Carbon monoxide fumes in the home can kill - the Heating Helpline gives advice to households on how they can protect themselves

27 January 2011 – February 2011 will be the first anniversary of the tragic death of Katie Haines, a vibrant, healthy 31 year old who died from carbon monoxide caused by a faulty gas boiler at her home. The Heating Helpline says this is a tragic but timely reminder that too many people in the UK still needlessly die every year from preventable gas-related carbon monoxide poisoning – a silent and lethal killer. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, non-irritant gas. It is the most common cause of fatal poisoning in the UK with 50 people each year being killed by it and hundreds more made seriously ill. CO poisoning occurs when gas fired appliances such as boilers, cookers and fires are not operating correctly. Homes with old appliances or appliances that have been infrequently (or never) serviced are most at risk, with research indicating that nearly a quarter of UK homes have one or more defective gas appliance. Bob Towse, technical and safety consultant to the Heating Helpline, comments, “It is essential that gas appliances are maintained in good condition and subject to annual maintenance and safety checks by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. “If your boiler is more than ten years old or has been infrequently serviced in the past, you really should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to have your heating system inspected. “Even though you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide there are vital signs to look out for such as: Sooting and staining on or around your gas boiler or other gas appliance Excessive condensation in the room where an appliance is installed A lazy, yellow-orange gas flame instead of blue “Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea and can be mistaken for flu, a virus and even food poisoning. “Fitting a European standard certified audible carbon monoxide alarm is a vital second line of defence after having your appliances safety checked. It is essential that your alarm is marked with the EN50291 safety standard and with the CE mark”. The father of Katie Haines called on government and the major energy suppliers to work together in a concerted effort to raise awareness of this silent killer. Commenting, Mr Samuel said, “If my daughter had been aware of what to look out for and how to fit a carbon monoxide alarm she would be alive today”. The Heating Helpline is backed by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA) and provides essential safety information and useful advice to keep your home and family out of harm’s way. For more information on gas safety or how you can locate a Gas Safe registered engineer, contact the free Heating Helpline on 0800 840 4069 or visit their website at: www.heatinghelpline.org.uk. Ends