Your guide to carbon monoxide poisoning

The information below is intended as a general guide only and will give you an outline of what Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is and how to avoid it. If you need more information, you can visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie or contact 1850 797 979 Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm; Saturday, 9am - 5.30pm to arrange for a safety inspection.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide (CO) comes from burning fuels that do not burn completely. These fuels include coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas.

Because CO is odourless, colourless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, it can kill quickly without warning. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever) and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

Higher level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination and loss of consciousness.

If you have these symptoms while using a gas appliance, turn it off right away. Then, make an appointment with your doctor. Ask your doctor to check for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

You should always make sure there is enough fresh air in the room containing your gas appliance. And if you have a chimney or a flue, make sure it is not blocked and also ensure that vents are not covered.

Faulty appliances can be responsible for Carbon Monoxide

Making sure that your appliances are working correctly can help avoid CO poisoning. Below, we list some warning signs that an appliance may be malfunctioning.

• Yellow or orange, rather than blue flames (with exception of decorative gas fires)
• An unsteady or low/poor gas appliance burner flame
• Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
• An unusual pungent odour when the appliance is operating
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Increased condensation inside windows

You should always ensure that your gas appliances and/or flues are installed and serviced regularly for safety by a Registered Gas Installer.

You should check the appliance and flues regularly for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.

Carbon Monoxide alarms can provide some protection

Carbon Monoxide alarms are a very useful precaution against Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. These alarms will detect the presence of Carbon Monoxide in your home and can aid in your defence against CO poisoning.

When buying your Carbon Monoxide alarm, you should check that the alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard. And be sure to purchase an audible alarm as you are particularly vulnerable to CO poisoning when asleep. You can purchase a Carbon Monoxide alarm from most hardware outlets.

Remember, you should view Carbon Monoxide alarms only as a precautionary system. They are no replacement for safe boiler installation and maintenance by a Registered Gas Installer.