Carbon Monoxide Safety
The dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are real and need to be taken seriously. Fortunately taking simple steps will give you peace of mind about enjoying effective home heating, using wood and other solid fuels
The Problem
There is a lack of public awareness about carbon monoxide and the use of woodburning stoves, open fires and solid fuel boilers and cookers. Many people think that carbon monoxide only comes from gas appliances but the truth is that any fuel that burns, creates carbon monoxide. If everything is working properly, CO passes harmlessly out of the chimney.
We all know that fire can be dangerous but you are statistically more likely to suffer injury from CO poisoning than from a chimney fire. There are between 15 and 25 deaths per year due to CO poisoning from wood and solid fuel fires. There are hundreds of non-fatal poisoning incidents as well. Exact numbers are unclear due to a lack of proper reporting. Some people will be chronically poisoned and never know the cause.
Help raise awareness by sharing the video below:
How does CO Poisoning happen?
There is a lack of public awareness about carbon monoxide and the use of woodburning stoves, open fires and solid fuel boilers and cookers. Many people think that carbon monoxide only comes from gas appliances but the truth is that any fuel that burns, creates carbon monoxide. If everything is working properly, CO passes harmlessly out of the chimney.
Help raise awareness by sharing the video below.
We all know that fire can be dangerous but you are statistically more likely to suffer injury from CO poisoning than from a chimney fire. There are between 15 and 25 deaths per year due to CO poisoning from wood and solid fuel fires. There are hundreds of non-fatal poisoning incidents as well. Exact numbers are unclear due to a lack of proper reporting. Some people will be chronically poisoned and never know the cause.
How does CO Poisoning happen?
There is a lack of public awareness about carbon monoxide and the use of woodburning stoves, open fires and solid fuel boilers and cookers. Many people think that carbon monoxide only comes from gas appliances but the truth is that any fuel that burns, creates carbon monoxide. If everything is working properly, CO passes harmlessly out of the chimney.
Help raise awareness by sharing the video below.
We all know that fire can be dangerous but you are statistically more likely to suffer injury from CO poisoning than from a chimney fire. There are between 15 and 25 deaths per year due to CO poisoning from wood and solid fuel fires. There are hundreds of non-fatal poisoning incidents as well. Exact numbers are unclear due to a lack of proper reporting. Some people will be chronically poisoned and never know the cause.
- Ensure your chimney is swept regularly by Guild registered sweep and follow any safety advice.
- Have Carbon Monoxide alarms fitted and correctly located (many alarms are fitted in the wrong place). Many Guild sweeps will provide you with an alarm.
- Don’t ignore an alarm, even if you are not using your fire or boiler. Phone the number on the back of the alarm or the emergency services.
- Ensure that the fire has adequate ventilation. Don’t block air vents. Guild sweeps are trained to check ventilation on every job and advise you accordingly.
- Always use registered installers for fitting woodburners, fires etc.
You can get excellent advice, information and statistics on CO issues at www.co-gassafety.co.uk
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