Overhaul your central heating frequently to fend off Carbon Monoxide Gas
Overhaul your central heating frequently to fend off Carbon Monoxide Gas
Co is one of the most poisonous gases and it is undetectable with no smell or taste. Bad ventilation to a gas boiler can lead to the production of this gas. Correctly operating gas boilers create Co2, a harmless gas. Reduced oxygen supplies can lead to Carbon Monoxide Gas. Many people suffer from Carbon Monoxide poisoning each year although the implementation of strict central heating appliance air regulations and access to professional maintenance and servicing has cut the number of deaths to 30.
Can you identify a Carbon Monoxide problem if you look at your gas appliances?
If you see stains, carbon black or coloration on or near gas boilers, fires and water heaters this could indicate that you have a potential problem. Poor ventilation can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a gas appliance resulting in the production of Co2, in these conditions a pilot may change from burning with the common blue colouring to a yellowed colouration. Treat the pilot light like a traffic light, if it turns yellowish this is a warning and you should arrange for the central heating appliance to be serviced as quickly as you can.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide Gas related illness.
The underlying cause of Carbon Monoxide Gas production is lack of ventilation to a gas flame. Gas appliance engineers will check the air and combustion efficiency of your gas appliances during the regular maintenance visits eliminating the causes of poor burning. A CORGI-registered engineer should be employed to service your gas appliances. Fitting a Carbon Monoxide detector with an audible alarm is also a valuable investment to provide early warning of likely Co poisoning. Gas appliances require adequate ventilation and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of ventilation vents in the summer through home decorating and the storage of surplus items. On many occasions ventilation reviews have discovered air vents which have been blocked by fast growing plants and you should look for this throughout the growing season. Birds can often establish nests in chimneys and block the airflow to gas appliances without you knowing, a visual inspection from the ground should be included within your ventilation action plan. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are constructed to make different hearable sounds when triggered. Take some time to learn the differences so that you are aware of what type of emergency you face when one of your detectors is set off.
What are the risks with Co poisoning?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of Carbon Monoxide inhalation in your family. There are no second chances with poisoning from this gas so do not delay if you suspect anything. Be decisive and look after your home straight away. Any member of the household can be affected by Co irrespective of their age. This also applies to home Favourite animals.
Are there any warning marks of the presence of Carbon Monoxide Gas?
Co poisoning exhibits symptoms which can appear like other sicknesses, for example: -
- headaches which occur day-after-day
- loss of balance
- fatigue
- billiousness
If you notice signs such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, step-up air to the rooms, take any inhabitants outdoors and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered service engineer.