Carbon Monoxide


We recommended placing a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms where you have a fixed combustion appliance (such as a gas fire, gas boiler, log burner or open fireplace).

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer which leads to 50 deaths every year, but you can prevent it by making sure gas and fuel appliances are properly installed, taking care burning fuels like wood and coal and installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets European Standard EN 50291.

Carbon monoxide is released when a carbon-containing fuel such as gas, oil, coal, coke, petrol or wood, does not burn fully because not enough air is available.

How can you keep safe in your home?

  • Have appliances checked every year by a gas safe registered engineer

  • Have chimneys swept every year if you have a log burner or open fire

  • Buy and install an audible CO alarm online or from DIY shops

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide video

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My name's Suzanne Cullington I work at cadent gas, and I am a customer safeguarding specialist.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a poisonous gas that's created when fossil fuels are burnt. That can be coal wood oil or gas. If you are exposed to carbon monoxide it can make you seriously poorly and it can easily even cause death.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be feeling breathlessness, headaches, feeling dizzy, feeling nausea or being sick and it can also lead you to collapse and ultimately to death.

So, there are certain signs you can look out for around the home, when it comes to carbon monoxide. That can be things such as black sooting around appliances, excess condensation on interior windows and also when you are cooking on a gas cooker you want to see nice crisp blue flames not orange floppy flames.

It is really important that on an annual basis you get your gas appliances serviced. The reason for this is that it makes sure that they are working efficiently and safely. It’s really important to get chimneys swept on a regular basis this is to make sure that the chimneys are nice and clear and that when you're having a fire within the home from the the fireplace any carbon monoxide fumes can go straight up and out of the chimney into the fresh air.
People should never be tempted to bring a barbecue inside their home; now the reason for that is because carbon monoxide is also produced from barbecues and that is even if the flames have gone out. You should never be tempted to bring one inside to cook on or to even heat a room.

It's really important to have a carbon monoxide alarm within the home because with carbon monoxide you can't see, hear, smell, taste or touch it. It is often called the silent killer and the only way to protect yourself and those that live with you at home is to have one of these carbon monoxide alarms.

If you suspect carbon monoxide you should ring the national gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 and that is for free, and they are open 24 hours seven days a week.

The six main symptoms

  1. Headaches
  2. Dizziness
  3. Nausea
  4. Breathlessness
  5. Collapse
  6. Loss of consciousness

Being aware of the symptoms can save your life:

  • CO symptoms are similar to flu, food poisoning, viral infections and simply tiredness
  • Symptoms will occur when you are at home
  • Symptoms will disappear or get better when you leave home and come back when you return home
  • Others in your households are experiencing symptoms (including pets) and they appear at a similar time.

What to do if you experience symptoms:

  • Go to fresh air immediately - open doors and windows
  • Turn off gas appliances and leave the house
  • See your Doctor immediately or go to hospital - let them know that you think it could be Carbon Monoxide poisoning
  • If you think there is an immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999
  • Get a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your gas appliances and flues to see if there is a dangerous problem - they can be contacted on 0800 408 5500.

The majority of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are due to faulty combustion heating and cooking appliances.