Council issues carbon monoxide advice for businesses, residents and visitors

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in. It can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. It is colourless and does not smell so you cannot tell if it is around you. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a headache, dizziness, feeling sick or being sick, feeling weak, tiredness and confusion, chest and muscle pain, shortness of breath, loss of vision, your face turning hot and red. Symptoms can come and go and may get better when you leave an affected room or go outside.

The council, along with partners in health and the fire and rescue service, is writing to holiday caravan sites to remind them of their requirements in relation to gas appliances.

Advice for businesses:

•Businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure gas appliances, such as boilers and heaters are safe. Gas appliances should be:

•Serviced annually by a Gas Safe-registered engineer

•Tested for safe operation, including flues and ventilation

•Maintained in a safe condition throughout their use

•Supported by working carbon monoxide alarms installed in appropriate locations

If you think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning:

•Stop using appliances you think might be making carbon monoxide – such as the boiler, cooker or heater

•Open windows and doors to let fresh air in

•Go outside

•Get medical advice as soon as possible

•Do not go back into the affected building until you've received professional advice

Councllor Lyn Healing, cabinet member for communities and public protection said: “We know that most companies understand their duty in terms of annual gas safety checks, but we would like to reinforce the importance of businesses ensuring regular servicing and maintenance of gas appliances, alongside installation of carbon monoxide alarms. “We also want to provide residents and visitors with simple information about what they should expect, and look out for, when booking holiday accommodation. Alongside this we want people to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if they think they, or someone they are with, may have been affected by ingesting carbon monoxide.”

•If you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the free National Gas Helpline immediately on 0800 111 999.