Carbon Monoxide

Our gas safety alarm will alert you the moment carbon monoxide is detected in your home. This alarm is simple to use and comes with a 6-year warranty.

However, you should also make plans to have a gas safety engineer check your home periodically for carbon monoxide and gas leakages. This will complement the efforts of the carbon monoxide detector.

Even though carbon monoxide is practically undetectable by normal means, if you smell gas, think that you gas line is leaking, or suspect that carbon monoxide fumes are escaping from any of your gas appliances, don’t take it for granted, take action immediately to protect your life and that of others in the house.

• Once you get a feeling there is a gas leakage, immediately turn off all naked flames and shut down your gas mains. The gas mains tap is usually located close to the gas metre.
• Open the windows and doors to allow in fresh air.
• Don’t smoke, light a match or use any electrical and electronic equipment that can cause a spark.
• If possible, get everyone out of the house.
• Quickly call our Gas Safety Certified Inspectors on 01273 723 600 to come and have a look at your home.
• Follow any advice our Gas Safety specialists give you on phone while you wait.
• Don’t light a flame until your house has been confirmed safe and free of gas.

Carbon monoxide is tasteless, colourless and odourless, because of this, people may not be aware that they are inhaling the gas. However, carbon monoxide poisoning can be diagnosed by the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Loss of balance
• Vision problems
• Loss of memory
• Breathlessness
• Eventual loss of consciousness

If you suffer from an existing heart condition or breathing problem, you are more likely to be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning. Pregnant women and small children are also highly susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. If the problem is not detected and resolved fast, it can lead to brain damage and even death. You are more vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning when you are asleep and may not notice the early symptoms until it is too late. It is recommended that you carry out regular checks for carbon monoxide poisoning in your home to avoid this silent killer.

Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no smell, taste or colour, these unique features make it easy for the gas to kill with little or no warning. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in this gas. Because it has no colour, taste or smell, you may not even be aware that you are breathing in carbon monoxide. The gas gets into your blood stream and causes damage by preventing your red blood cells from carrying oxygen. Oxygen is vital for life and must be carried to all parts of the body, especially the brain. When carbon monoxide poisoning occurs, the body is starved of oxygen and your cells and tissue die.

While small levels may not kill immediately, over a period of time, it can be fatal, causing serious bodily injuries such as damage to the brain and paralysis. For this reason, it is vital that every home have a carbon monoxide alarm.