East Riding awareness campaign over carbon monoxide dangers
East Riding residents have been urged to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
With colder weather on the way and gas fires and boilers about to be switched back on, residents in this area are being asked to ensure that carbon monoxide detectors have been installed and are in working order, and that boilers and gas systems are serviced.
This helps protect everyone in the house and save lives. Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that working carbon monoxide alarms are installed in appropriate locations, and that gas appliances are maintained throughout their use, and serviced annually by a gas safe-registered engineer.
Residents are also urged to ensure that homes are fitted with working carbon monoxide alarms, to ensure the safety of all inhabitants and visitors.
Carbon monoxide is colourless and does not smell and can make occupants seriously ill if inhaled.
It cannot be detected without an alarm and can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a headache, dizziness, feeling or being sick, feeling weak, tiredness and confusion, chest and muscle pain, shortness of breath, loss of vision, and your face turning hot and red.
Symptoms can come and go and may get better upon leaving an affected room, or going outside. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, immediately stop using appliances suspected of making carbon monoxide – such as the boiler, cooker or heater.
Additionally, windows and doors should be opened to let fresh air in, affected occupants should go outside, and not go back into the affected building until professional advice is received.
Medical advice must be obtained as soon as possible. When booking holiday accommodation, check that a working carbon monoxide alarm is provided and read recent reviews to see whether any safety concerns have been raised.
Visitors should check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present and working and notify management if not. Safety concerns should be reported to the relevant local authority
Councillor Lyn Healing, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection, said: “Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed and maintained, and everybody should know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, to keep everyone safe.”
If you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the free National Gas Helpline immediately on: 0800 111 999. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out more about carbon monoxide at: nhs.uk/conditions/carbonmonoxide-poisoning. Check if an engineer is registered at the Gas Safe Register at: gassaferegister.co.uk