Fundamental Review of Gas Safety in GISG contributed in 2003 to the production of a CO Awareness film for teenagers called Invisible Danger alongside a number of gas suppliers. Carbon Monoxide is a standing agenda item for GISG meetings and through the GISG membership the wider gas industry has been encouraged to look at ways of helping address the level of fatalities arising from piped natural gas. This has included the development of new technologies as well as increased customer awareness. The significant fall in the number of fatal CO incidents in the last two to three years points to the impact such investment in technological advances and publicity has had. GISG has been able to facilitate information flows to local authorities and housing association on CO Awareness utilising the existing publicity material GISG members hold or sign posting enquirers to relevant expertise within the industry. GISG has been pleased to financially assist CO-Gas Safety in the last two years. Having promoted greater industry cooperation on CO messaging and awareness raising GISG was pleased to join the CO Consumer Awareness Alliance on its formation and support its activities as a member of the COCAA Steering Group. GISG members are being encouraged to utilise the COCAA be carbon monoxide aware logo and common messaging when contacting gas consumers. Future Carbon Monoxide related activity While continuing most of its current CO related activities GISG will also be considering a further donation to one of the CO organisations prior to CO Awareness Week in October GISG will be actively supporting gas industry initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of CO and what consumers should be doing to ensure their safety. This activity will, over the next twelve months, be heavily weighted to working constructively with COCAA. 25

26 Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland As the regional health and safety authority for Northern Ireland, HSENI is actively working to ensure that risks to people s health and safety from work activities are effectively controlled. In the area of gas safety HSENI is using the provision of information and advice, inspection and investigation activities to improve compliance with standards in installation and use of gas appliances. In addition, the reduction of risk from carbon monoxide exposure is a current focus of HSENI s work plan in the area of gas safety. HSENI has established a Gas Forum Working Group with the objective being to promote and communicate key gas safety messages to targeted sectors and groups. Activity HSENI regularly provides gas safety articles, information and advice to individuals, tenants, landlords and business, and deals with complaints made by the aforementioned. HSENI has an ongoing program of formal inspection and investigation of gas installers and providers. HSENI has issued formal Improvement and Prohibition notices to those organisations failing to meet statutory obligations which placed individuals at risk. Several investigations are currently underway with a view to appropriate enforcement action. HSENI established the Gas Forum Working Group (GFWG) in April 2007 to bring together the main parties with an interest in Gas Safety. The group s focus is to, by working together, improve safety in both the installation and use of gas appliances. Future carbon monoxide related activity With the HSENI s and the Gas Forum Working Group s efforts ongoing, the GFWG aims to produce a gas safety/co awareness guidance document for distribution in N. Ireland by Nov Its intended audience is gas customers/public and in particular vulnerable groups. 26 With an aim of making progressive, substantial and sustainable reductions in gas-related incidents & injuries, in a rapidly growing sector (100,000 plus new customers in 10 years), the initial objective of the group is to develop material that can be used to publicise potential hazards. In particular to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the importance of having gas installations and appliances regularly serviced by a competent CORGI registered gas installer. Over the last 18 months, HSENI s enforcement activities have been successful in stopping illegal work on gas installations/appliances and unsafe gas cylinder filling operations, with investigations still ongoing. In addition, the intervention of HSENI and the provision of information and advice to clients has also led to an increased number of landlords fulfilling the requirements of the GS (I&U) regulations by having gas safety checks completed. Public Service Review has also published the gas safety article Something in the air! With an aim of making progressive, substantial and sustainable reductions in gas-related incidents & injuries, in a rapidly growing sector (100,000 plus new customers in 10 years), the initial objective of the group is to develop material that can be used to publicise potential hazards

27 HETAS HETAS is an independent not for profit Company Limited by Guarantee with a Council of Solid Fuel Industry Representatives, and an independent Chairman who has significant experience in representing consumer interests. HETAS s main areas of business are:- Running a Government Approved Competent Persons Scheme for the installation of solid fuel combustion appliances including those burning solid mineral, wood and approved solid biomass fuels Operating an Approval and Certification scheme for solid fuels, appliances and equipment Leading in, and contributing to, the setting of standards for appliances and work in the solid fuel and biomass industry Running training courses for safe and compliant installation for operatives and contractors in the industry HETAS works closely with the Solid Fuel Association (SFA) and are reciprocal members of the Renewable Energy Association (REA). HETAS role within the industry is primarily safety related and promotes high standards of safety in fuels, domestic appliances, equipment and installers along with developing the technical and installation aspects of the industry. Its interface with consumers is mostly via its installers and chimney sweeps. HETAS publishes its annual Guide containing information on approved appliances, fuels and equipment; as well as lists of registered installers and chimney sweeps. This information is also on the HETAS web site where you can also find listed information on CO detectors/alarms. Activity The HETAS Council receives notification from SFA about CO incidents with a likely causal link to solid fuel and assists SFA and Industry by assessing whether changes to working practice can alleviate risk. This is a matter discussed at HETAS Council meetings where there is broad industry representation. HETAS training courses address CO and other safety related issues. It also takes up these issues directly with its register of installers via a technical helpline and newsletters. HETAS promotes the key safety messages via news letters to Registrants and through its PR work and by articles in trade magazines. A new SFA leaflet containing the Alliance s core messages about CO is in preparation and will be made available via HETAS to Registered Installers and via the new web site. HETAS is working on a new web site where it will promote safety messages to stakeholders including the public who log on looking for installers and for advice. It proposes that its web site will be linked to the Alliance consumer website when it is up and running.

28 The aims of the work undertaken by HETAS are to ensure that safe solid fuels, appliances and equipment are available to be fitted and maintained by competent installer businesses, thus promoting safe installations for consumers. With advances in energy efficiency legislation, it is also promoting energy efficient and low carbon heating solutions. Its work in these areas is ongoing work relating specifically to CO awareness is based on press releases, articles, newsletters and other communications with installers and sweeps e.g. through attendance at trade shows and through links with other key industry organisations. Future carbon monoxide related activity HETAS will continue to push key messages, including those coming out of COCAA, and the messages about maintenance and chimney sweeping. This will be to installers, chimney sweeps, maintenance companies, appliance and equipment manufacturers etc and through its website and Guide to the public. The next CO awareness raising exercises will be to continue with these from the August newsletter where CO was discussed and to add more safety information to the next version of the HETAS web site to raise awareness. HETAS also supports the SFA wherever possible. The aims of the work undertaken by HETAS are to ensure that safe solid fuels, appliances and equipment are available to be fitted and maintained by competent installer businesses, thus promoting safe installations for consumers The main audience for HETAS is appliance and equipment manufacturers along with installers, maintenance businesses and chimney sweeps. By working with all of these groups it promotes safety throughout the chain from fuels, through appliances and equipment and from installation through to ongoing maintenance. HETAS also works with standards setting bodies to ensure that current and future standards and working practices are properly promoted and adhered to. HETAS will continue to push key messages, including those coming out of COCAA, and the messages about maintenance and chimney sweeping The work of HETAS in promoting safe appliances and competent installers continues to be effective in that it is unusual to find CO incidents caused by the installation of solid fuel appliances. Incidents are more likely to relate to inadequate or non-existent maintenance of existing systems. Maintenance requirements are a subject taught to installers and chimney sweeps on HETAS courses and requirements are relayed to consumers when installers and chimney sweeps visit properties. Maintenance and correct chimney sweeping are the messages that HETAS must continue to work on to reduce risk in this area. 28

29 IPHE The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) is the UK s professional and technical body for plumbing and heating professionals. It is a registered educational charity with around 12,400 members who are competent in plumbing and heating engineering via formal qualifications or extensive experience and abide by a Code of Professional Standards. Members of the Institute are recognised as professionals. To make the public and industry aware of membership, the Institute grants designatory letters to members and allows corporate members use of the IPHE logo. The IPHE is also a nominating body for the EC uk. The Institute has a long history. It was founded in 1906 and holds the Register of Plumbers, which was created in However, it is a forward looking organisation and at present is in the process of applying for Chartered status. The Institute aims to raise standards through keeping members up-to-date with the very latest regulations and industry advances. To achieve this goal the Institute offers a range of Professional Development courses and technical literature and publishes a bi-monthly magazine and newsletters packed full of articles and the latest news from the industry. The IPHE also runs a government recognised Approved Contractor Person Scheme, the highly successful Master Plumber Certificate scheme and the Public Health Engineer Certificate. The Institute s main aim is to safeguard public safety and health. For more information on the IPHE please visit Future carbon monoxide related activity The IPHE has only recently joined COCAA in July 2007, but has already planned a National CO seminar with specialist speakers and an exhibition entitled Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer, on the 30th November at the Renaissance Hotel, Derbyshire between 9am and 4pm. The event will provide invited guests, IPHE professional members, members of the public and those with a professional interest in this subject with information on the various heating fuels that can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. To achieve this goal the Institute offers a range of Professional Development courses and technical literature and publishes a bi-monthly magazine and newsletters packed full of articles and the latest news from the industry The Institute s intention is to educate members of the public and encourage installers, specifiers, contractors and other industry heads and professionals to focus their thoughts and attention and to be more CO aware. 29

30 Kirklees Carbon Monoxide Awareness Group KCOAG (Kirklees CO Awareness Group) is a multi-agency partnership set up in September Core group members include: Kirklees Environmental services, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, Sadeh Lok Housing Association, CORGI, Northern Gas Networks, and the Dominic Rodgers Trust. Other agencies that have attended on an ad hoc basis include Kirklees based Castle and Minster credit union, CORGI registered heating firms, Huddersfield University students union and the advertising company CBS- Outdoors. The Group has still to make contact with West Yorkshire Fire Service and the local Health Authority and PCTs. The rate of carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in Kirklees is higher than the national average, even accounting for income levels and housing stock (older housing, particularly terraced, has a higher level of incidents, according to CORGI s own figures). Since 1997 there have been four deaths due to CO in Kirklees, with at least another two poisonings. The Group now has a high profile both within Kirklees and regionally, with its main aim to reduce the risk of CO poisoning by encouraging households to have all heating appliances (gas, solid fuel etc) serviced regularly. Work with Castle and Minster Credit Union and local CORGI registered firms should make it easier for local people to save towards an annual gas service/check. Recently the Group has had more publicity and the opportunity, in Denby Dale, to effect actual changes and reduce risks for certain households; by continuing with its mixture of publicity and projects it can actually prevent further deaths and poisonings in Kirklees. Activity Bus adverts, during February 2007, with the message to get appliances checked. Estimated coverage 95% of the Kirklees population. Vox pop interviews as follow up to bus adverts. Launch of bus adverts at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield: attended by Lord Mayor of Kirklees and 100 guests; keynote speech by Barry Sheerman, MP for Huddersfield. Launch of 500 balloons with message to get gas appliances checked and cards offering free CO alarms to finders by Huddersfield Town AFC players and Stacey Rodgers, member of KCOAG. Guests included representatives from CORGI, British Gas, RoSPA and CO-Gas Safety. Balloon launch following day for North Kirklees at Crow Lees School, Mirfield. Talk by Stacey Rogders to junior pupils on CO poisoning followed by balloon launch with member of Huddersfield Giants Rugby League team. Production and distribution of 1000 beermats with similar message to bus adverts for distribution to Huddersfield University students union and pubs throughout Kirklees area. 30

31 Purchase of 1000 CO awareness lapel stickers for use in schools and other community events. Attendance at Denby Dale Older People s roadshow organised by KMC Community Support services, with stand and information on CO poisoning and alarms etc. 6 events with total attendance of over 200 members of the public plus 17 other organisations. KCOAG meeting between CO-Gas Safety and Government Minister for Work and Pensions on CO poisoning. KCOAG explained the Group s aims to Lord McKenzie of Luton, helping to raise awareness of the experiences of victims and the demands of the various charities and group. Whilst he would not agree to a mandatory levy on the fuel companies to fund an advertising campaign as asked for by CO-Gas Safety, he requested a written activity summary and agreed to visit later in the Summer. Increased access for KNH and Sadeh Lok gas fitters to do safety checks. Anecdotal evidence from tenants now shows they have been influenced by the advertising campaign and are more willing to allow access to engineers. Offer of a free CO alarm to all Kirklees Households as part of WarmZones initiative. As a result of the Group s work it was realised that the WarmZones initiative, which aims to visit every household in the district, could also give advice on carbon monoxide poisoning as well as on insulation and heating. Continuation of campaign adverts on Kirklees refuse collection lorries and Kirklees buildings. Adverts are to be placed on the outside of half the fleet of KMC bin wagons. Fitting costs have been borne by KMC Waste Services. Plasma screen adverts in Huddersfield bus station. The Group has committed 1800 to this over the next year, having bought two minutes per hour of advertising time, providing it with the flexibility of getting over a basic message whilst being able to regularly update it. Liaison with Kirklees Energy Services over WarmZone. The WarmZone project will visit every household in Kirklees over the next three years offering advice on insulation and heating; householders will also be asked about carbon monoxide and offered a free CO alarm. The Group has liaised with KES over bulk purchasing of alarms and intends to work with them on CO issues in the future. Support for the Dominic Rodgers Trust. Since the death of her son, Stacey Rodgers has spent most of her spare time campaigning for greater awareness of CO poisoning both in Kirklees and nationally, and KCOAG is committed to supporting her as much as possible. She would like to set the Trust up as a registered charity and the group, as well as CORGI, have offered their support and advice. The rate of carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in Kirklees is higher than the national average, even accounting for income levels and housing stock (older housing, particularly terraced, has a higher level of incidents, according to CORGI s own figures) Future carbon monoxide related activity Denby Dale Ward programme of checks/servicing for low-income owner-occupiers. Denby Dale LAC has awarded 5000 towards this. Training talks to Social Services and other charities in contact with vulnerable people. CORGI has offered training sessions on signs and symptoms of faulty gas and heating appliances (and symptoms of chronic CO poisoning) for staff such as Home Care Assistants and those in similar roles working for local charities etc. Talks to Community Groups. Shorter talks to local community groups are envisaged, with two to the South Asian Healthy Living Partnership (SAHLP) planned and a stand at Holmfirth Library for Carers Week. Setting up a similar group in Sheffield. Following the death of her husband from CO due to a faulty boiler and near-miss of her mother-in-law in a separate accident, Helen Carter of Sheffield has approached the group for advice and support in setting up a similar group in Sheffield. Visit of Lord McKenzie of Luton, Parliamentary Under Secretary to State Department for Works and Pensions to Kirklees. Lord McKenzie is to visit Kirklees during CO Awareness Week to see for himself what the Group has achieved. Given that nowhere else in the country has a multi-agency group with the aim not just of raising awareness, but of reducing deaths and injuries by encouraging people to have appliances regularly serviced, the Group is seen as an example of Good Practice. 31

32 Credit Union Savings Scheme. To help owner-occupiers on low incomes save towards a gas safety check or service, the Group has spoken with Castle and Minster Credit Union about a special savings scheme in partnership with local CORGI registered gas fitting firms. Increased publicity from the campaign will not only generate extra demand from the public for these checks/services but also encourage local firms to get involved and to offer a standardised, value-formoney service. Talks to schools. The Group would like to do more work with pupils and parents. Anecdotal evidence suggests there may also be a need for training of science teachers about the signs and production of the gas and of symptoms of chronic poisoning. CORGI is interested in talking to the Group about its plans and developing a national policy in conjunction with the Group. Free CO alarms in all sheltered accommodation. KNH is in the process of upgrading gas appliances in all its housing stock and may then look at alarms for vulnerable households. Other housing providers, such as Sadeh Lok may follow suit Use of Denby Dale LAC work as a pilot project. If the work on checks and servicing in the Denby Dale Ward is successful the Group would like to extend this to other areas of Kirklees, subject to funding and using it as an example of good practice for the rest of the country. Free CO alarms in all sheltered accommodation. KNH is in the process of upgrading gas appliances in all its housing stock and may then look at alarms for vulnerable households. Other housing providers, such as Sadeh Lok may follow suit. Kirklees Adult Services already offer CO detectors as part of their Carephone Home Safety Service and the Group intends to provide training for their home support staff. RoSPA National Home Safety Congress. The Group has submitted a draft paper to RoSPA on its work for inclusion in the annual home safety congress in November. Themes for this year s events include Rolling out Good Practice and the Group would like to speak about this and its experience as a multiagency partnership. Information stands at large DIY stores and supermarkets. The Group would like to staff information stands in a similar way to stands at community events such as the Community Support roadshows. The Group intends to run a poster campaign in different community languages using local shops - to target these diverse groups and offer talks to local community groups 32 Contacting members of ethnic minority groups. Whilst the Group has good contacts with local BEM groups, particularly through Sadeh Lok and their tenants, it is aware that there is a large and growing group of east European migrants living in rented accommodation. The Group intends to run a poster campaign in different community languages using local shops to target these diverse groups and offer talks to local community groups.

33 National Grid plc Through regulated subsidiary companies, National Grid plc (National Grid) owns the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operates the electricity transmission system throughout Great Britain, owns and operates the gas transmission network throughout Great Britain and four of the eight gas distribution networks delivering gas to some 11 million homes and businesses. Its primary duties are to operate, maintain and develop its networks in an economic, efficient and co-ordinated way and to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity and in the supply of gas respectively. Its licences require it to provide connection to and use of its transmission and distribution networks in a non-discriminatory and transparent way. Through its regulated and non-regulated subsidiaries, National Grid also owns and maintains around 20 million domestic and commercial meters, the electricity interconnector between Great Britain and France, a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) importation terminal at the Isle of Grain and the short range LNG gas storage facilities in Great Britain. National Grid currently provides the National Gas Emergency Number ( ) managing calls from the public on behalf of all four Emergency Service Providers in Great Britain. Within their footprint Gas Emergency Service Providers (ESP s) respond to gas escapes which include actual or suspected emissions of Carbon Monoxide from gas appliances. ESPs are obliged under the requirements of the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 to provide this service. As one of four Emergency Service Providers National Grid s First Call Operatives are trained and assessed to carry out visual checks and to identify appliances/installations which pose a risk to consumers, and where appropriate, provide a list of competent registered installers to carry out any remedial work. Activity National Grid is already supporting Government s call for industry-led initiatives to raise CO awareness, through a range of activities both shaping gas safety and raising awareness of carbon monoxide. National Grid is contributing its knowledge and expertise to further wider understanding of carbon monoxide poisoning by playing an active role in the HSE Fundamental Review of Gas Safety 2006 group and the Task Force groups looking at the following areas:- The regulatory regime/registration framework Legislative framework and standards Carbon Monoxide awareness and public safety Gas Installer Competence Illegal Installers National Grid has developed and introduced early in 2007 a HSE and CORGI endorsed customer advice leaflet that is left at every emergency, meter and mains replacement job (around 2 million jobs per annum), providing information on what is carbon monoxide, symptoms from and risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, and advice on where to obtain further information. Information highlighting Carbon Monoxide is also on also providing links to the CORGI and HSE websites providing additional information. 33

34 National Grid has been working for the last six months on widening its existing partnership with Age Concern culminating in a Safety in the Home Awareness Week week commencing 22 October 2007, including gas safety, carbon monoxide awareness, energy efficiency and physical safety including protection from bogus callers which can rise when street works take place (such as during gas mains replacement works). This will be supplemented by continued awareness-raising through the placement of posters and the provision of information packs in Age Concern shops and drop-in centres across the country, as well as a regularly updated microsite linked to both Age Concern and National Grid websites. Both partners are working together to develop a media campaign in support of National Grid s and Age Concern s Safety in the Home Awareness Week. The campaign is intended to attract national, regional and local coverage. Future carbon monoxide related activity National Grid will continue to play its part through a range of activities to both shape gas safety and raise awareness of carbon monoxide. National Grid will continue to contribute knowledge and expertise to further widen understanding of carbon monoxide poisoning by remaining active in supporting the HSE Fundamental Review of Gas Safety 2006 group and the Task Force groups as they continue their work. With the continuing distribution of National Grid s CO Awareness leaflet (around 2 million homes per year) and National Grid s / Age Concern s Safety in the Home Awareness Week, National Grid aims to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning with older people and within the wider community through publication of key messages through Age Concern shops and drop-in centres and the Age Concern and National Grid websites. The aims of all of the initiatives are to ensure that National Grid plays its part in shaping gas safety and raising awareness of carbon monoxide The aims of all of the above initiatives are to ensure that National Grid plays its part in shaping gas safety and raising awareness of carbon monoxide. In particular its CO leaflet, the information on its website and its Age Concern initiative are designed to raise awareness of the importance of gas safety and the dangers of carbon monoxide. It is too early to evaluate whether the CO Awareness briefing / leaflet distribution is reducing the number of CO incidents, and obviously the partnership with Age Concern is in its early stages in terms of raising gas safety and carbon monoxide awareness but National Grid will of course continue to monitor the number of CO related calls received through the National Gas Emergency Service Number , or reported by its First Call Operatives. National Grid will continue to contribute knowledge and expertise to further widen understanding of carbon monoxide poisoning 34

35 Npower As the largest UK electricity supplier, Npower generates electricity and supplies gas, electricity and related services to around 6.8 million customers through its retail business. Activity Over the last 18 months Npower has continued to provide information to its customers on CO through various methods. Its Code of Practice booklets offer advice and information on gas safety and CO, as does its external website, Npower s Health Thru Warmth initiative works closely with local authorities and community groups to help low income and vulnerable families, and if the Health Thru Warmth team visits properties and finds appliances that are unsafe, it will arrange to source a replacement or for their repair. Npower s PSR (Priority Services Register) has some 60,000 customers registered to date and all these customers are eligible for a free gas safety check. There was also a free targeted distribution of spot detectors during last winter, whilst leaflets on gas safety and CO were sent to all npower gas customers with their gas bill. In addition, Npower also includes information on gas safety and CO in its School Education packs and to date some 30,00 packs have been issued. Npower aims to try and educate as many customers as possible, and in particular the most vulnerable, on the importance of getting gas appliances regularly checked and to alert them to the dangers of CO. Carbon monoxide detectors will be sold via the web site with special concessions for the most vulnerable customers and also via media and press, whilst the Npower.com website will have an improved page on gas safety and CO. Npower aims to try and educate as many customers as possible, and in particular the most vulnerable, on the importance of getting gas appliances regularly checked and to alert them to the dangers of CO Future carbon monoxide related activity From the 1st October this year, Npower intends to significantly increase its awareness campaign, with bill inserts to all customers during the winter months and information distributed to customers via external events, university visits etc. Other initiatives include information on gas safety and CO being included in Npower's Guaranteed Standards of Service letter, welcome books and supply start date letters. Through its new Hometeam service Npower will be promoting gas safety to new and existing customers and recommending the purchase of CO detectors. Npower is also undertaking an internal campaign to raise its own staff awareness of CO during October and will have a competition to win CO detectors. 35

36 ScottishPower ScottishPower is now part of the IBERDROLA group following completion of the recommended transaction announced in November The new Group has a significantly larger consumer base, with the 5.3 million ScottishPower customers in the UK adding to the existing IBERDROLA customer base, giving a combined total of around 22 million customers in Europe and the Americas. The geographical footprint of IBERDROLA and ScottishPower has expanded significantly, creating an Atlantic energy platform. It has operations in Spain, the UK, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Greece, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Guatemala, Bolivia and Chile. The group also has a substantial project pipeline that will enable it to continue growing in the future. ScottishPower has four strong businesses focused on growth, safety and service. These are: Energy Wholesale: It operates a flexible and diverse generation portfolio and is the UK s leading wind farm operator. Energy Retail (in the UK): It supplies electricity and gas to over 5m homes and businesses in the UK. Energy Networks: With around 3.3 m customers, it owns and operates its electricity transmission and distribution networks. Activity ScottishPower has undertaken two significant communications exercises in the past 18 months. These consisted of a CO awareness leaflet distributed from February 06 to July 06 to approximately 2.5 million households. This was followed up by a further communication as part of its annual Guaranteed Standards communication to all 5.3 million customers, commencing October 06, again highlighting the dangers of CO poisoning. All domestic customers were targeted, across both electricity and gas solus customers, as well as dual fuel accounts. One of the main highlights of its activity has been to offer a CO detector to its customer base at as low a price as possible ( 22.50). Any difference (profit) between this amount and the net cost of the unit, plus postage, packaging and handling, is then set aside. This figure is then used to purchase additional detectors that are given away to appropriate organisations. PPM Energy Inc: It is the number two wind farm developer and one of the top three independent gas storage operators in the United States. Further information is available on ScottishPower at

37 The management of any free detectors is overseen by ScottishPower s Business & Community Relations Team. Organisations that have benefited from this activity to date include: Contact a family Greater Manchester Dundee Starter Packs A total in excess of 800 detectors with a value of approximately 18,000 have now been given away free of charge. All ScottishPower CO activity is conducted on a strictly not for profit basis. The aims of all communications were to Raise awareness of the danger of CO poisoning. Describe the symptoms Provide information on what to do if you suspect you or your family are suffering from CO poisoning Provide piece of mind through the optional purchase of a CO detector One of the main highlights of its activity has been to offer a CO detector to its customer base at as low a price as possible ( 22.50). Any difference (profit) between this amount and the net cost of the unit, plus postage, packaging and handling, is then set aside With orders for over 16,000 CO detectors to date and numerous requests from a number of organisations for copies of its leaflet, ScottishPower s CO communications will now be sent annually, from October to January each year, covering its entire domestic customer base. The ScottishPower website also contains information on CO. The site provides a full overview of the dangers and symptoms, with the option to order a detector on-line. Employees have also been engaged in CO awareness through the distribution to all of the silent killer awareness leaflet in February and March 06. Future carbon monoxide related activity A further communication is planned to go to ScottishPower s entire domestic customer base of 5.3m customers, commencing October This will continue to January 2008, fulfilling stated objectives. With the cost of the CO detector remaining unchanged at 22.50, a further issue of free detectors to appropriate groups will be arranged in due course. 37

38 Scottish and Southern Energy Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is one of the largest energy companies in the UK. It is involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity; energy trading; the storage, distribution and supply of gas; electrical and utility contracting; and telecoms. SSE supplies more than 8 million customers through its retail brands, Southern Electric, SWALEC, Scottish Hydro Electric and Atlantic. It transmits and distributes electricity to over 3.6 million customers in central southern England and the north of Scotland. SSE is the largest non-nuclear electricity generator with over 10,000 megawatts of capacity from the most diverse portfolio of power stations. It is also the leading generator of electricity from renewable resources. SSE s other businesses include: Southern Electric Contracting - the UK s largest mechanical and electrical contracting business; National Connections - building and operating private electricity and gas networks throughout the UK; Telecoms - operating a 7,500km national telecoms network for commercial and public sector customers; Energy Services - providing a wide range of micro-generation and energy-related services; Gas Storage - operating the UK s largest onshore gas storage facility; and Retail - supplying electrical and gas domestic appliances online. SSE owns 50% of Scotia Gas Networks, the company that owns Scotland Gas Networks and Southern Gas Networks distributing gas to over 5.6 million customers. Activity Within the last 18 months, SSE has used customer gas bills to contain a prominent message about the dangers of CO, urging customers to install a CO detector in their home, and referring to a website which provides more information. The bill messages are currently shown on all gas bills and statements during the two winter quarters. With the next bill re-design there will be a CO message all year round. Information on the dangers of CO is included annually during the winter quarter in SSE s customer magazine with the opportunity for the customer to buy CO detectors at a discounted price, reflected by a corresponding increase in detector sales. SSE s customer websites include a section explaining the dangers of CO, the signs to beware of and action to take if a CO problem is suspected. The CO safety message is also promoted in each of SSE s Scottish Hydro Electric retail outlets in the north of Scotland. A free CO detector is available for those customers on SSE s energyplus Care tariff where appropriate. This is a tariff that focuses on tackling fuel poverty and associated issues. A high proportion of these customers will be unable to afford to purchase a CO detector. SSE is the largest nonnuclear electricity generator with over 10,000 megawatts of capacity from the most diverse portfolio of power stations. It is also the leading generator of electricity from renewable resources 38

39 SSE carries out boiler servicing through its gas central heating protection product. Customers taking out a service contract have the option of choosing to have a free CO detector fitted by an engineer during their inspection visit, with a high uptake to date. Future carbon monoxide related activity SSE will continue to look for ways to effectively communicate CO safety messages to all its gas customers. All the activities are planned as a drip feed approach as the most effective way of keeping its customers informed and alert to the dangers of CO poisoning All customer facing staff are currently going through a programme of training which includes a module on CO awareness. SSE is committed to helping its customers understand the dangers of carbon monoxide and actively communicates safety messages in the ways described. It looks to continually reinforce these messages. Safety messages and campaigns are aimed at all 2.92 million SSE gas customers. All the activities are planned as a drip feed approach as the most effective way of keeping its customers informed and alert to the dangers of CO poisoning. Following the All Party Report SSE is actively participating in the COCAA alliance which aims to bring all relevant parties together to produce an industry wide campaign with an instantly recognisable brand. This brand will be incorporated alongside SSEs CO awareness messages where appropriate. SSE is also currently updating the information it holds on its websites to make it more comprehensive with direct links to other safety information sites. SSE is committed to helping its customers understand the dangers of carbon monoxide and actively communicates safety messages in the ways described All SSE branded websites have information and advice on the dangers of CO poisoning. It uses the HSE CO awareness leaflet and also holds information on its customer service system which can be printed off to send to customers either on request or when appropriate. 39

40 Solid Fuel Association The Solid Fuel Association represents the producers, importers and distributors of mineral solid fuel for the domestic market. It also represents the manufacturers and importers of solid fuel and wood fuel appliances. It operates in Great Britain. An important part of the remit from its contributors is to offer advice on the safe installation and use of appliances. One of its main contributors is the Coal Merchants Federation (Great Britain) Ltd, the trade association for retail coal merchants who deliver coal to domestic premises. All members of the Association have access to safety literature and telephone support. A technical helpline operates during normal business hours for members of the public and professionals. The Association maintains an extensive library of information about current and obsolete appliances and has a database of persons competent in the installation of solid fuel systems, chimney sweeps and coal merchants. The latter are all members of the Approved Coal Merchants Scheme and are bound by a Code which requires the merchant to be competent to give relevant safety advice to customers. Neither organisation receives any direct or indirect funding from government. The supply of solid fuel to domestic customers is not regulated by any Government body. Neither are customers able to access the services of Energywatch. The Association therefore is mindful of the needs of customers and imposes a degree of self regulation on its members. The Association receives notification from some fire brigades about CO incidents with a likely causal link to solid fuel and assists coroners in appointing suitably qualified investigators. In cases of hardship the Association will pay for investigation of a fumes complaint. Activity The Solid Fuel Association and the Coal Merchants Federation has embraced the aims and messages of the Alliance and delivered these to its members at general meetings, by letter to chief executives of major companies and by articles in the main trade magazine. It has also brought the Alliance to the attention of other organisations such as the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers and the Boat Safety Group. Most importantly, the Approved Coal Merchants Scheme has altered its Coal Trade Code for retail coal merchants to make it a requirement of membership that the merchant informs customers of the dangers of carbon monoxide from burning fossil fuels. A new leaflet containing the Alliance s core messages about CO is in preparation and will be made available to coal merchants to deliver and will be available on the Association s website. The website safety page has been modified to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide and will be linked to the Alliance consumer website when this is up and running. The Association has also written to all major prepackers of solid fuel and to the manufacturers of the sacks to ask them to include the Alliance logo and warning on bags. Safety notices and safety labels are also being prepared for widespread distribution. 40

41 It is a firm view of the Association that consumers fail to understand the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from solid fuel and wood fuel in large part because most publicity on the issue uses poisoning from gas as an example. The Association is therefore pleased to endorse this concerted approach which encourages all fossil fuel providers to emphasise the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from all fossil fuels. The Alliance s core messages have therefore only been modified to the extent that they have to reflect the different conditions of combustion of solid fuel and wood fuel. One of the main difficulties is persuading some 750 individual companies to take this issue on board and deliver the leaflets and give other information to customers. The Association hopes that the feedback will come from more requests for further advice and information from its website, the telephone helpline and additional sales and requests for CO alarms. Coal merchants have started to order leaflets as a result of an article in the trade magazine. From the Association s knowledge of monitoring incidences over a number of years, it also believes that most incidents are caused through lack of maintenance of either the chimney or the appliance, although freak weather and bad installation can be factors From the Association s knowledge of monitoring incidences over a number of years, it also believes that most incidents are caused through lack of maintenance of either the chimney or the appliance, although freak weather and bad installation can be factors. The message it gives to customers has therefore to be personal, preferably delivered to them by some one whom they trust, such as their coal merchant. It has therefore taken the actions described above to encourage delivery of the message with the product. In addition to the new leaflet, safety labels, and a safety notice in course of preparation, the Approved Coal Merchants Scheme will issue a press release on the Code Change prior to the main burning season. In conjunction with the leaflet distribution there will be a competition for coal merchants customers based on the safety leaflet to encourage them to read it. From feedback on the forms the Association will gain insight into where the leaflet has been delivered, by whom and if the customers have understood the message. The Association hopes that the feedback will come from more requests for further advice and information from its website, the telephone helpline and additional sales and requests for CO alarms The main distribution of leaflets will run in autumn 2007, but the leaflets will remain available for repeat distribution in future years. The audience will be existing customers and the Association aims to cover 100,000 of these in the first year. Leaflets will be available at all times. The appearance of the logo and message on prepacks will be ongoing and will take time since many prepackers order stocks of bags to last over a number of years. Future carbon monoxide related activity The Association hopes to encourage all installers through HETAS to supply customers with a CO alarm when fitting or maintaining solid fuel appliances. It will be holding a meeting of appliance manufacturers on 3rd October 2007 where the merits of using the COCAA logo on their appliances and inclusion of the CO leaflet in all appliances sold will be discussed. The Coal Merchants Federation has underwritten the purchase of 2000 CO alarms which has enabled the Association to reduce the cost of these to customers and some will be given to needy customers over the course of the year. 41

42 Scotia Gas Networks Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) operates two of the largest of the eight regional gas distribution networks across Britain, Scotland Gas Networks and Southern Gas Networks. Formed in June 2005 it s jointly owned by Scottish and Southern Energy (50%) and two Canadian pension funds. SGN s operational regions cover over 50% of the UK landmass with a primary focus on the delivery of natural gas to 5.7 million customers safely, reliably and efficiently. Gas is distributed through 73,000 kilometres of mains across the company s two regions covering all of Scotland and central southern and south east England. Safety is an integral part of the business and the health and safety of the general public, customers, SGN employees and contractors is paramount. SGN provides a Gas Emergency Service across the two networks and responds on a make safe basis to all natural gas related emergencies, including reports of carbon monoxide fumes, from members of the public. Activity SGN s key carbon monoxide related activity is responding to and visiting households who call the national gas emergency number ( ), suspecting they have a carbon monoxide leak. Annually SGN receives around 300,000 emergency calls from the general public. Of these PRE calls (public reported escapes) around 15% or 45,000 are carbon monoxide related reports. For all of the carbon monoxide related calls, SGN has to call on the premises in question within an hour of the call being made. Over half of these calls are due to faulty batteries in the householders own carbon monoxide alarms. Where a carbon monoxide leak is detected, SGN operatives seek out the cause of the leak and disconnect and isolate the faulty appliance. Because of the nature of this activity SGN operatives have a significant amount of face-to face contact with customers in their own homes which provides them the unique opportunity to offer their expert advice. Building on this significant home contact, SGN has started a pilot scheme at two of the company depots, one in Scotland and one in the south, providing HSE carbon monoxide awareness leaflets, on every emergency visit. Also they demonstrate carbon monoxide alarms to each householder and offer new carbon monoxide alarms at cost price to the householder. Advice on carbon monoxide is also offered, in particular the best place to locate a detector for maximum protection within the home. The aim of this activity is to greatly increase awareness of carbon monoxide as well as increase the number of detectors in homes. It s too early to tell if the pilot scheme is successful in achieving its objectives. SGN s website (scotiagasnetworks.co.uk) has a link from the home page to a section offering customers ten steps on how to achieve total carbon monoxide safety and also has links to other external websites that provide safety advice. Future carbon monoxide related activity It s hoped to extend the pilot scheme described above to other areas of the company. In addition, a company wide pro-active PR campaign is being planned for the New Year on carbon monoxide awareness. This will involve working with local newspapers to heighten awareness and highlight the dangers of being ignorant on the subject. 42

43 Going Forward In addition to the planned individual Alliance member activity indicated in the preceding pages, COCAA is currently finalising a long-term strategy for its own complementary and integrated multi channel media campaign in Following the official launch of the ident to the trade at InstallerLive in September 2007, which is now being used by all members on all literature, there will be a public launch during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week at the House of Commons in October. COCAA will also be undertaking and co-ordinating a degree of national and regional consumer activity for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week itself, as well as holding receptions for the National Assembly for Wales, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Scottish Parliament. Further areas of activity for COCAA in 2008 will include: Establishing the Alliance as a central point from which information and statistics on carbon monoxide poisoning can be obtained Research into carbon monoxide poisoning; gathering data from hospitals, determining the results of longterm, low-level exposure to carbon monoxide The systematic recording of all carbon monoxide incidents in the UK Working with mortgage and insurance companies to find innovative ways to ensure that every home is fitted with an audible carbon monoxide alarm Working with emergency workers to support the principle that emergency service workers should be provided with carbon monoxide testing equipment The Alliance will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and the Health and Safety Executive, facilitating a harmonised and co-ordinated approach between Government, industry and other key stakeholder groups for optimal results. For further information, contact Dan Caesar, COCAA Chair, on