Carbon monoxide - a silent killer

About 50 people die each year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning - and when we mention it you probably think about your gas appliances - oven/hob, central heating boiler, gas fire, etc ...

But 19 year old Declan Oliver died because the wood burning stove he and his father had installed was not correctly fitted. Read more about this sad case.

The BBC website has a wonderful Health guide relating to carbon monoxide poisoning - here.

Our advice ...

• Have appliances professionally installed; or
• Have DIY installations professionallly checked
• Have your gas appliances serviced/checked annually
• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm - our prices start from around £25.
  

Yes, it'll cost a few pounds ... but really I can't imagine how Mr Oliver senior feels now ...

Carbon monoxide poisoning

We just had a call for a boiler service from a lady who'd just watched ITV This Morning's piece on carbon monoxide poisoning. The piece told tragic story of 10 year old Dominic Rodgers who died 5 years ago as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Sadly a set of circumstances, including wind direction and architectural design, lead to the poisonous gas seeping into Dominic’s bedroom.

Often known as the silent killer the symptoms of CO poisoning are often likened to flu or a hangover - that goes away when you leave the house.

These are the things you should look out for:

• Sooting or staining on or around your appliance
• Excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed
• Lazy yellow or orange coloured flames

Carbon Monoxide can be present in smoke from gas, solid fuel or oil appliances.

PREVENTION

To reduce the risk posed by Carbon Monoxide and to keep yourself and your family are safe you must have all your fuel-burning appliances safety checked annually by a qualified/registered engineer for your fuel type - either a CORGI, HETAS or OFTEC registered installer.

• Ensure that rooms and heaters are well ventilated.
• Never block vents to stop draughts or to dry clothes.
• Have your chimneys and flues checked regularly.
• Get an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm for the house - the little dots that change colour are great, but they can't wake you at night. (Wilkinson sells one for about £20.)

To arrange for one of our engineers to check out your appliances call 01623 752097 or complete our Contact us form.

See the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance website.

Check out our website Woods, Stoves & Fireplaces.