Families need protection from carbon monoxide poisoning charity calls

People are still dying from carbon monoxide poisoning in their own homes, bringing the total number of deaths to 622 in the last 16 years. Of these, 16 victims were children aged 10 or under.

Most incidents take place in the home – 70 per cent, with most occurring between November and February.

But the cold weather will see more people turning on the heating for longer.

So far, 157 deaths have been caused by a central heating boiler and 118 by a room heater.

Independent registered charity CO-Gas Safety, says the figures are a big worry. They are calling for public warning over the lethal gas, saying families have a right to know the dangers and how to protect themselves.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly odourless gas which is produced from the burning of carbon based fuel. This includes gas, wood, oil and petrol.

The charity are worried about the figures and calling for families to be told how to protect themselves.

President of CO Gas Safety, Stephanie Trotter OBE, asks why both industry and the Government do so little to stop these avoidable tragedies?

She said: “What we frequently hear from people who have been affected by CO poisoning is that they didn’t even know what CO was. Being a deadly gas which cannot be sensed by smell, taste, touch or hearing, it is vital that people are aware of the dangers and know the steps to take to reduce their risk of being poisoned.

“CO-Gas Safety has called for prime time television warnings about CO since 1995, like those used for fire and drink driving awareness. We are also pushing for all registered gas installers to be equipped with Personal Alarm/Air Monitors (PAMs) and to carry and use flue gas analysers to test appliances for CO. Matthew Nixon, a registered gas installer aged 22 and apprenticed from the age of 16, died from CO from using a petrol generator in December 2010.”

To help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, CO- Gas Safety advises the following:

1. Have all appliances powered by carbon fuel that burns installed and regularly maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions by qualified people. With gas, this means Gas Safe Registered and make sure the person, who turns up to do the job is qualified for that appliance by consulting the Gas Safe Register www.gassaferegister.co.uk

2. Have chimneys and flues regularly swept and checked.

3. Ensure adequate ventilation and don’t block vents.

4. As an extra safeguard, buy a CO alarm that works to standard EN 50291. Available at a cost of around £15-£20 from any good DIY store and some supermarkets.

For more information about CO-Gas Safety please visit www.co-gassafety.co.uk