What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless, and poisonous gas and is formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gas (mains or LPG), coal, oil, coke and wood. Gas fires, stoves, heating boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin heaters and solid fuel-powered water heaters are all potential sources of CO.
How is Carbon Monoxide (CO) produced:
- If an appliance isn’t working correctly or properly installed
- If it hasn’t been properly maintained or regularly serviced
- If the chimney or flue, or purpose-provided vents are blocked
You may detect it thanks to the activation of a carbon monoxide alarm installed at the premises. Or, in some cases, it can be spotted when people at the location start showing symptoms of CO poisoning.
What are the signs that a gas appliance may not be working correctly?
The signs may include:
- Lazy yellow flames instead of defined blue ones
- Yellow or brown staining on, or around the appliance
- Soot deposits on, or around the appliance
- Unusual or unexpected sounds around the appliance
- Increased condensation inside windows
- The activation of the audible CO alarm
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness and confusion
- Stomach, chest or muscle pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
The symptoms are similar to flu or food poisoning and may get worse when the person spends more time in the affected area, or better when you leave and go outside.
What to do if you suspect someone has been exposed?
It is important to act quickly and, if it’s safe to do so, to turn off the appliance(s), open doors and windows to let air in, leave the property, and go outside into fresh air.
- Get medical advice as soon as possible - Contact the NHS 111 service if you suspect CO poisoning
- Call 999 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms e.g. difficulty breathing, sudden confusion or loss of consciousness
- Call the Calor Gas Emergency Helpline on 03457 444 999
How to make sure everyone at the premises is safe?
- Make sure the premises are fitted with CO alarms that comply with BS:EN:50291-1
- Mark sure the CO alarms are tested regularly (Test/Hush Button)
- Make sure the batteries of the CO alarms are charged
- Get the gas appliances (including boilers, water heaters, fires, cookers, etc.) at the premises serviced regularly by a Gas Safe and LPG-qualified engineer who has the appropriate competencies for the appliances they will be working on
Useful links:
For more safety information visit our Safety Hub.
Got a question? Ask our Help Centre.